R.K. Bliss was the first director of the Iowa Cooperative Extension Service and served from September 1, 1914 to June 30, 1946. Partly because of his long service and partly because of the type of person he was, he had a major influence on Extension, both in Iowa and Nationally.

Following are selected scripts (those found in our files) R.K. Bliss used for radio talks. R.K. Bliss had a wonderful way of describing life in Iowa in the early 1900s as well as the work and future of Iowa State College/University and extension education.

Do You Know . . .

What process was used to admit R.K. Bliss to Iowa State College in 1901?

• completing an application form and sending in grades
• walking past President Beardshear's desk and talking to him
• having a recommendation from a former or current instructor or student
• don't have a clue

The correct answer is given in radio talk June 11, 1965

R.K. Bliss Radio Talks

July 21, 1948 - "P.G. HOLDEN - Great Pioneer and teacher in Extension Work"
Gives an overview of the impact P.G. Holden had on early agriculture and extenstion education in Iowa, espcially as it relates to corn. Insights into the early shortcourses and other events.

November 19, 1952 - "Covering Fifty Years"
A philosophical discussion of the early years of extension work. Topics include: 4-H, the junior phase of extension work, City homemakers, It's know-how that counts, Goal of future extension work, Learning by doing

December 7, 1956 - "Some Iowa Extension Land Marks"
Highlights landmarks of extension work. Topics include: early funding, corn trains, Cap Miller and others.

June 11, 1965 - "Reminiscing -- With Comments"
Bliss, after just being to his 60-year college reunion, thinks back to the day he came to Iowa State College, his experiences in a one-room school prior to college, and the unique way in which students gained admission to ISC. You won't want to miss this outstanding piece of history.

October 29, 1965 - "Higher Education With Especial Reference to Agriculture"
Bliss gives history of agriculture educaiton in the United States and in Iowa.

November 19, 1965 - "Thanksgiving Day Comments"
Bliss recalls his Thanksgiving as a child by telling of the trip to his grandparent's farm. Also focuses on the first Thanksgiving and the contributions of the Puritans.

December 24, 1965 - "Christmas - A Time to Remember"
Bliss gives vivid descriptions of his childhood memories about Christmas,giving us a personal insight into an earlier Iowa.

January 14, 1966 - "Human Food - A World Problem"
Interesting perspecive of the prediction of food shortages in the world by the year 2000. It's especially interesting since we have the knowledge of what has actaully happened in the past 30 years.

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