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Foundations Laid Early For ...
Iowa's Home Economics Extension Work

(Notes on early home economics extension work in Iowa including a statement concerning the development of home economics teaching at Iowa State College)

Prepared by R. K. Bliss, June, 1953.
Headings and links were added for ease of reading

Close vote allows women to attend ISC | First home economics education in nation  |  Extension work in home economics | State Extension service created 8 years before national  |  Miss Mary Rausch first Home Economist in 1906 | Lecture car puts home economics "on the road"  |  First Home Demonstration Agent hired | Farm Bureau was formed after WWI | Iowa 4-H Girls go to France  |  Organization of Farm Women | Miss Neale S. Knowles | Massive amounts of food products preserved during WWII

The 50th anniversary of the establishment of significant farm demonstrations in the United States has expanded into an observation of the organized beginnings of agricultural and home economics extension work. The following statement tells of early development of home economics education including Extension.

Close Vote Allows Women To Attend ISC

Iowa State College pioneered in home economics education. The Board of Trustees of the new agricultural college (Iowa State College) was in session in May, 1868. (1) A discussion had arisen as to whether women should be permitted to attend the college. There was much opposition to higher education for women at that time. By a vote of 4 to 3, the Board decided to permit women to attend. This action later proved to be the beginning of home economics education, including Extension in Iowa.

On October 21, 1868, the college opened for students with an enrollment of 68 men and women.

On March 17, 1869, the college building was dedicated and A.S. Welch was inaugurated as president. This date is generally given as the date when the college formally opened. A total of 253 students enrolled that first year of whom 97 were women.

Benjamin F. Gue, president of the Board of Trustees, was strongly in favor of the admission of women and also for home economics education. In a speech at the inauguration March 19, 1869, Mr. Gue said, "In this people's college dedicated to the encouragement and promotion of industry, we must aim to make labor attractive not only to the boys who are seeking knowledge in their department but to the girls who can never become accomplished and thoroughly educated women without the knowledge of the art of housekeeping and the best methods of conducting every household occupation with system, intelligence and womanly grace."

President Welch in his inaugural address evidently felt that higher education of women was a paramount question and that the public needed to be convinced. This is shown by the fact that he devoted about two-thirds of a long inaugural address to a detailed plea and argument for the higher education of women.

In the course of his remarks, President Welch said, "Among her (woman's) increased facilities for scientific instruction should stand prominent the study of domestic economy. Such special education added to general culture will dignify these duties, render their performance easier and more systematic and leave time for healthful recreation and rest . . . "

In 1869, Mary B. Welch, wife of President Welch, was assigned the task of teaching home economics to women. It appears that this was the first effort in the United States to teach home economics to college students.

It was a pioneering undertaking. There was no precedents, no books, no outline of courses, very little literature and very little money. Mrs. Welch had to rely on her own experiences and ideas.

In cooperation with Mrs. Potter, the college matron, a rotation system was developed in which the students got practical laboratory training each week in the kitchen, dining room and laundry under the general supervision of Mrs. Welch. Thus, girls were given training in preparing and serving meals and also in washing and ironing clothes.

This was learning to do by doing, an effective teaching method. The College motto is, of course, "Science with Practice."

In 1871, Mrs. Welch began giving lectures. During her 15 years of service these lectures covered cooking, sewing, house furnishings, health, care of the sick, ventilation, water supply, courtesy, hospitality and entertainment.

In 1875, a Department of Cookery and Household Art was established.

In 1876, an experimental kitchen was authorized. This kitchen attracted wide commendation. In the State Register, "Father" Clarkson wrote, "Mrs. Welch is doing more to improve and elevate domestic economy than all other influences in the state."(2) Concerning the experimental kitchen, President Welch wrote, " ....the utmost we could do for the first experimental kitchen ever opened by any college was to add another little room for it in the basement where the girls were obliged to practice the culinary arts in small detachments." Thus, did home economics education struggle for a foothold.

In 1877, the scope of the work was enlarged by adding several new courses: care and arrangement of the house, plan of the week's work, training of children and sewing and mending.

Extension Work in Home Economics

Mrs. Welch did not confine her activities to the college campus. She also lectured to housewives.

In 1880, a model kitchen was demonstrated at the Iowa State Fair.

In the College Report of 1882-83, Mrs. Welch called attention to several applications which she had received for lectures in various parts of the state. In response to one of these requests, she gave a course of six lectures to a class of 60 women in Des Moines. Insofar as is known, this was the first organized extension work in home economics in the United States.

Mrs. Welch was a pioneer both in college and extension home economics teaching. She laid the foundation for one of the largest and most successful home economics colleges. Iowa can be proud of her work. She deserves to be ranked along with her husband, President Welch, as one of the great builders of Iowa State College.

Very little information is available for the period from 1883 to 1900. It was an unstable period for the college. There were four Iowa State College presidents from 1883 to 1891. Farmers' institutes were held during this period and certainly homemaking was discussed at some of the institutes.

Beginning in 1898, President Beardshear, in cooperation with the railroads, ran large excursions of men, women and children to Iowa State College to inspect the work and see what the college had to offer. This developed interest in all college work, including home economics. Beardshear gave many talks throughout the state and became the leading exponent of a comprehensive system of teaching which included the head, heart, and hand.

Impetus Given Extension Work at Iowa State College

In 1901, Dean C. F. Curtiss organized and held a successful farmers' short course at Iowa State College.

In 1902, Professor Perry G. Holden came to Ames, first to teach in the college short course and later as Professor of Agronomy. Farmers attending the short course in 1902 were eager to get more time with Holden. In order to do this, a 5:00 A.M. class was arranged and continued through the remainder of the course.

In 1903, well organized farm demonstration work was established in Sioux County in a cooperative arrangement between the farmers, the county government and the college. This appears to have been the beginning of modern county cooperative extension work.

In 1904, Ruth Morrison of Iowa State College judged exhibits and gave lectures to the Keokuk County Girls' Home Culture Club at Sigourney. This was a county-wide school and included cooking, sewing and hand work. This was certainly the first or one of the first rural girls' home study clubs in the United States. Superintendent of Schools Cap E. Miller organized the clubs. Professor Holden judged the boys' club exhibits and talked to the boys at the same meeting.

In 1905, a local short course was held at Red Oak. This was the beginning of a type of work that spread to all counties in the state.

In 1906, the Iowa State Legislature passed an act establishing the Extension Service. This act provided for domestic science work or home economics as it is now called. This appears to be the first legislation in the United States definitely establishing and providing funds for a State Extension Service. It is interesting to note that this act was passed 8 years before the passage of the national Smith-Lever Act in 1914.

In 1906, state legislation authorized counties to appropriate funds for county farm demonstration (Extension) work.

In 1906, Professor Holden was appointed Superintendent of the new Extension Service.

In 1906, Miss Mary Rausch was employed as Extension Home Economist. She was an aggressive worker with missionary zeal. Since Miss Rausch was the first full time home economics extension worker in Iowa, it is interesting to note that during that first year, from the middle of August 1906, until July 1, 1907, she gave: 90 lectures, 41 demonstrations, and 17 judging contests were conducted.

In addition, Miss Rausch conducted demonstration work in home economics during the 2-week short course at Ames, had charge of the home economics work in the 1-week short course at Red Oak and Mt. Pleasant and the 3-day short course at Lenox, conducted a 1 -week special home economics short course at Spencer and a 4-day course at Dows. She also prepared a pamphlet "Health Homes" for publication. The foregoing account shows the great interest of Iowa women in home economics extension.

In the spring of 1907, Miss Edith Charlton was employed to assist Miss Rausch in home economics extension. In the summer of 1907, Miss Rausch accepted another position, and Miss Charlton became head of home economics extension.

In December, 1907, Miss Neale S. Knowles began work as assistant in home economics extension. In her History of Home Economics Extension, Miss Knowles said, "I arrived at Ames at 2:02 A.M., December 16, 1907, in a blinding snow storm. The next morning the office secretary announced, 'You are to go to Coon Rapids to a farmer's institute.' Why go there? What to do? Something must be done at once; so a demonstration was hastily prepared, equipment was assembled and Coon Rapids was located." Miss Knowles writes further of this meeting. "At last the demonstrator stood before her first Iowa audience which most fortunately was made up of the kindest people with whom one can possibly meet."

In 1908, 22 6-day home economics short courses were held and 2 3-day courses. From 1909 on until World War I., there were usually 3 separate 6-day home economics courses being given simultaneously during the winter months. Three-day courses became popular in the fall and spring. In addition, there were farmers' institutes to be cared for during the winter and various meetings including fairs and picnics to be attended at other times.

In 1908, the practice of holding home economics classes for girls in connection with short courses and after school hours was developed.

In 1909, Miss Charlton accepted another position and Miss Knowles became head of home economics extension.

The short course method of teaching was very effective. Each woman taking the course had to buy a ticket. A ticket for the entire week cost from $1.50 to $2.00. Girls paid 50 cents to attend classes held after school hours. It was necessary to make these charges to pay expenses. The dollar at that time was worth about 2-1/2 times what it is today (1953).

In 1909, a lecture car for women was attached to the "Bacon Special Train," and Miss Knowles and her assistants gave lectures and conducted demonstrations in home economics. This feature was carried out later on other educational trains.

In 1909, O.H. Benson, superintendent of schools in Wright County, originated and designed the 3-H and 4-H Clover Leaf emblems for boys and girls in rural clubs.

In 1910, a state organization of boys' and girls' clubs was formed and officers elected.

In 1911, Miss Jessie Field, County Superintendent of Schools, organized a girls' club camp at Clarinda, and Miss Knowles and assistants conducted the educational work.

In 1911, a State Federation of Farmers' Clubs on a family membership basis was organized in Des Moines with C.W. Hunt of Logan, president.

In 1912, there were about 10,000 boys and girls in club work.

In 1913, the state legislature passed a law authorizing counties under certain conditions to appropriate up to $5,000 for county extension work. This was 1 year before the passage of the Federal Smith-Lever Act in 1914.

In 1914, Eloise Parsons, a member of the Girls' Garden and Canning Club, cleared $115.57 on her one-tenth acre of tomatoes. She won the state and national championship in the northern and western states.

In 1915, 16,155 women attended home economics short courses. The department could not meet the demand for assistance for these events.

On September 1, 1916, Miss Tura Hawk, first Home Demonstration Agent in Iowa, was employed in Black Hawk County.

In 1917, the Extension Service was assigned the war food production work by the government.

World War I Program – 1917

Governor Harding appointing a War Emergency Food Committee with R.A. Pearson, President of Iowa State College as chairman, along with 11 prominent farmers. The Director of Extension was appointed secretary. One of the first recommendations of this committee to the Extension Service was to organize the state with county War Emergency Food Associations. This directive was acted upon vigorously and all counties were organized with at least 200 paying farmer members in each county by June 1, 1918.

A state-wide war garden campaign was staged largely by women. A comprehensive canning and food preservation campaign was carried out in the summer of 1917. A total of 1,702 demonstrations were held which reached 95,475 people; 1,485 food conservation clubs were organized, with a membership of 5,353 and 220,000 leaflets were distributed.

In 1917, in order to conduct this work, 25 additional home economists, most of them high school teachers in home economics, were trained at the college for summer work. Each worker was supplied with a canning outfit, roll of charts and printed material.

In 1918, there were 41 county home demonstration agents, 55 temporary home demonstration agents during the summer and 3 city home demonstrations agents.

Home demonstration agents gave 6,702 lectures, conducted 4,196 demonstrations, judged 164 exhibits and reached 275,417 people. A tremendous amount of literature - brief and to-the-point was distributed.

The amount of food conserved for the war effort through canning, storing and saving of food in the homes was enormous. The woman also did a good share of the garden work. Iowa can be proud of the war food production and conservation work as carried out by Iowa women during World War I. It was a fine record of actual accomplishment.

The County War Emergency Food Associations, at the suggestion of the United States Department of Agriculture, changed their names to County Farm Bureaus.

In December, 1918, the State Federation of County Farm Bureaus was organized.

At the close of the war, Congress discontinued war funds which accounts for the sharp reduction in extension personnel following the war.

In 1920, Mrs. Edith Barker, County Home Economist in Scott County, made singing and music appreciation one of her major projects, with a definite program participated in by all clubs. This was the first systematic effort to develop music appreciation for 4-H girls on a county-wide basis in Iowa. Insofar as is known, it was also the first in the United States. In 1921, Miss Josephine Arnquist arranged for Miss Fannie R. Buchanan, at the time doing education work with a recording company, to present music appreciation at the December 4-h Girls' Short Course. Under the dynamic leadership of Miss Arnquist and Mrs. Barker and the understanding, teaching and inspiration of Miss Buchanan, music appreciation was included gradually in other county programs, and in a few years, became a state-wide program. In 1920, the first training school for local leaders was held in Scott County with 100% attendance of 4-H leaders and 4-H county committee members. The program included general organization helps and subject matter in clothing. The emphasis was o n appropriate dress and good buymanship. Appropriate dress was one of the first steps in helping rural girls achieve poise and social grace. The school was conducted by Miss Josephine Arnquist and Mrs. Edith Barker.

In 1922, Miss Arnquist originated the health contest for 4-H members at the Iowa State Fair. This feature of 4-H work first developed in Iowa spread rapidly to other states.

In 1923, Miss Arnquist accompanied five 4-H girl national winners (two from Iowa) to France where they demonstrated before classes of girls in France. This may be said to have been the first group of United States 4-H girls to demonstrate 4-H and 4-H methods in foreign countries.

1920-21 marks the active beginning of the training school method of teaching home economics in which locally selected farm women attended the training schools and in turn held meetings for women in their neighborhoods.

In 1922, a state committee of farm women was appointed by the State Federation of Farm Bureaus to help develop a home economics educational program with Mrs. Ellsworth Richardson as chairman. Miss Neale S. Knowles, in charge of home economics extension was ex-officio a member of the committee.

The annual report of the Extension Service for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1923, states, "The training school method of teaching is now being used almost exclusively in home economics work. The schools are mostly of 5 days duration. The 5-day school lasts over a period of 5 months, the specialist visiting each school 1 day out of each month. The work is organized on a county-wide basis. Schools are then arranged in five places in the county. The specialist spends 1 day in each place or a week in each county."

"---The women who attended training schools are under obligations to take what they learn back to their neighbors."

Organization of Farm Women

In order to reach every farm home in every community, Miss Knowles adopted the local cooperator plan developed during World War I to solve a bad seed corn situation and increase crop and livestock production. This plan provided for one farm cooperator for each 4 square miles of land--or for about 15 farm families.

In brief, the plan as worked out by Miss Knowles was as follows:

A state farm woman's home project committee of 11 members --one for each (at that time) congressional district.

Each member of the state home project committee was chairman of a county home project leaders committee, one from each county (about nine counties) in her congressional district.

Each county home project leader was chairman of a group of about 16 women, one from each township in the county.

Each township project leader was chairman of a committee made up of one cooperator for each 4 square miles of land or about 15 farm families.

The township committee selected, or the township group elected, the women to attend the training school with the understanding that they would take the message back to their neighbors. It was possible under this arrangement for every farm woman in the state to be reached and participate in the benefits of home economics education.

This home project organizational set-up proved to be of great help in actually meeting the problems of the farm depression of the nineteen twenties and world depression of the thirties. Organized farm women did much to maintain morale during that period.

In 1934, in the depths of the world depression, extension reports show that there were 8,614 local women volunteer cooperators who, after receiving training in the training schools, held 39,516 follow-up meetings with neighbor women. Meetings held by trained local cooperators had grown from 600 in 1921 to 39,516 in 1934. This was a remarkable development.

Because of the age rule, Miss Knowles retired from administrative work December 31, 1934. She continued on in the Extension Service working part time until September 1, 1939, during which period she compiled a history of home economics extension work in Iowa.

A Word About Miss Neale S. Knowles

Miss Knowles was one of the great early developers of home economics extension work. She was one of Iowa's most distinguished educators, a brilliant teacher and an able administrator--with a genius for developing leaders and building a strong organization.

Miss Knowles used principally the demonstration method of teaching. In this she was a master workman, a craftsman who paid attention to every detail in making demonstrations effective. She was superb in handling classes and groups large or small. She lectured while she demonstrated and captivated both farm and city audiences by the sheer excellence of her workmanship.

Miss Knowles was also an able administrator. Her record in connection with the organization and carrying out of the food preservation and food conserving programs during World War I was outstanding. It was impossible to give the exact amounts of food saved, but it was known to be large in all parts of the state.

Following the war, the Federal Government withdrew its wartime support from the Extension Service. This was a serious blow to the work and necessitated a sharp reduction in personnel. All temporary help had to be dropped and also some full-time help.

During this period of reorganization in the 1920's, Miss Knowles developed the plan of leader training on a state-wide scale. Her force of workers was not large enough to reach everyone individually; in fact, home demonstration agents during this period were altogether too few. It was necessary to train local farm women to carry the home economics message to neighborhood groups was one of the most comprehensive and well executed peacetime programs of self help education of record.

Development of people was the real goal for which Miss Knowles always worked. The tools she used were the most efficient types of education, thorough going organization, leadership training and the development of community responsibility. She made a creative constructive contribution to home economics extension education.

* * * * * * *

The purpose of this fragmentary review of Home Economics Extension is primarily to set forth early pioneering developments. It is fitting, however, to close with a very brief statement concerning more recent work. Mrs. Sarah Porter Ellis became head of home economics extension succeeding Miss Knowles. Upon her resignation in the summer of 1943 to accept another position, Miss Louise Rosenfeld became head of home economics extension. Under these two efficient leaders, home economics extension has prospered and progressed steadily.

The Bankhead-Jones extension funds which became available in the middle thirties made it possible to employ more home demonstration agents (county home economists) and the number of local women volunteer workers holding meetings declined.

Mrs. Raymond Sayre, who had become chairman of the Woman's State Committee, became influential in the farm women's program and in this capacity rendered a truly great service to the state. It may be said that the period just before World War II was spent in consolidating and strengthening the general work.

The coming of World War II was marked by a sharp increase in the activities of farm women. Producing and conserving food again became a major problem. The Neighborhood cooperator method of reaching people was strengthened and enlarged. Women and girls contributed in large measure to taking care of the shortage of farm help that existed due to the draft.

The neighborhood cooperator system in garden and food conserving work was extended to include rural towns. In this way, woman cooperators personally contacted 170,000 individual homes in 1942.

To find out more accurately what this garden and food preserving program actually accomplished, a careful survey was conducted in 1944.

This survey showed that in addition to what people ate directly from gardens, Iowa women in 1944 canned 150 million quarts of food. In addition to this:

• 20 million containers of jelly, jam, relishes and pickles were put up;
• 2,500,000 quarts of fruits and vegetables were frozen;
• 1 million gallons of food products brined;
• 500,000 pounds dried, and
• 5,750,000 bushels of vegetables were stored.

The foregoing was, of course, just a part of the extra war effort of Iowa farm women. Their greatest contribution in increasing food was due to helping in the production of field crops and livestock. As we observe the 50th or Golden Anniversary of the development of modern Extension demonstration work, Iowa women can take great pride in the prominent place Iowa has taken in developing Home Economics Education.

(1) Morgan's History of Extension Service - page 8

(2) Ross History of Iowa State College - p. 156

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