Iowa 4-H Foundation Celebrating 75 years
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Iowa 4-H Clubs have enjoyed a long history of gathering club members across the state to camp and explore the outdoors together.
This year, the Iowa 4-H Foundation is celebrating a 75-year partnership with the Iowa 4-H Program. The Iowa 4-H Foundation has helped meet the needs of the Iowa 4-H Program since 1949, beginning with a tract of land purchased in 1950 for the Iowa 4-H Center. The first group of 4-H members camped there in the summer of 1952. The Foundation now provides scholarships, county endowments and program support in addition to maintaining the 4-H Center.
Early 4-H Clubs in Ringgold County started meeting roughly 26 years prior to the The Iowa 4-H Foundation becoming an official organization. Grant Township took the lead in 1923, and every child 10 years old or older was offered an opportunity to join 4-H. In the beginning, girls organized in their own club, while boys participated in a separate club of their own.
According to history documented on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, the Washington Workers Girls 4-H Club organized in March of 1936 with 12 charter members.
The Sunshine Workers history was first noted in 1939, and outstanding accomplishments of the club that year included music.
Other early club names included the Kellerton Klimers, Peppy Poe, Delphos Daffodils, Redding Happy Workers, Jolly Rovers, Flowery Glen Hustlers, Happy Hi-Way Club, Junior Maids of Tingley, Jolly Workers, Busy Maids of Beacon, Junior Farmers, Redding Club, Watterson Club, Riley Club, Kellerton Club, Delphos Club, Lincoln-Jefferson Club, Tingley Club and Beaconsfield Club.
War greatly affected the 4-H boys and girls club work in 1942, but participation rebounded a few years later.
In the late 40’s a surge of boys and girls enrolling in 4-H clubs grew participation across the county.
In those days, thirteen boys clubs were recorded, and there were 17 girls clubs with 205 young ladies involved. The girls clubs centered on learning about home efficiency at that time.
Milt Henderson became involved in ISU Extension work in 1946 and served the Iowa 4-H program until 1974. Serving as District Extension Youth Assistant, Milt made a tremendous difference in Ringgold County by modeling his values and character for several generations of Iowa youth. During his years of service, 4-H gained status across Ringgold County.
The 4-H program gained additional education in soil conservation during the 1950’s, and the Beaconsfield Experimental Farm provided a training ground for Iowa State University.
Livestock producers also had better pastures and legume systems, which allowed for greater cattle production. An increase in 4-H Beef projects was noted in that decade.
In 1953, there were 557 girls and boys across 33 Ringgold County 4-H clubs. Every 4-H member worked on some type of farm or home project and participants were not considered 4-H members unless they had a project.
Club membership offered each boy or girl the opportunity to attend local club meetings once each month; to have a project that they themselves have constructed or cared for; take part in a local club and county events.
The National 4-H Club Creed was also integrated into Ringgold County 4-H.
Iowa State University Extension became the overall governing body of 4-H in 1955, with Extension Council members providing guidance and staff to meet the needs of the program.
There were 18 girls clubs and 16 boys clubs in the 1960’s under the direction of the Extension Council with assistance and support from the county 4-H leaders.
The 4-H program remained strong during the 1970’s with extra emphasis placed on youth leadership development. A new judging pavilion was built at the Ringgold County Fair Grounds in 1972. A total of 463 exhibits were brought to the fair, including 140 Senior projects, 144 Intermediate projects, and 179 Junior projects.
The 4-H and Youth Committee was restructured to include 5 youth that would assist 5 women and 5 men in making decisions that impacted all the 4-H clubs in the county.
During the 1980’s and 1990’s 4-H focused on School Enrichment and growing the variety of projects available to 4-H members. Emphasis was placed on substance abuse prevention and personal safety.
Prior to the 80’s and 90’s, 4-H Club names often identified the club as specifically for males or females. All Clubs reviewed their name to ensure they were not discriminatory. Several clubs made name changes to be inclusive and better reflect their work and membership.
The Clover Kids program was established in the 2000’s for Ringgold County kids in kindergarten through 3rd grade. Summer day camps were offered and a shooting sports program was initiated.
The 2010’s focused on fairground improvements projects, beginning with a volunteer group securing funds to build a beef grooming facility. One 4-H club created a children’s garden, while another club built and donated barn quilts that were displayed at the fairgrounds, another club created new wash racks for the swine and sheep, and the Fair Board began making improvements to the show arena and 4-H Exhibit Building, including new bathrooms, and air-conditioning.
The 2020’s have continued towards the same goal, and The Ringgold County Cattlemen joined forces with the Ringgold County Fair Association to upgrade the Commercial Building by February of 2024.
The building addition, later named Homestead Hall, added a 20×40 foot kitchen and equipment, modern indoor bathroom facilities, a 40×40 foot air-conditioned gathering area at the front of the building, plus the existing 60×120 foot commercial building space for larger events.
Many people got their first look at Homestead Hall, and enjoyed cooling off at the new and expanded food shack during the 2024 Ringgold County Fair.
A total of 165 static exhibits and 185 livestock exhibits were shown at the 2024 fair by 89 Ringgold County 4-H members.
