Julie Dalzell

Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development and Chair, Butler County

Ohio History of 4-H

4-H Was Born in Ohio On January 15, 1902, A. B. Graham, superintendent of schools in Clark County, established the Boys and Girls Agricultural Clubs (the earliest name for 4-H) when he organized the Springfield Township Agricultural Experiment Club.

The Ohio State University Agricultural Experiment Station furnished varieties of corn for the youth to grow. Eighty-five youth learned to test acidity with litmus paper, learned how to splice rope, tie knots, identify weeds and insects, and grow vegetables and flowers.

4-H in the Beginning

The philosophy of today's 4-H program has not changed from the early years to today. The Springfield Township Agricultural Experiment Club:

Met outside of school hours and across school district boundaries for the purpose of learning.

Committed each member to undertake an agriculture related project. (Today, there are over 200 4-H projects, many of which are not agriculture related).

Learned through scientific experiments and demonstrations.

Relied on land grant university specialists as the source of knowledge. Kept records of work accomplished and results achieved.

Organized clubs and elected youth to fulfill leadership roles.

Based membership on subject matter interest without regard to race, sex, or economic status.

Encouraged parents and other community adults to assist in teaching youth.

Exhibited results to the community with the expectation that adults would learn from the youth's results.

Recognized achievements of the group through educational trips and merchandise awards provided by local businesses.

Demonstrated a philosophical commitment to the development of boys and girls through the use of the 3-Hs, as well as the 3 "Rs."

When Was the 4-H Name and Emblem Crested?

Ohio 4-H began in 1916 when the Department of Boy's and Girl's Clubs work was created in the College of Agriculture at The Ohio State University. The first state 4-H leader was W. H. Palmer. Also that year, four counties hired 4-H Club Agents, 3,650 youth were enrolled in 42 counties, the green and white emblem was established, and project books were initiated.

The first emblem was designed as a three-leaf emblem and the three Hs stood for Head, Heart, and Hands. The fourth H was added in 1908 and stood for Hustle. In 1911, the present 4-H design, a green 4-H clover with an H in each leaf, was adopted. The four Hs stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.

In 1924, the Boy's and Girl's Clubs were named 4-H. The 4-H clover emblem was also patented, and the U.S. Congress passed a law to protect the use of the 4-H emblem and name in 1924.

How Has 4-H Grown?

The First 25 Years (1902-1927)

Clubs were exhibiting at county fairs. County agricultural societies initiated livestock judging contests.

4-H camps were established.

"4-H Club Week," a trip for members to The Ohio State University campus was established. It was later called "Club Congress," then "Ohio 4-H Congress," and today is called

"4-H Expo."

4-H leader training schools were conducted.

The Cleveland Union Stockyards conducted the first show and sale for Ohio 4-H livestock exhibits.

About 30 different projects were available to 4-H youth.

The Next 25 Years (1927-1952)

"4-H leader" was changed to "4-H advisor."

The state junior fair was established.

4-H council (committee) was established.

The Ohio 4-H Foundation was established.

The first International 4-H Program was initiated. The first delegate went to Ireland.

By the mid-40s, 4-Hers were involved in war efforts, planting Victory Gardens, collecting scrap metal, and buying war bonds.

1952 marked the golden anniversary of 4-H in Ohio.

By the golden anniversary, over 663,000 people in Ohio had been 4-Hers

The 4-H Diamond Jubilee (1952-1977)

The first state junior leader conference was held.

4-H participation saw 43% farm residence, 39% rural nonfarm and 17% suburban and urban youth.

In 1968, there were 99,570 4-Hers enrolled in 4-H.

Over 2,900 youth participated in the 4-H Tractor Certification Program.

Over 47,453 youth viewed the 4-H television series Mulligan Stew in 1975.

1977-Present

Counties initiated programs for disabled youth.

Ohio 4-H participated in LABO (4-H Japanese Exchange Program.)

Sea camp, shooting sports, and sports fishing were added as 4-H opportunities.

4-H school programs emphasized science education.

In 1990, more than 8,000 young people participated in 4-H activities at the Ohio State Fair.

CarTeens, a program conducted for first time juvenile traffic offenders, was established.

There were over 200,000 4-H youth in 1997.

The Ohio 4-H Volunteer Conference and Recognition Program drew a crowd of nearly 1,700 people to the Ohio State Fairgrounds in 1998.

There are currently 45 million 4-H alumni nationwide.

One out of every six people in Ohio has been, or is currently, involved with 4-H Youth Development Programs either as a member, parent, volunteer, or donor.

References

4-H Green Pages 4-H Advisors Handbook. (1983). The Ohio State University.

McCormick, V. E. & R. W. (1984). A B Graham Country Schoolmaster and Extension Pioneer.

The Ohio 4-H Agent's Program Book, 3rd Edition. (1994). The Ohio State University.