Ohio State University Fact Sheet

State 4-H Office

2120 Fyffe Rd., Columbus, OH 43210-1084

Ohio History of 4-H

4H-001-99

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.