4-H Youth Development In Connecticut 1952-2002

An Overview Of Who We Are And What We Remember

By Nancy H. Bull Alexander "Bud" Gavitt Luane J. Lange Nancy L. Wilhelm The authors of this 50 year history are: Nancy H. Bull, Associate Dean, Outreach and Public Service and Associate Director, Connecticut Cooperative Extension System; Alexander "Bud" Gavitt, Retired Agricultural Writer and Editor; Luane J. Lange, Associate Professor Emeritus; and Nancy L. Wilhelm, 4-H Program Coordinator, all from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut. Published November, 2002.

This publication has been developed by the Cooperative Extension System. Any reprint or direct use of any part of this document requires prior written approval from the authors.

- 2 - GREETINGS FROM THE DEAN AND DIRECTOR

From the first Connecticut 4-H Club founded in Mansfield on August 16, 1913 until the National 4-H Centennial Celebration in 2002, 4-H has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of youths.

My own 4-H experience started at age nine in West Virginia with my sheep projects. As a result of my projects, I became a member of the 4-H Livestock Judging Team that won the state championship. I learned how to shear sheep using the Australian method. Through the money I earned shearing sheep and by working with Cooperative Extension Service leaders, my dream of attending the university and becoming a veterinarian was achieved. My career as a university faculty member and administrator has been the result of the skills I learned in 4-H.

It is for me, as for many others, difficult to imagine what my life would have been without the influence of the 4-H program. Leadership and citizenship development continue to be the cornerstones of 4-H.

As part of the Centennial Celebration, we honor and celebrate our 4-H youths and alumni over the last 100 years. The 4-H program would not be possible without the dedication of volunteer leaders who give of themselves so that youth members might learn. We also recognize and honor our 4-H professional staff members of the Connecticut Cooperative Extension System. The 4-H program would not have been possible without each component of this educational network working together.

We invite you to read about the unique experiences and accomplishments of our highly successful 4-H program. The story is bright with pride that reflects the enthusiasm of all whose lives have been changed by the spirit of 4-H. We celebrate and salute this momentous occasion!

Kirklyn M. Kerr Dean and Director

- 3 - DEDICATION

This publication is dedicated to the Connecticut 4-H members and 4-H volunteers who have given of themselves over the past 50 years to "Make the Best Better." The 4-H youth development program is an integral component of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Connecticut. A previous booklet chronicled the First Forty Years of 4-H in Connecticut. We have built on this rich and long history to share program highlights from 1952-2002.

There are countless people who in some way have played a significant role in the Connecticut 4-H program. Each gift of time and talent has been unique and crucial to the long-term success of the program. While it would be impossible to identify all of these individuals, their legacy nevertheless survives in the strength of the 4-H program. This tra- dition of excellence in education is reflected in this historical publication.

The history of the Connecticut 4-H program is rich and encompassing. This recollection is just a small but vibrant piece of the whole story based on what we have found and what people related to us. We would love to hear your unique portion of the story as well.

- 4 - TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 GREETINGS FROM THE DEAN AND DIRECTOR 4 DEDICATION 7 OVERVIEW PRIOR TO 1952 8 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 4-H PROGRAM FROM 1952-2002 8 1952-1959 9 1960-1969 10 1970-1979 11 1980-1989 12 1990-1999 13 2000 and Beyond 14 FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE 4-H PROGRAM 16 COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM (CES) FACILITIES FOR 4-H 16 State 4-H Office 16 Fairfield County 16 Hartford County 16 Litchfield County 16 Middlesex County 17 New Haven County 17 New London County 17 Tolland County 18 Windham County 18 THE 4-H CAMPING EXPERIENCE 18 Hartford County 4-H Camp 19 Litchfield County 4-H Foundation 19 Middlesex County Camp 22 New London County 4-H Camp 22 Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp 23 THE 4-H FAIR EXPERIENCE 23 Fairfield County 23 Hartford County 24 Litchfield County 24 Middlesex/New Haven County 25 New London County 26 Tolland County 26 Windham County 27 THE 4-H CENTER AT AUER FARM 28 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES: TOWN, COUNTY, STATE, REGIONAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL 28 TOWN 28 Melrose 4-H Variety Club 28 Granby 4-H Club 29 Winding Brook 4-H Club 29 COUNTY 29 STATE 30 4-H Marine Science Day 30 Teen Connection 30 Public Speaking 31 Dress Revue Now Called Fashion Revue 32 Double Dutch 32 Interstate Exchanges 32 Computer Technology Team 32 Environmental Action Day 33 4-H Sheep Project Clinic 33 Honoring 4-H Volunteers

- 5 - TABLE OF CONTENTS

33 REGIONAL ACTIVITIES 33 Eastern States Exposition (ESE) 34 Northeast Regional 4-H Volunteer Forum 34 New England 4-H Teen Conference 34 NATIONAL 35 National 4-H Camp Became National 4-H Conference 35 National 4-H Dairy Conference 35 National Citizenship Short Course Became Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) 35 National Salute to Excellence 35 National 4-H Hall of Fame 36 INTERNATIONAL 36 CAREER DEVELOPMENT 37 THE FUTURE FOR 4-H 37 Impact of the National 4-H Conversation Effort 37 National Conversation Presents Key Findings 37 National Conversation Recommended the Following Actions 37 SPECIAL APPRECIATION 38 REFERENCES AND CREDITS

- 6 - In 1934, due to the increasing cost of food, the rates for the Junior Short Course were raised to $7.75 per youth, an increase of $1.50, and for Senior 4-H Club Conference $9.50, an increase of $2.00. In 1935, 344 youths and 27 leaders attended the State Junior Short Course. OVERVIEW PRIOR TO 1952 In 1935, the county club workers were James Case and Marjorie Green In 1914, Congress passed the Smith- whom the current Nutritional Sciences (Fairfield), Randolph Whaples and Lever Act that established the Building at the University of Charlotte Gove (Hartford), Donald Cooperative Extension Service. This Connecticut was later named (1959), Gaylord and Marjorie Green Act set aside funds for developing a supervised the project. In just nine (Litchfield), Elizabeth Alling 4-H youth development program "to months, the boys had cleared $1,437; (Middlesex), Warren Brockett and encourage rural and village boys and while at the end of the year, the profits Maria Shaw (New Haven), Tilford girls to become interested and efficient were $1,750. Several of the boys Cocks and Kathryne Strouse (New in farm and home activities, to provide brought their birds to UConn and con- London), Elizabeth Clark and Prescott careful organization and field tinued to earn funds to defray expenses Block (Tolland), and Benton follow-up in such projects as growing while attending college. Cummings (Windham). field crops and gardens, canning, and finding markets. The [Extension] Ten years later, two of the boys owned Donald Whaples, Hartford County, agent was to seek cooperation of the home farms, three were on the remembered that he had laying hens schools, business interests and other home farm with their fathers, one was and sold eggs during the War: organizations in the pursuance of a student at an agricultural college, one ______these objectives" (Reck 111). was a caretaker on an estate, one was a "We had egg laying contests. One county club agent, one was in the brass of my egg customers said she would 4-H began as a way to involve the industry, and the tenth was at Yale. never buy another egg if the price went heads, hearts, and hands of farm Eight of the ten were still connected to to 50 cents a dozen. Well, it did and youths in education in agriculture agriculture. These statistics reaffirmed she did!" and home economics related subjects the slogan of 4-H, Learn by Doing. ______relevant to their everyday lives. In Beulah ("Billie") Baldwin remembered 1915, there were 3,129 Connecticut In 1929, local events included the her work as a 4-H agent in Fairfield youths enrolled in 11 types of 4-H County Club Round-up (a member County during the War and as a clubs. From the beginning, 4-H has achievement program), the County part-time agent in Litchfield County: had few paid leaders, the majority Club Exhibit, County Field Trips and ______being volunteers. In 1915, the first Tours. Statewide events included the "I helped start many clubs and helped statewide egg laying contest was held. State Club Round-up and the Junior spread up-to-date agricultural and In 1916, 130 Connecticut club mem- Short Course. The first State Dress nutritional information to the boys, bers exhibited at the National Dairy Revue was held in 1930. Regional and girls, and leaders. There were local Show in Springfield, Massachusetts, national events included Camp Vail at exhibits during the War when there the forerunner of The Big E. Eastern States Exposition, Eastern was a gas shortage. When the War States Dairy Camp, National Dairy ended, we started a county fair and we By 1918, there was a county club Show, National Club Congress, could again have dairy tours." leader in each Connecticut county, and National Poultry Judging Contest, and ______by 1929 there were 12 club agents. National 4-H Club Camp, the first A 1951 Helps for 4-H Leaders booklet In 1919, the first Junior Short Course being held in 1910 in Washington D.C. defined the "4-H club uniform for boys was held at the Agricultural College in as white duck trousers and white Storrs. Frank Roberts, Middlesex County, broadcloth shirt, green four-in-hand tie, remembered his trip to the Third black shoes; the green and white Homemaking clubs involved 570 girls National 4-H Club Congress: 4-H chevron was to be worn on the left when Elsie Trabue began her career as ______pocket of the shirt. For the girls, an Assistant State Leader in 1920. "Our first visit was to the livestock outfit consisting of green and white Twenty-five years later, the number of yards where animals were judged and stripped seersucker jacket and skirt participants was 3,865. then sent to slaughter. The capacity with white accessories-dicky, shoes was 3,000 hogs per hour with various and a crocheted beanie. A shoulder Following World War I, the 4-H club places where meat was converted to bag of matching seersucker is desir- program stimulated the rapid expan- sausage, corned beef, and other forms able. The green and white 4-H sion of the state poultry industry. State for shipment. The evening banquet chevron should be worn on the left of 4-H Leader A.J. Brundage challenged included the style show, the first of its the jacket 6 inches from the shoulder a Goshen club (1918-1921) to attempt kind to be held, and the Moses seam centering on the dart. The style to clear a profit over one year of Leadership Trophy presentation." of the dress may vary from year to $1,000 on a flock of 400 hens. Roy E. ______year to keep abreast with changing Jones, Extension Poultryman, for fashion." - 7 - 4-H Club work has always been about good job done well in humble and fun while learning. Songs, bands, and homely skills. The next 40 years will dancing have been an integral offer still greater challenge and component of 4-H. One song in the opportunity." 1951 Dress Revue Program was titled ______Hymn of the 4-H Hosts to be sung to the tune of the Battle Hymn of the Let's now look at what those next 40+ Republic. "Spirited" singing was years brought to the 4-H program. remembered by one 4-H member as an integral component of Senior Conference at UConn. 4-H songs included the Plowing Song, The Dreaming Song, 4-H Field Song, Song of the Open Country, 4-H Friendship, and 4-H Health Song. The Federation of Rural Youth was a state organization of senior 4-H clubs, service clubs, and HIGHLIGHTS OF THE fair associations that provided opportu- 4-H PROGRAM nities for expanding acquaintances, FROM 1952-2002 broadening viewpoints, exchanging ideas, and sponsoring of statewide activities. 1952-1959 Congress in Chicago. Awarded In 1951, a week-long State Short The first day release of the 50th scholarships were Bob McClatchey, Course included sessions on dairy, ani- Anniversary 4-H United States Janet Gaylord, Davetta McComb, and mal husbandry, conservation, poultry, Postal Service stamp occurred on Elizabeth Minor. In 1955, a Share the song leading, tractor driving, dance, January 15, 1952. Fun Festival was held on the county personality plus, and news writing. A level. daily newspaper for the Short Course In 1952, enrollment reached 10,667 reported happenings as well as the youths with a total of 1,748 volunteer In 1956, Connecticut initiated the scores of major league baseball games. leaders. Leadership for the program country's first 4-H Favorite Food came mostly from former members. Show. For the show, participants Julie Manning Dutcher remembered: 1953 ushered in a decade that saw the planned, developed, and prepared ______expansion of 4-H nationwide with exhibits related to their foods and "The first club I was part of was a strong growth in special interest nutrition projects. At the Show, an Health Club at Cooley Hill School, groups. Citizenship and science adult advisor discussed the project now Franklin Post Office. In those projects received particular attention. with the 4-H member and helped to one-room schools, good hygiene was A two-year pilot project in evaluate learning. important. A 4-H Agent came once a Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New month. The teacher periodically Hampshire became the basis nation- In 1958, 7,665 Connecticut youths checked for nutritional lunches, our wide for future Extension work with participated in 641clubs. State 4-H teeth, hands, nails, and hair, especially young adults. Leader (1948-59) Randolph Whaples for head lice. Kerosene hair wash was counseled county club agents on the the home treatment and a fine-toothed In 1953-54, a survey of the use of importance of 4-H committees to comb to rid one of the infestations." county club agents' time encouraged program growth. In 1958, 7,999 adult ______local staff to change the way they 4-H club leaders participated in 338 Extension Directors were responsible worked. A 1958 conference examined county training meetings compared to for the overall Extension program the differences the time study had only 1,440 leaders in 124 meetings in including 4-H. Prior to 1952, made in ways that agents could save 1948. Training lay people developed a Directors included C.D. Jarvis time and do a more efficient job. strong force to work side-by-side with (1913-15), H.J. Baker (1915-23), Evaluation studies were conducted on the professional staff. B.N. Ellis (1923-37), R.B. Corbett State 4-H programs including the 4-H (1937-39), R.K. Clapp (1939-48), Junior Leader Conference. From 1948 to 1958, participation in the and R.G. Hepburn (1949-53). annual State 4-H Leaders Conference Poultry record books from the 1950s doubled to 450 people. Lorraine The historical document, The First reflected hints for "managing your Wetherell, Tolland County, remembered Forty Years of 4-H in Connecticut, laying flock including selection, learning the principles of (1953) closed with this vision for the preparing the laying house, and good responsibility and leadership: future: management practices." Records of ______flock production as well as money "We learned so many square dances "The automobile, telephone, radio, spent and received, by month, helped including how to call the dances. We and television will bring people closer to develop sound business practices. attended the annual square dance together more quickly and effectively festival held each summer behind than circumstances permitted in 1913. Four Connecticut youths were national Hawley Armory on campus." 4-H still offers a rich reward for a winners at the 1955 National 4-H Club ______- 8 - Maurice Hill (1959-61) served briefly and was active in horse rescue efforts. on the Storrs campus of the University as State 4-H Program Leader before The group made the 16-mile trek to of Connecticut with 300 leaders in moving to the 4-H office at the United Pachaug State Forest where they attendance. Four 4-H Alumni Awards States Department of Agriculture. camped and rode horses for three and 4-H Citation Awards were Henry M. Hansen was Associate days. All of the horses were owned presented. Director of Extension from 1954-73. and loved by 4-H members who, with the guidance of the club leader, would Starting in 1957 and continuing Helen Pepper Loomis, Litchfield go on to many successes in local and through the 1970s, the Key Club County, remembered radio programs New England-wide horse shows." Award was a means to recognize with Frank Atwood: ______outstanding 4-H members who were at ______In 1960, the Extension Service held a least 16 years old and had completed "4-H camp, 4-H fairs, Dress Revues Testimonial Dinner at the University of five years in the 4-H program. A and Food Shows were great Connecticut for Maud Manning, county committee reviewed experiences along with the Baby recognizing her nominations with the Chick program by the Kiwanis Club of many years of total number nominat- Torrington. Western Connecticut service to youth ed not to exceed 1% of Camp was probably my favorite; and 4-H. the county 4-H enroll- camper, counselor, camp nurse, and ment. The award rec- helped open and close camp. In 1961, when ognized consistent Leadership from the 4-H agents, my Ronald Aronson growth in 4-H work, leaders, and my mom played a big part (1961-77) became leadership ability, in my life. I try to live by the 4-H State 4-H Program citizenship in their pledge everyday." Leader, there were community, and ______two full-time 4-H represented the high agents in each ideals for which 4-H By 1960, more than half of the 4-H county, plus three state 4-H stands. Members selected received a participants were non-farm youths. professional staff who conducted 4-H Key emblem with their name and This change reflected the shift of the programs for 8,000 4-H members. year. Cities Service Oil Company U.S. population from an agrarian The program grew to more than 11,000 (CITGO) sponsored the award. Key society to an industrial base. The members by 1977. From 1973-78, Club members could also apply for a membership of 4-H followed these George Whitham served as Associate scholarship to the University of economic and social trends. Director of Extension. Connecticut. An annual dinner welcomed new award recipients. In 1962, Governor John N. Dempsey 1960-1969 paid tribute to the 8,300 4-H members By the late 1960s, Connecticut began With President Lyndon Johnson's in 730 clubs and to the 4-H program 4-H programs for urban youths and (1964-68) focus on the "War on that "does so much good for so many." later moved to school-based programs. Poverty," 4-H responded with almost During this time, offices were added in one-third of the membership coming In 1962, there was an active county- New Haven, Hartford, Waterbury and from such families. Nationwide, the wide 4-H service or senior club in both Stamford. The staff experimented 1960s saw an increase in federal Windham and New London Counties. with different projects, materials, and appropriations for urban 4-H. Youth Senior 4-H and Service Clubs were for methods. The search for sufficient development was about all youths youths over age 15 who met monthly volunteer leaders presented a challenge learning to live in the world of today for a self-planned program of educa- in urban programs. and tomorrow. Nationally, the age tion, recreation, and community serv- requirements for 4-H members were ice activities. Members furnished In 1963, nine and ten year old New changed from 10-21 years of age to "clover" pins to 4-H club leaders, Haven City youths living at Farnam 9-19 years of age (acted upon in 1962 prepared the camp premises for the Courts participated as 4-H members and implemented in 1965). In 1969, a opening of the camping season, and in nutrition projects. At Winchester National 4-H TV Review Board was assisted in 4-H Sunday services at the School, New Haven, an indoor established to develop a long-range Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, New gardening club was initiated in plan for instructional 4-H TV Hampshire. Junior leaders were given addition to two science clubs. Youth programming and to recommend the a greater responsibility for not only members worked with volunteers from development and production of their own work, but that of younger Yale University Volunteer Services and instructional 4-H TV series. club members as well. with the local 4-H professional staff. While interest was high and the needs Jane Rider, Windham County, Clothing construction was one of the pressing, 4-H was challenged to remembered a 1960 photo of the most popular projects, and riding horse develop adequate youth programs for Galloping Ghosts 4-H Horse Club of was the fastest growing project. Safety all income groups. Killingly: was stressed in all project areas, and ______one club focused on gun safety during In 1966, 5,000 boys and girls "The photo showed a large covered the winter months. participated in Connecticut 4-H foods wagon pulled by two roan horses and and nutrition programs. One girls club surrounded by boys and girls on horse- The 1962 4-H State Conference was conducted an experiment to see back. Delia Norton was the 4-H leader held March 3-10 in the Student Union whether eating breakfast really made a - 9 - difference in the way they felt. One Janet Barnett, New London County, emphasized. Youth-at-risk programs boys club learned that eating an remembered that: focused on school-age childcare, col- adequate breakfast improved the safety ______laborations within communities, and records of airline pilots. International "4-H gave me the first opportunity to developing literacy including technolo- foods became a popular project area. participate in a banquet, travel, live in gy literacy. A national study of 4-H a dormitory, do public speaking, and Alumni revealed that powerful effects In 1968, Louise Mather and Elsie meet famous personalities." of 4-H expansion continued, but young Woolam, Hartford County, developed ______people needed to be given a greater the 4-H Clover program for children Andrew Popinchalk, New London voice in decision making and leader- 7-8 years of age. Rules for participa- County, a 13-year-old 4-H member, ship. tion in the fair were altered to lessen noted that the impact of 4-H was that the emphasis on competition and his family attained a greater feeling of Waterbury, Bridgeport, and New encourage parental assistance. This togetherness by being involved. Haven formed a Tri-City Entity to was also the beginning of 4-H Clover sponsor Teen Weekends with funding camps. A 1962 Norwich Bulletin article noted from the cities and the College of that Chester Perkins and Patricia Agriculture and Natural Resources. The 4-H program included a wide Weingart were both 4-H club leaders. During 1973-74, 13,000 school-based array of specialized 4-H clubs. In In 2002, Mr. Perkins still serves as a 4-H club members participated in the 1967, these included a cooperative leader of the Quad-H Nutmeggers 4-H chick incubation and embryology effort with the Torrington Library for Club and Mrs. Weingart is a club projects. While each school used the 4-H members to read to pre-schoolers. leader for the Franklin 4-H Variety project for a different purpose, Rid Litter Day was organized by Club. everyone was interested in learning several 4-H groups in Coventry. In how the fertile egg developed into a Middlesex County, an adult home lively, healthy chick in a 21-day economics program teamed with a 4-H period. club to offer programs for families through the Community Action Connecticut was one of the first states Centers of Middletown and Portland. to adopt a policy by which participants Youths were engaged in sewing, might be members of a 4-H club, a clothing, woodworking, crafts, student in a 4-H school program, a electricity, bicycle safety, and wood- participant of a short-term special working. There were 9,500 members interest group, or a lone 4-H member. in 800 clubs led by 1,500 leaders. In 1974-75, 10,299 members were enrolled in 4-H clubs, 325 enrolled as The Career Exploration 4-H lone members, and 11,859 youths Members' Guide provided teens a participated in 4-H school programs systematic method of studying and and in 4-H special interest groups. evaluating a series of careers that The most popular short-term programs might fit their needs and interests. were bicycle safety, embryology, plant Twenty-seven hundred campers 1970-1979 growth, and human relationships. participated in five 4-H camps. Factors that converged to influence Carol Whitaker, Tolland County, and 4-H youth programs during the latter In 1974, the Sojourner Truth Drill Margaret Dudley, New Haven County, part of the 20th century made this one Team was organized in Hartford received scholarships at the National of the most exciting and challenging County. This synchronized marching 4-H Club Congress in Chicago. Ms. periods in the history of the program. unit relied on discipline, rhythm, and Whitaker was one of only ten 4-H’ers The 1970s heralded the arrival of natural sounds to provide in the nation to be named to the 4-H almost two decades of unprecedented entertainment at parades and other Report to the Nation Team. social, economic, and technology organized performances. The original change. The Information Age arrived, team was disbanded and a new team In 1969, funds were appropriated for family structures were in flux, youths formed in 1976. The Hartford County the first time through the Expanded were in crisis, and electronic Extension Council funded the purchase Food and Nutrition Education Program technologies were emerging. of equipment and fabric for uniforms. to carry 4-H type programs in nutrition In 1979, there were 85 youths and 25 to youths in urban areas. 4-H programs included economics; adults involved with the drill team. jobs and careers; animal, plant and One member noted that drill team Charles Crary, New London County, social science; environmental and members learned that working together remembered that: natural resources; health and safety; and practice do matter. The drill team ______leadership; citizenship education and helped to enhance self-confidence. "4-H taught me humility and how to be community development; creative and humble; 4-H helped me to be honor- performing arts; leisure education and In 1975, the state 4-H professional able and honest; 4-H gave me the communications; mechanical sciences; staff had been reduced from three chance to be helpful; and 4-H gave me and energy conservation. full-time positions to one and one-half. happiness." The county 4-H professional staff had ______National interest in computer increased from 16 individuals to 22 technology and youth-at-risk were plus program aides and program - 10 - assistants. A total of 122,158 youths During Nancy's tenure, six new 4-H In 1980, the total youths enrolled in enrolled in all 4-H programs including programs were added and more than a Connecticut 4-H were 105,873 with 10,299 in clubs. A total of 3,740 quarter million dollars of private 6,886 in clubs. A total of 3,488 volunteers worked with youths who resources were raised. From 1978-92, volunteers worked with youths mostly mostly lived in rural communities. Anne Rideout was the first female living in rural communities. By 1985, During the 1970s, 4-H professional Associate Director of Extension. 72,976 youths were enrolled in 4-H staff were successful in obtaining with 14% being club members. There funding from the Comprehensive In 1978, Robert Ferguson, Hartford were 3,919 volunteers engaged with Employment and Training Act (CETA) County, participated in the 27th annual youths, one-third of whom lived in to conduct special 4-H health and four-day National Commodity urban areas. The staff consisted of nutrition education programs. Marketing Symposium. The purpose professionals and paraprofessionals was to understand the basic principles in 12 offices across the state. Numerous 4-H Teen Leaders in New of commodity marketing and how Haven and Waterbury were employed these principles apply to commodities to work in the 4-H program. Teens sold in the cash market and traded on worked 10 hours per week after school the futures market. Robert had worked through CETA In-School Work-Study in orchard production at the Auer Farm program and in the Summer Youth in Bloomfield. The Chicago Board of Employment program for 25 hours per Trade sponsored the program. week. Fifty to 60 teens from New Haven, Waterbury, and Bridgeport In 1979, Robert McCauley, New provided an after school program for Haven County, received a $1,000 75-100 youths at each location. An scholarship and a trip to National 4-H outgrowth of the strong urban 4-H Congress in Chicago sponsored by The program has been the Hill Cooperative General Motors Foundation for his 4-H Youth Services, New Haven, celebrat- farm safety efforts. A 4-H leader in Two large school-based programs in ing its 30th anniversary in 2002. Windham County was honored for her the 1980s were Bicycle Safety and leadership in developing a marketing School Bus Safety. These two seminar for rabbits attended by 95 programs were especially popular in adults and youth members. Another New Haven and Fairfield Counties. Windham County leader helped initiate The talking bicycle and the talking bus a 4-H skiing program that included taught hundreds of children the basics raising funds to pay for related costs. of safety. In 1980, over 63,000 youths participated in eight 4-H school-based programs in Fairfield County. The programs were in veterinary science, 1980-1989 fire prevention and safety, the environ- By the early 1980s, coping with ment, embryology, bicycle safety, food change had become a way of life. and nutrition, career exploration, and While the University of Connecticut plant science. All of the programs faced increasing budget shortages, the were designed to teach basic life skills. demand for Cooperative Extension Programs were taught in cooperation Service programming increased. The with local professionals including 4-H program was challenged to do veterinarians, firefighters, and more with less. By 1988, the conservationists. Urban 4-H staff worked with schools, Connecticut Cooperative Extension especially during summers, and Service had changed its name to In 1980, 4-H Citizenship Day was an conducted training for teachers in the Connecticut Cooperative Extension annual event in Hartford that attracted 4-H curriculum. Staff members System. By the late 1980s, the 150-200 youths. 4-H members visited participated in school assembly days potential impact of technology on State Representatives and Senators, by conducting project demonstrations program delivery was being assessed, met with a lobbyist, went to the State and hands-on activities. 4-H professional staff members were library and museum, and talked with reassigned to match program needs, a judge. In 1975, a University 4-H Club was state staffing support for 4-H was organized with 30 members. A reduced, and the 4-H commitment to Working with local leaders, urban program of social and 4-H service urban and special needs youths was community gardens were established activities was planned. Started in 1975, reaffirmed. Staff responded to budget and Double Dutch activities were the Teen Ambassadors program was a cuts by seeking funds from alternative developed. The most significant public speaking program that trained sources to address specific youth accomplishment was the development 60 teens a year to speak at civic and issues such as school-age childcare. of self-confidence and achievement, social groups on 4-H and to work at Volunteers, an integral component of both personal and competitive. Skills The Big E. the 4-H program since its inception, of leadership, interpersonal relations, declined in number with changes in the logical and critical thinking, and Nancy P. Weiss served as State 4-H work force. self-confidence were often credited to Program Leader from 1977-87. an experience in 4-H. - 11 - By 1980, more than 100 Hartford City In 1987, a 4-H Zoo Summer Camp youths tended 4-H garden projects was started at the Beardsley Zoo, covering seven acres. Working with Bridgeport. The camp gave children the Hartford Food System, 4-H 7-12 years of age an opportunity to professional staff members and youths work with animals in the Children's were involved with the development of Zoo including pigs, chickens, rabbits, community gardens, farmers' markets, cows, goats, ducks, sheep, and llamas. and nutrition education. John Groups of 12 to 15 children were Alexopoulos, Director of Knox Parks taught the importance of proper animal Foundation, now a faculty member at husbandry and general health checks. the College of Agriculture and Natural At the close of each camp session, Resources, provided technical advice. 4-H’ers gave presentations to their Teenagers were employed through the family members on the animals of federal Youth Job Corps. 4-H’ers their choice. became regular vendors at the Farmers' Market at the Old State House in downtown Hartford. A 4-H staff mem- ber observed: ______"It's a good feeling to help a kid sell 75 pounds of beans in a few hours. It's an even better feeling to remember he was the one who planted the seeds, moaned when he had to carry water, swore when he had to weed the plot, and promised never to look at another bean after picking them. But he was smiling when they were fetching 50 cents a pound!" ______Master Gardeners, an adult education program of the Cooperative Extension 1990-1999 System, worked with 4-H professional The last National 4-H Congress, with a Members are active with business staff to introduce Growing Vegetables focus on recognition of achievement, meetings, cleaning meetings, public the 4-H Way in New Haven and was held in 1993 in Chicago, Illinois. speaking, Fallback, the annual Horse Hartford. Volunteers, working in pairs, In 1994, Congress was held in Benefit Show, story time at the Zoo, met with the superintendent of schools Orlando, Florida, followed by two and several other activities. in their neighborhoods and asked years in Memphis, Tennessee. Since permission to conduct the program. 1997, Congress has been held in Community service projects include Teams then went to grades three, four, Atlanta, Georgia where the focus is on bread baking for food shelters, and five to recruit students. Four leadership and citizenship development painting sewer drain covers to help instructional meetings were held over as exemplified by community service. stop the disposal of toxic substances, four months on the topics of choosing beach clean-ups, pledge walks for a site and plants; soil testing, In 1990, 45,158 youths participated in M.S., and taking their pets to senior fertilizing, composting, and planting; 4-H programs with 3,930 volunteers. citizen centers. Traditional summer weeding, mulching, staking, and Nearly one-third of the members lived overnight trips have included the watering; and harvesting, storing, and in urban communities. This decrease National 4-H Center, the National Zoo exhibiting at the 4-H Fair. from a high of 122,158 members in in Washington D.C., the National 1975 reflected a decrease in the num- Aquarium, Roger Williams Park Zoo In 1981, ten 4-H club members were ber of professional staff members as in Rhode Island, and Mystic working with a small group of well as a change in the program focus. Aquarium. Sleepovers at the children, most of whom were Beardsley Zoo are also part of the handicapped. Working on a 4-H In 1990, the Beardsley Zoo 4-H Club Club's traditions. The club has hosted nutrition project, the challenged was established. Two leaders and 15 State 4-H Zoo Day several times. children felt accepted. The 4-H club members met twice a month during provided a peer group that supported the school year. A variety of activities Since 1991, fifteen 4-H professional the youths and their efforts to be part in the summer keep 4-H’ers connected staff have developed federal or state of a team. to the Zoo. Since 1990, the club has funded projects working with children, youth, and families-at-risk. In 1982, a 4-H violin club was formed grown to 30 members, the Children's Competitive USDA grant projects, in Bristol. Twenty-five junior and teen Zoo has become the New England each with five-year horizons were leaders planned and scheduled Farmyard, and the animal species Youth-at-Risk, State Strengthening, programs for monthly meetings of the expanded to include porcupine, geese, and New Communities. Over Granby Club. Robbins Smith served reptiles, and amphibians. $1,000,000 of USDA grant funds as State 4-H Program Leader from have supported community projects 1987-92. - 12 - involving 2,000 youths, 500 parents, after-school program conducted in 2000 and Beyond 75 welfare participants, and 50 state cooperation with the Windham In 2000, 25,934 youths participated in and community organizations. Middle School. 4-H programs with the majority of the Projects such as parent run school-age members still living in rural areas. childcare centers, middle school Gene Whaples was Associate Director In 2002, the 4-H professional staff enrichment programs, and technology from 1992-93. With the retirement of included Bari Dworken and Edith clubs located in urban and rural Robbins Smith as State 4-H Program Valiquette (Fairfield County), Linda schools and local community centers Leader in 1992, the State 4-H Office Horn, Harry Mangle, Janice Melvin, used 4-H programs and curricula. consisted of Nancy Wilhem, 4-H Shihan Ghazi, and Elizabeth Salsedo Program Coordinator, and Carole Eller (Hartford County), Laura Marek Outcomes of funding included a working on 4-H related grant projects. (Litchfield County), Emily Alger five-year collaboration between the In spite of the weak staffing pattern, (Middlesex County), Margaret Grillo State Department of Education Family the 4-H program remained strong and and Wanda Little (New Haven Resource Centers and Cooperative committed. As retirements occurred in County), Pamela Gray and Diane Lis Extension System with 23 new the state office, county 4-H profession- (New London County), Rosemarie computers and printers along with al staff assumed more responsibilities Syme (Tolland County), David internet capability being installed in for statewide events. Colberg (Windham County), and the low resource communities. In Nancy Wilhelm (State 4-H Office). addition, 15 low resource community In 1995, the number of 4-H agencies and 100 individuals were professional staff members was at a The 4-H Citizenship Team began with trained on computer use. The program record low with some staff sharing an idea at the State 4-H Citizenship reached 2,000 youths in high poverty, counties. Staff included Edith Day in 1999 when Windham County at-risk neighborhoods. Valiquette and Bari Dworken 4-H’ers met with their State (Fairfield), Laura Marek (Litchfield), Representative Jefferson Davis. The nationally recognized USDA fund- Rosemarie Syme (Hartford and Windham 4-H’er Kelsey Bernier told ed 4-H Youth Entrepreneur Program is Tolland), Elizabeth Salsedo and Janice Representative Davis that she had a collaborative effort between schools, Melvin (Hartford), Diane Lis difficulty starting a 4-H sheep project businesses, and UConn. The program (Windham, New London, and because local zoning prohibited live- develops Middlesex), Emily Alger (Middlesex stock on her property despite the fact teamwork, leadership, and public County), and Margaret Grillo and that she had plenty of room and the speaking skills as well as personal Wanda Little (New Haven). Some neighbors did not object. She said responsibility, decision making, staff members worked in the traditional there should be a law that allows cooperation, math, reading, and civic 4-H program while others were hired youths to keep reasonable supervised responsibility. The program develops on targeted funds for a specific livestock projects despite local zoning business and organizational related program focus. regulations. Representative Davis skills and may improve the economic agreed. stability of families. Youths make a In 1995, there were 35,160 youths profit ranging from $4-$270 per child. involved in 4-H programs in The Citizenship Team was formed Connecticut of which more than two- with the guidance and support of 4-H By working in groups with an adult thirds lived in rural areas; a new volunteers. The team began working facilitator, youths involved in a 4-H quarterly Connecticut 4-H Newsletter on creating legislation that would Entrepreneur Club research business was initiated. Nancy H. Bull was allow 4-H and FFA members to con- ideas, decide on a business concept, appointed Associate Director of the duct supervised educational livestock develop a business plan with a detailed Cooperative Extension System. projects on their own property within budget; orally present their business zoning restrictions. The team held plan to a "Bank" loan committee to ATeen Conference was initiated in many planning meetings at the State secure a capital venture loan; provide 1995 as an updated version of Short Legislative Office Building and had a ongoing management of the business- Course that originated in 1919. sleepover at the Windham-Tolland 4-H planning, selling, scheduling, promo- Workshops focused on veterinary Camp. Those who participated tion, money management, inventory science, tours of the animal barns, attended workshops on public speaking control, and record keeping; and dis- CPR training, floral design, acting, and persuasive writing. With band the business by sharing profits fabric art, and athletic events. The 4-H among members, repaying the loan and Teen Ambassadors played a key role donating a percentage of their profits in planning and conducting the to a charity of their choice. conference.

4-H SPACES, stressing science and In 1996, Kids and Critters was a technology, started in New Haven in favorite after-school program for 350 1991. The New Britain program, in children in Fairfield County. The cooperation with the Boys and Girls program targeted 7 to 9 years olds to Club, centered on the prevention of increase their understanding of teen pregnancy. School-age childcare agriculture. In 1998, there were 21,000 programs were established in Hartford. members and 2,700 volunteer adult 4-H LIFT (Learning, Interaction, leaders. Friends, and Talents) was an - 13 - Representative Davis’ assistance, the activities and actions especially 4-H members wrote House Bill 5172 through the media; and "An Act Concerning Rural Agricultural ·Provide free or inexpensive Land Use.” The bill transportation to participants of was introduced into the Spring 2000 youth programs on a local, legislative session. regional, and statewide basis.

The 4-H Citizenship Team and FFA members testified at a public hearing In February 2002, the National of the State Planning and Development Conversation on Youth Development Committee. The bill was passed by in the 21st Century was held in the Planning and Development Washington, D.C. Today, the most Committee and moved to the State popular 4-H project areas nationwide House for a vote by the entire House are citizenship, communications and membership of the General Assembly. expressive arts, consumer and family The bill passed the House and went to sciences, environmental education, the State Senate for vote. The Spring personal development and leadership, 2000 legislative session ended before plants and animals, and science and the Senate had an opportunity to vote technology. 4-H programs are on House Bill 5172. The Connecticut conducted in 3,051 counties of the 4-H Citizenship Team would have to United States, District of Columbia, wait for the next legislative session to Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, begin the process again. American Samoa, Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands. There are FINANCIAL SUPPORT With the help of Representative Davis, over 60 million 4-H alumni. FOR THE the 4-H Citizenship Team created 4-H PROGRAM "Raised Senate Bill No. 1126, An Act Kirvin Knox, Dean and Director Concerning Rural Agricultural Land (1987-92), noted that: Historically, the Cooperative Extension ______Use" that was introduced to the State System has been funded from a Planning and Development Committee "The track record of the 4-H program partnership of federal, state, and during the Spring 2001 Legislative has been one of enormous and county governments. Session. continuous successes and has added uncountable value to the young people Reck's The 4-H Story (p.123-124) As a result of the program, the level of of this nation. Many of today's noted: 4-H awareness among state legislators community leaders obtained original ______increased and the 4-H'ers developed a training and experience as a 4-H "In fact the colleges [land grant real understanding of how government volunteer. 4-H has never been more universities] and the Department works. Members of the team needed than it is today!" [USDA] agreed, shortly before the ______expressed how empowered they felt by final approval of the Act [1914], that making their voices heard in state 25 percent of the Smith-Lever funds government and some expressed an The mission of 4-H is to empower should be earmarked for 'movable interest in pursuing a career in public youths to reach their full potential, schools, study clubs, or boys' and girls' policy working and learning in partnership clubs,' and for printing, with only five with caring adults. Donald Beebe, percent to be devoted to printing. Thus In preparation for the National New London County, remarked that: by deduction, it may be assumed that ______Conversations on Youth Development, close to one-fifth of the [Smith-Lever] local conversations were held in each "The true hallmark of the 4-H program money was to go to club work." county. On February 9, 2002, 28 is that it is a program that empowers ______youths and 26 adults met at the State youths by making youths not only a Legislative Office Building for the part of the decision making process, Funding for the Cooperative Extension State Conversation and identified four but making them the individuals that System comes from the U.S. policy areas. These four topics must have to execute those decisions." Department of Agriculture. The ______yet be presented to the State Smith-Lever Act established the status Legislature and the Governor. The strength of the 4-H program is of the Extension method of teaching The four policy areas are: derived from the involvement of and committed substantial appropria- youths as members, the commitment tions on the federal and state levels to of caring volunteer adults, and the support it. The state must match ·Provide training and recognition competency of the professional staff. dollar-for-dollar the federal for youth workers who participate All of these factors are dependent on appropriations. in youth development training the financial resources to build and programs; evaluate effective educational The 1952-53 county budget for ·Provide more work and study programs in leadership and citizenship Fairfield County supported a 4-H Club experiences for youth in development. Agent, Agriculture for $3,840, of government; which $2,640 was paid by University ·Increase visibility of positive youth funds and $1,200 from county - 14 - Extension funds. The Assistant Club ing 4-H members and leaders the fun- established two college scholarships Agent, Home Economics was paid a damentals of electricity, simple electri- in honor of F. Kingsbury Bull, and in total of $3,000 with $2,340 from cal wiring, construction of soldering 1964, one in memory of Dorothea University and $660 from county guns, and repair of electric motors and Curtiss, 4-H secretary. The Walter funds. Travel funds for the two agents appliances. CL&P also built the 4-H Howe scholarship was established in totaled $1,450. The total University kitchen and shop in the Youth-A-Rama 1966 and the Patricia Kimberly appropriation for the county was Building (originally known as the scholarship in 1981. $10,000; the county appropriation was Boys' and Girls' Building; now called $13,000 and Farm Bureau provided the New England Center) at the The Foundation assisted in financial $2,933. For the same time period, the Eastern States Exposition. support of interstate 4-H member Assistant Club Agent in Hartford exchanges and the State's International County made more than the Club Julie Manning Dutcher, New London Four-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) Agent; $500 was allocated for a 4-H County, remembered: program. An annual 4-H volunteer summer worker and $300 for 4-H ______banquet was funded and support events. New London County received "My most challenging club experience provided to delegates attending $150 for 4-H camp and Round-Up. was the winter Gusty [sister] and I led citizenship conferences. The financial eight energetic 11-12 year old boys in support of the Foundation provided The 1953-54 Litchfield County Farm an electrical project. We repaired 4-H agents with the opportunity to Bureau budget indicated that $5,000 chains, replaced plugs, and made experiment with innovative ideas (other counties appeared to have lamps. I have on display the lamp my including the 4-H Home Show and received $1,000) was transferred to the son Charles made; the only thing I've 4-H summer assistants. Extension account, and $1,000 of the changed is the bulb. We did well, not assets were in the County 4-H even blowing a fuse!" Local Extension Councils continue to Foundation. ______be an important source of support. An example is the Fairfield County Club Agents in 1952-53, included: Faced with limited resources, private Agricultural Extension Council who Helen Trepal, Robert Deming, John giving to support the 4-H program has funded $6,400 in scholarships and Lukens (filling in for James Wilson on increased in importance. One example camperships for 4-H youths. military leave), E.W. Farnham, Henry is a 1979 bequest from the estate of Krebser, Arlene Martin, Normand Elsie Trabue to the 4-H Development The evolution of the 4-H program Manning, Marion Watson, Warren Fund that financed the purchase of into new geographic locations and Brockett, Mary Milnerd, Tilford farm equipment including a tractor, new program areas necessitated the Cocks, Miriam Nichols, Albert Gray, baler, rake, and brush hog. Miss need for new funding sources. Since Shirley Weik, Maynard Heckel, Justine Trabue served as Assistant State 4-H the early 1990s, there has been a Hoxie, James Case, and Mary Club Leader from 1920-45. More than steady and substantial increase in the Wadleigh. Annual salaries ranged 50,000 girls were influenced by Miss receipt of competitive grant funds in from $3,000 to $5,400. Trabue's work. A second gift from support of new 4-H programs. Grants Miss Trabue still supports have provided after-school 4-H In 1960, when county government was transportation and scholarship funds programs for youth-at-risk as well as dissolved, Cooperative Extension for 4-H members to participate in summer programs. System volunteers stepped to the plate! Citizenship Washington Focus. Groups of agricultural producers and A 1995 USDA Connections-Linking 4-H volunteers sold shares in a new A unique feature of Cooperative University to Community grant was corporation or mortgaged their own Extension System has been the funded for $150,000; The Family farms to finance the establishment of involvement of key local leaders in Nutrition Grant funded a 4-H Summer local Extension Centers. In 2002, the determining program direction and in Nutrition Education Program in New University of Connecticut owned and raising funds. Volunteers have played Haven for $24,950. Strong Families, operated six local Extension Centers, an important role in legislative liaison Strong Kids was funded by the State while private groups still owned the activities since the early 1970s. Lay Department of Mental Health and Fairfield and Tolland County Centers. leaders annually visit Washington to Addiction Services for $118,349. This shift in county government also inform Congress about needed changed the funding base for the 4-H financial support. The fiscal year 2002 annual budget program. for the total Cooperative Extension The role of local clubs, County Farm System program was $9,423,641, of Support from private companies has Bureaus, and later County Extension which $2,607,760 came from federal been crucial throughout the history of Councils has always been critical in Smith-Lever funds and $5,603,870 4-H. One example was the tremen- the funding of the Cooperative from the University of Connecticut, dous commitment of the electrical util- Extension System. One example of the not including competitive grants. In ity companies to rural development. In importance of this funding was the addition to salaries, funds were used 1978, Connecticut Light and Power Litchfield County 4-H Foundation. for office supplies, communications (CL&P) Company of Northeast Following the 1968 sale of the 4-H such as telephone, fax, and e-mail, Utilities was recognized as a State Camp located in Warren, the Board of and travel. Funds raised in support of Partner to the 4-H program. Three Trustees of the Litchfield County 4-H Cooperative Extension System CL&P farm youth specialists were Foundation invested the $172,107 in programs accounted for $1,212,011 honored for their contribution to teach- proceeds. In 1957, the Foundation of which $642,747 was for 4-H. - 15 - These resources supported 26,675 4-H now known as the White Building, Litchfield County members and 3,189 volunteers. With a was dismantled by members of the 4-H There are three dates of importance to total budget of $1,027,157 for 4-H Fair Association and other volunteers agriculture in Litchfield County. One staff support, the investment per 4-H and moved to Bethel. Renovations was 1914 when the Litchfield County youth is $38.50. have included additional office space, Farm Bureau was organized and a conference room, an improved Cooperative Extension Service began. Nationwide, in 2002, the value of time, meeting room, and ADA access. A In 1934, the Litchfield County mileage, and out-of-pocket expenses brick office building was constructed Extension Office was in the County which the 640,000 volunteer leaders in 1970, and in the Spring 1971, Court House in Litchfield. The second contribute annually to 4-H exceeds $2 Cooperative Extension Service, date was 1949 when the 4-H billion, five times the combined coun- Agricultural Stabilization and Foundation was established. The third ty, state, federal, and private sector Conservation Service (ASCS), and Soil date was 1950 when a home was pro- support received by 4-H. Conservation Service (SCS) moved vided for all agricultural organizations into the Extension Center on Route 6 in the county. This was precipitated by in Bethel. The property also includes an April 30, 1950 fire that forced the horse show rings, pole barns, and a Extension Center to seek temporary food booth. In 1996, ASCS (now Farm quarters. Service Agency) and SCS (now Natural Resources Conservation On September 20, 1950 a contract was Service) moved to a regional office signed for the purchase of the and Cooperative Extension System Agricultural Center on the Litchfield expanded to fill the office building. Town Green for $50,000. The first COOPERATIVE floor housed Farm Bureau, Hartford County Cooperative Extension Service, Farm EXTENSION SYSTEM In the early days, the Hartford County Credit Association, and the county (CES) FACILITIES office was located in the Hartford committee of the Production and County Court House, 95 Washington Marketing Administration. The second FOR 4-H Street, Hartford. In the 1950s, the floor consisted of three apartments. Extension Service had to find new The basement was remodeled to office space due to heavy demands on accommodate a meeting room. To State 4-H Office the courthouse space. The Hartford finance this building, the board of The first State 4-H office was housed County Farm Bureau raised funds and directors sold bonds bearing 4% in the old Whitney Building, the purchased a three-story apartment interest and maturing in 30 years for original home of the University of building at 6 Grand Street, behind the a total amount of $50,000. Connecticut, Storrs. About 1920, the Capital, renovating the first two floors office was moved to the second floor for offices and a meeting room. This In 1995, the corporation's board sold of the Farm Machinery Building (built facility was air-conditioned, a rarity in the building for $350,000 and in 1915 and renamed the Klinck those days. reinvested the funds. During the Building in 1989) where only beaver construction process (1995-2001) for board partitions separated offices. After years of negotiating for larger the new Center, faculty and staff Tractors and other gasoline-burning quarters, the Cooperative Extension members were located in a leased machinery occupied the first floor. In Center moved from 6 Grand Street and facility on Winsted Road, Torrington. 1950, the main part of the W.B. Young the Capitol area in May 1973 to the Building was completed and the office old Carriage House of the Goodwin On April 27, 2001, the new Litchfield moved. Estate at 1280 Asylum Avenue, County Extension Center was dedicat- Hartford, a facility owned by the ed on the University of Connecticut's Fairfield County University of Connecticut. Torrington Campus. A check for The Farm Bureau sponsored Extension $465,000 was presented by the original work in Fairfield County from 1922 In late 1984, the office moved to West ownership group with additional until 1955 when the Fairfield County Hartford into the old University of funding provided by the UConn 2000 Agricultural Extension Council, Inc. Connecticut School of Law Building program to construct the $1.8 million, became the sponsoring agency. During on the West Hartford campus. Here 7,400 square foot building, designed as the early years, Cooperative Extension staff faced new questions like: What a modern Extension Center. Service offices were in downtown will be the impact on programming Danbury on the second floor of the from leaving the City of Hartford? Middlesex County Post Office Building. In 1950, one What will this move mean to the pub- Earlier sites for the Middlesex dollar purchased the first of two pieces lic? Will we adapt and survive with County Extension Center were quite of property that later became the site professional and program staff on the different from the current facility. In of the Fairfield County Extension third floor and clerical and reception 1935, the Middlesex County Office Center in Bethel. offices on the first floor? The Center was in the Post Office Building in remains at this 1800 Asylum Avenue Middletown. Then, Extension was As plans were being made to develop location. quartered on the second floor of a the land in Bethel for an Extension building at the busy intersection of Center, a building became available at Main and Washington Streets in the Shepaug Dam site. That building, Middletown. Subsequently, it was - 16 - the State Department of Education for the use of land to construct an agricultural center. If the New London County Council ceased to be the sponsor of the Extension Service, then the land and all buildings were to revert to the State. During the spring of 1963, the New London County Center moved from the basement of the downtown Norwich Post Office to the new Center located on New London Turnpike, in the East Great Plains section of the city. In addition to the Extension staff and programs, the Center housed ASCS and SCS staffs. The Extension Council celebrated its 1986 annual meeting with a "Mortgage Burning."

With changes in the federal law to accommodate the Americans with Disabilities Act, the two sister federal located overlooking the also well- night, and we wished they were every agencies sought new office facilities. trafficked corner of Main and Friday night." In 1998, the New London Extension Marlborough Streets in Portland over ______Council donated the building to the Gahan Motors. This office consisted University of Connecticut. In July of one room with dividers. New Haven County 2002, a $896,740 six-month renovation In 1935, the New Haven County office project funded by UConn 2000 began. In May 1957, through the efforts of was in room 301 of the Post Office During the renovation process, the many friends, the Cooperative Building in New Haven. In 1952, the Center staff moved to the Avery Point Extension Center moved to Haddam office moved to 335 Prospect Street in Campus of the University in Groton. into the former Children's Reception New Haven. Cottage and turned bedrooms into Tolland County offices. The Center was located on In 1970, the New Haven City Office In 1935, the Tolland County office was Route 9 (now Route 154). In the late was located at 155 Minor Street, a in the Prescott Block Building in 1960s, the need for more meeting rented facility. In addition, the main Rockville. Subsequently, for many room space became apparent and county office was in Waterbury and years, the Tolland County office was another rally of community support housed the EFNEP staff, and in 1975 located in rented space in a Rockville brought about the addition of the 4-H moved to Waterbury as well. office building on Park Street. The annex. This facility greatly increased building lacked adequate parking. The the usefulness of the Center for There was also a New Haven County offices consisted of one large room programs and activities to meet the Center at 322 North Main Street in that had been an auditorium and a needs of local residents. Wallingford (1955-80s) as part of the three-flight walk-up. A 1959 fire New Haven County Agricultural destroyed much of the building, The age of the structure, built in 1887, Center, owned by a group of local including some Extension records and creates a steady stream of repairs and volunteers. This office also housed furnishings. The staff worked in tem- improvements to ensure the building's SCS and Farm Bureau. Following the porary quarters at the old "B" school utility. Nonetheless, this UConn close of the Wallingford office, the across the street in Rockville for about Cooperative Extension office provides County Extension Center moved to two years until the present building on unique surroundings in which to work 670 Wintergreen Avenue in Hamden. Hyde Avenue was completed in 1961. and provide educational programs. Each year the County 4-H Committee In 1988, Cooperative Extension The Tolland County Agricultural sponsors an auction at the facility to Service offices moved to 43 Marne Center (TAC) was the vision of five raise funds in support of the Street in Hamden, a leased facility. local residents who conceived that countywide 4-H program. In 1996, it relocated to 305 Skiff Street Cooperative Extension Service and in North Haven into a facility owned two federal sister agricultural agencies Julie Keithan, a 4-H member from the by the University of Connecticut. (ASCS and SCS) should have 1960s Nine Busy Beavers 4-H Club, permanent quarters. In 1957, the land Higganum, remembered: New London County for TAC was purchased for $10,000 ______In 1935, the New London County by a group of individuals who signed a "We went to the 'Ag Center' for our office was in room 19 of the Shannon banknote in the name of Tolland-area meetings and made 'snow ball' Building in Norwich. In 1962, a deed citizens. The activities building candles in the downstairs kitchen. The was signed between the New London (known as the Gold Building) was meetings were held every other Friday County Extension Council, Inc. and erected in 1959. The main office building was built in 1960 and in 1998 - 17 - named for John Elliott, County Electric Light Co. that had been volunteers. These 4-H volunteers have Agricultural Agent from 1947 to 1972. granted in 1927. A map attached to the a rich history of participating in deed indicated approximately 13 acres National 4-H Camping Conferences Since 1961, The Tolland County of land. The building had been used and in the American Camping Agricultural Center Board of Trustees by the County as an orphanage. The Association (ACA). Three of the has directed the building operations. A Windham Agricultural Center was camps maintain ACA accreditation, manager oversees the day-to-day care established on September 16, 1957 at a an indication of the quality of the and maintenance of the grounds, the meeting of State Representatives and camp program and staff. Alumni 4-H main facility, and other structures that Senators of Windham County. members remember 4-H camp as the have been built to accommodate place they met their future life partner expanded programming needs. While the nine Extension locations and as the site of 4-H weddings. house staff, the 4-H program also Windham County includes four 4-H Camps, each owned In 1994, 3,700 youths ranging in age Eleven men met on January 22, 1915 and operated by volunteer board of from 6 to 15 years explored and to discuss the possibilities for directors. discovered life at a 4-H camp. Camps rectifying the very unsatisfactory employed 125 camp staff members conditions on farms in Windham from a variety of countries in addition County. The outcome was the to the United States and including the formation of the Windham County Ivory Coast, England, Australia, Farmers' Association. Murray G. Russia, Sweden, Spain, and Hungary. Lincoln, the first county agent in More than 250 volunteers served on Connecticut and assigned to New committees in support of the camping London County, took part in the program. meeting. Cooperation with the State College Extension Service and USDA Growth in the camping program formed the basis for the educational demanded specialized training in a work of the Association. Offices were variety of areas from program established in the Union Block of development to volunteer recruitment. Putnam, moving to the Post Office A formal statewide training program Building on June 1, 1933. In 1937, the was held in Hartford in 1949 followed Windham County Farmers Association by sporadic training sessions until joined the State and National Farm 1996. At this time, a regular annual Bureau. training program for all camp staff was established with each camp rotating Membership dues were established to their turn to host the event. Training meet a requirement of state law to issues recognize the importance of raise $1,000 in the county before state liability, financial concerns, and funds would become available. In diversity needs involved with 1922, the membership enrollment fee operating a camping program for over was set at $5 each for a total of 275 3,500 youths per year. members. In 1939, the membership had increased to 428. In 2002, there were four privately owned 4-H camps in Connecticut that A 1958 report of the Extension included 450 acres of land and 100 Council indicated that the Council was buildings. All of this has been accom- required to raise $1,000 annually in plished through private donations and support of the Extension Service. The incredible amounts of donated labor 4-H agents that year were Robert L. and time. Anderson and Elizabeth C. Child. In that same year, on July 1, the Hartford County 4-H Camp Windham County Extension Council THE 4-H CAMPING The first Hartford County 4-H assumed the role of sponsorship of EXPERIENCE camping program was held in 1930 for Extension work in Windham County. boys and girls who had to complete a 4-H camping dates back to the early 4-H project prior to attending. At the The deed, for the current Center, 1930s when camps were open only to close of the 1934 camping season, transferred from the County of 4-H members. However, as the need there was a balance in the account of Windham to the University of to extend the camping season was $24.82. Most staff members received Connecticut a piece of land on the driven by financial concerns, the $5.00 per week. In 1935, 4-H club southerly side of Wolf Den Road in the camps opened their doors to all members from Hartford County Town of Brooklyn described by the youths, regardless of 4-H membership. camped the last week of June and the location of the stone walls. The deed first week of July, and camp was held was formally transferred from the One of the unique characteristics of the at Aya-Po in Somers. The camp county commissioners for the sum of Connecticut 4-H camping program is program consisted of boating, knitting, $1 on September 23, 1960. The land that each camp is owned and operated story telling, dancing, and poultry. In contained an easement to the Hartford by a board of directors of dedicated 1938, 133 campers each paid $6.50 to - 18 - attend. In 1942, a senior club weekend Litchfield County 4-H rough wood. Four cots, each with was held with a fee of $2.00 for the Foundation sleeping bag became our bedrooms for weekend and a cup of sugar. Eggs cost The Litchfield County 4-H Foundation a week. We [campers] met as the camp 38 cents a dozen. was incorporated on March 25, 1949, strangers and departed as friends, for "to provide for the education of boys we shared moments that no one else No camp was held in 1944 due to the and girls of Litchfield County in would ever experience together in the War. By 1947, the camp fee had cooperation with the 4-H program for same way. We realized life, and increased to $14 per week and camp youth training carried on by the United health, and friendship. In short six was held from Monday through days and five nights, we learned Saturday. The camp officially together, swam together, created incorporated as the Hartford County together, and kept each other's 4-H Camp in 1954. After camping at secrets." the Litchfield County 4-H Camp in ______1956, the Hartford County Camp then used the New London County 4-H Middlesex County Camp Camp from 1957 to 1965. The Camp Prior to 1962, Middlesex County 4-H Board purchased 72 acres known as Camp shared a camp program with the Rankl property on South Road in Litchfield and Fairfield Counties. In Marlborough in 1959. The first 1962, the Middlesex County Extension building was erected with a $1,200 Council purchased the current camp donation from the Kiwanis Club of property from the Frankels for Hartford. 1966 saw the dedication of States Department of Agriculture, $46,650. The property on Route 149 the new Hartford County 4-H Outdoor University of Connecticut and the in Moodus was known as the Hilltop Center and the first day of camping at Litchfield County Extension Service; View Resort consisting of 80 acres, 11 the Marlborough facility. In 1968, to purchase and maintain suitable cabins, a large field house, swimming dedications were held for Baldwin Hall property, real and personal on which pool and a nine-room house. During that included a dining hall with seating the educational activities of 4-H club the summer of 1962, 450 county resi- for 266, with a lower recreation and work may be carried on" (p. 1 History dents attended camp at a cost of workshop area; Woolam Equestrian of Litchfield County 4-H Foundation). $27.50 per week. Park that stables 48 horses with 4 riding rings; and Grant House that In 1946, the Western Connecticut 4-H In the 1970s, the house was sold to serves as a staff house, infirmary, and Camping Association was organized finance two new cabins, an office, a cook's quarters. In 1970, the Fritzer among Middlesex, New Haven, new in-ground swimming pool, and a Nature Center was added. By 1972, Fairfield, and Litchfield Counties to horse barn. In the late 1980s, the camp the camping program had grown to provide a two-week camping was closed for one year to conduct a nine weeks. experience for 4-H members at needs assessment. During that one- Camp Mohawk, owned by the YMCA. year hiatus, the camp struggled for its In 1980, on the occasion of the 50th In 1949, Henry Krebser, 4-H Agent, future against town residents who anniversary of 4-H camping in learned that a boys camp in Warren wanted to seize the camp property by Hartford County, the net worth of the was for sale. The camp consisted of eminent domain to build a school. camp corporation was estimated to be 150 acres including a 50-acre pond. $500,000. A 1985 annual fund drive The Litchfield County 4-H Foundation The camp prevailed and underwent a titled 4-H Camp Forever initiated an was formed to purchase the camp for complete renovation in 1988-89. This endowment fund. Hurricane Gloria $30,000. A Board of Trustees was included the gutting of eight original forced the cancellation of the 20th established to serve as custodian of cabins to bring them up to building birthday party for the Marlborough donated funds and properties. The code. Monroe cabin was torn down facility. Over the years, the Hartford Litchfield County Farm Bureau and a Central Bath House was Foundation for Public Giving advanced a loan of $5,000. The first constructed, the Nature Hut was lev- supported several renovations at the camping season was held in 1949 with eled, and an 80'x30' Activity Center camp. In 2000, the facility celebrated four to six weeks of camping held was constructed in its place. its 35th camping season with 230 through the 1968 season. At that alumni, friends, and donors present. time, the camp property was sold to In 1995, the Middlesex County the Town of Warren, and the Extension Council sold the camp to the In 2002, the camp consists of 100 Foundation invested the $172,107 in newly formed Middlesex County acres, adjacent to the Blackledge River proceeds from the sale to support the Camp Foundation. New additions to and State Forest, giving campers many 4-H program. the sports complex included a low trails for hiking, nature observation, ropes challenge course, 35-foot and trail riding; a pond for swimming, Nancy Neumann-Glasgow, a camper climbing wall, a bouldering wall, canoeing, and snorkel and fin instruc- during the 1960s, remembered that: basketball court, soccer field, softball tion; and 16 cabins for a total of 25 ______field, beach volleyball court, and buildings on the grounds. In 1998, an "For one week in the summer, away archery range. In addition, three used eight station low ropes challenge from school and family, telephone and cabins, donated by the Salmon River course was initiated with four radio, I discovered my inner peace. Club, were moved by flat bed truck to additional stations added in 2001. The unheated cabins with pitched roofs the camp property. By 2002, through and open windows were crafted of the efforts of volunteer labor, all the - 19 - HEAD

HEART

- 20 - HANDS

HEALTH

- 21 - camper cabins were renovated to property included the infirmary, complete the job. At that time, they include built-in wooden bunks. Staebner Building used for arts and were just beginning the kitchen crafts and as a boys cabin, director's addition. That evening Tilly Cocks, In 1962, the camping session consisted cottage (built with a $10,000 grant 4-H Agent, called to say they were of five weeks. In 1963, the season was from the Kresge Foundation), planning to pour the kitchen extended to eight weeks and continues bathroom facilities, 11 cabins, horse foundation the next day and that he as such in 2002. An occasional snowy barn (converted to a theater/drama would order a half yard extra for the winter extends the school year into late building in 1978), and extensive flagpole base. The next day Tilly, June and reduces the camping season. expansion and renovation of the George, and I sat waiting for the In 2002, the camp had 900 campers Holdridge kitchen. Initially, the concrete truck to arrive. When I asked both in its day and residential program camping season was just one week Tilly who was going to arrive to help at a fee of $275 for a one-week with volunteers serving as the staff. with the kitchen pour, the response session. During the 1960s and 1970s, the was, 'I guess we are all here now.' Not livestock projects for the New London only did the camp have a new flagpole, New London County 4-H County 4-H Fair were exhibited on the but also a new kitchen foundation." Camp camp property. In the late 1980s, the ______In 1942, the New London County cabin names changed from just Farm and Home Bureau, Inc. numbers such as Girls 1 and Boys 3 to Windham-Tolland 4-H purchased 17 acres of land in Franklin Native American names including Camp to be used as a 4-H camp. The site Mohegan, Narragansett, Pequot, In 1935, Camp Woodstock was the included a 2-acre pond. Little work Cherokee, Quinnipiac, Nipmuc, site for the Windham County 4-H was done on improvements to the Shetucket, Hammonassett, Poqonnock, Camp that served 60 campers. The camp from 1942-47 due to World War Nehantic, and Nameaug. camp was held the last week of June II. New London 4-H Camp was held at and the first week of July with a Avery Pond in Preston and moved to At various times, the camp was rented highlight of the camp being a discus- the Franklin site in 1947. A camp to both Hartford County and Tolland sion on vocational decisions. Camp committee comprised of members of County (1953) for their 4-H camping Aldersgate in Rhode Island was also the County Club Committee (presently program. For several years, a Tri- used in subsequent years. called the County 4-H Advisory County Camp was held as a Committee) was responsible for the cooperative effort between New In Spring 1953, Freeman Nelson, program. The first auction to raise London, New Haven and Fairfield driving his mail car down Taft Pond funds in support of the camp program Counties. The Tri-County Camp Road in Abington, drove past Cudjoe was held in 1950 to fund the pond and Committee raised funds to send 80 Corner and noticed a piece of property related dam repairs. urban youths a year to the New for sale. He went to a meeting that London County Camp. That structure night and notified folks, who were In 1956, a committee was formed to was dissolved in 1977. The camp has looking for a 4-H camp, about the site. study the matter of who would hold been accrediated by ACA since 1972. The idea of a 4-H camp appealed to legal title to the camp once Farm the owner, Ed Jezierski, who had been Bureau and the Extension Service Today, the camp holds 140 campers involved in 4-H. The property divided into two entities. The per session with 8 one-week sessions included a six-acre pond, fifteen acres committee recommended the per summer for a total of 806 campers of land, and a waterfront cabin that had establishment of a foundation with a in 2002, and includes a very active once belonged to Congressman Horace governing board representing Farm Teen Leadership training program. Seely-Brown of Pomfret. Bureau, the County Club Committee Programs include archery, arts and and 4-H Fair Association. The New crafts, canoeing, rocketry, Double Through the dedication of volunteers London 4-H Foundation was Dutch, and drama. In 2002, a new low from all 15 towns in Windham County, incorporated on March 22, 1957, and ropes adventure course was added. the $15,000 asking price was raised by on June 3 the deed was conveyed from April 1954. The camp was scheduled the Farm Bureau to the Foundation. Chet Perkins, a volunteer working with to open in 90 days. The Windham the camp, remembered that: County 4-H Foundation was incorpo- In order to maintain a viable camping ______rated for the purpose of holding the program and to attract qualified staff, "Help often comes from unexpected camp in trust to serve all youths and the camping season was extended in places. After joking to another volun- the community. With the support of the 1960s and more cabins were built. teer about getting shamed into donat- volunteers, local businesses, Granges, In 1960, the Connecticut Nurseryman's ing my flagpole to the Camp, I the Lions, and 4-H clubs, a 40' x 60' Association donated $100 for received a call telling me when to lodge, a director's cabin, an infirmary, foundation plantings and shrubs. In install the flagpole at Camp! Collins 11 cabins, and a staff building were 1961, the 4-H Foundation donated & Jewell Boiler Company offered to completed. A local fire department $500 to the Extension Center building make a base for me. The pipes were "blew" truckloads of sand into the fund. taken to Ernie Staebner to be welded waterfront area to create a beach. The together and I was all set. George night before camp opened, 50 people In 1965, the 4-H Foundation purchased Robinson was working for me at the were constructing benches, tables, and an additional 7.5 acres of land time and he helped to dig the hole for finishing the kitchen. Campers arrived increasing the camp holdings to 24.5 the base, set the pole, and planned on the morning of July 1, 1954. acres. Buildings constructed on the mixing the concrete the next day to - 22 - In 1969, a capital campaign was initiated to purchase land and develop facilities for a horse camp. Rings, barns, and a dormitory were constructed. The 4-H horse camp THE 4-H FAIR opened in July 1970. The camp EXPERIENCE originally received their American Camping Association (ACA) accreditation in the 1970s. Following a lapse in the accreditation, the camp successfully reinstated their accreditation in 1990.

The camp now encompasses 257 acres, 43 buildings, three ponds, a 45-horse stall barn, three practice rings, and a dormitory. The Windham County 4-H Outdoor Center is used year round and, during the school year, is the home of the Ragged Hill Woods Environmental Education Program. Above the large stone fireplace in the lodge is the inscription: "Dedicated to Youth through the Generosity of Many.” A yearly auction is held to raise funds for capital improvements. "It was rewarding growing veggies and flowers, knowing that in the end, you A new flagpole was rededicated in would display some of your hard work. 1998 to Merritt Gardner who died in The 4-H Fair Associations are The 4-H fair was held in the back of the Korean War. In 2001, a new volunteer youths working with Hawley School in a meadow called pavilion called "C.J.'s Place" was volunteer adult advisors over a year to Taylor Field (Newtown). It was held at dedicated to Clarence J. Salmon, a operate a two or three day county 4-H the Extension Center in Bethel once founding member of the corporation fair. That simple statement means that and it was held at the Danbury Fair on the occasion of his 92nd birthday. youths assume responsibility for the Grounds. It was such a thrill to get a Also, in 2001, a new cabin in the horse schedule, the financial obligations, and ribbon and a little money as premium." camp was dedicated to Clarence H. for the marketing of events that attract ______Child. In 2002, 1,350 campers paid as many as 10,000 visitors. Alumni $285 each for a one-week session with 4-H members remember talent shows, Hartford County camp being conducted for seven auctioning 4-H exhibits at the end of In 1931-33, Hartford County 4-H weeks. the fair, and king and queen contests. members exhibited at the Granby Grange Fair. The number of exhibits At the 4-H camp in the early 1960s, Fairfield County grew from 150 in 1931 to 250 in 1933. Carol Hagen, who worked as a coun- Halloween weekend is a special time The Fair Association was formed in selor and waterfront director, recalled: ______in Fairfield County. On that Saturday, 1934 with the fair being held at a one day fair called 4-H Fallback Charter Oak Park. In 1936, the fair "The best memory of that summer was into 4-H Festival is held. The Fallback was moved to Cherry Park in West having an IFYE from Rhodesia [now provides evaluations for 4-H member's Avon with oxen drawing as an added Zimbabwe] come for a week to share projects, educational experiences for feature. In 1939, the fair was extended his slides and be a part of camp. He members, 4-H visibility in the to two days. In 1942, the fair was was African and he was white. It was community, and leadership experience canceled due to the War, and an interesting and enlightening experi- for seniors and selected junior 4-H’ers. community fairs were held through ence and prodded me to want to be an 1944. In 1945, with gas rationing IFYE; a goal that was achieved!" ______Exhibits, workshops, a county over, the fair was held at Farmington community service project, pumpkin High School. The 1947 fair added For 3,500-4,000 youths a summer, 4-H decorating contests, and other activities balloon races, duck races, cross cut camps provide an opportunity to be make this a special day. The day is saw contest, horse draw, freezing away from home for the first time, to organized by teens, adults, volunteers, demonstrations, a Farm Bureau Picnic, develop a love of the out-of-doors, and junior leadership youth, and staff. and a Saturday Night Dance. In 1949, to be involved with the 4-H program. the fair moved back to Cherry Park A second summer time 4-H activity is Marie Ferrus Walker remembered and saw large increases in swine, the 4-H fair. during the 1940s, the fair was held in sheep and beef projects. 1949 was the many places: first year for a 4-H Horse Show at the fair. ______

- 23 - At the time of the 1950 fair, County fair moved to Fourtown Fairgrounds in opportunities, and an opportunity to Club Agent James Wilson was called Somers. More than $20,000 of adver- display project work to the public. As to active military duty and the fair sec- tising was sold for the fair projects change, the fair has added retary was ill. In his farewell letter to premium book. The search began classes or events to reflect the present Randolph Whaples, Wilson expressed and continues for a more centralized interests of 4-H'ers. The fair celebrat- concern about the operation of the fair. location. ed its 70th anniversary in 2002, and But all went well with 1,620 exhibits, looks forward to a strong association a greased pole climb, and a tractor Litchfield County for years to come. driving contest added. In 1951, the fair The Litchfield County 4-H Fair hosted the State Sheep Show and held Association incorporated in 1933. Trudi Hill, a current 4-H member, the first Victory Ad Campaign Banquet Over the years, the fair has been held wrote that: at Howard Johnson's. at several locations including a Grange ______Hall, The Western Connecticut 4-H "The same cookie recipe, that my In 1952, the fair moved to Bradley Camp in Warren, and presently at the grandmother used over 50 years ago Field. Over time, the fair was held on Goshen Fairgrounds. In lieu of a large with her 4-H club, won for me a trophy the east side of Route 75 and then later rental agreement, the Goshen for the Outstanding Baker in the year on the west side. A poultry auction was Agricultural Society has graciously 2000 at the Litchfield County Fair held with a horse draw and a square allowed 4-H members to perform in- Home Show." dance on Saturday night. The fair kind services such as building show ______shifted to Saturday and Sunday, and rings and painting fences with small church services were held at the fair. donations to the Society for use of the Middlesex/New Haven By 1954, premiums paid out to all 4-H grounds. County members for exhibiting rose to $1,000. In 2001, the Middlesex-New Haven In 1957, the fair expanded to a three- A strong following in animal science County 4-H Fair celebrated its day event. In 1958, the State provided projects is evident throughout the Diamond Anniversary celebrating its land within the Bradley Field fence years, and is still true today. The home past as the first 4-H fair of its kind in just north of the WAC field. show has declined over the years after the country. The theme for the fair peaking in the 1960s, but has recently was "Building the Future." That first 1961 saw the 25th anniversary of the started to show an increase in exhibits fair was held at Ridgewood Farm, fair and the beginning of the queen as club enrollment has risen. The 4-H Middletown, on August 30, 1924 with contest. In 1962, the fair operated on a Fair Association has evolved to a 2,000 people attending. So impressed budget of $12,050. In 1965, the Fair system that invites all 4-H'ers to be were club officials from other states Association offered five $100 part of the meetings, with two that the management of Camp Vail at scholarships to 4-H members entering representatives as voting members Eastern States Exposition financed a their first or second year in college. By from each club. trip for Frank Roberts, Middletown, to 1969, a food building, flush toilets, and explain the plan for the fair to the a second horse ring had all been built. Early in its history, the fair gave National 4-H Club Congress delegates In 1974, when Kevin Woolam became premiums along with prizes of trophies in Chicago. Fair Association President, he ushered and rosettes. Sometime around the in the first second-generation of fair 1960s, premiums were dropped, and For that first fair, Boy Scouts, officers as his father, Richard, had today 4-H'ers compete for ribbons and YMCA and other organizations been president in 1943. trophies. The fair does not charge were invited to participate. Thirty head parking or admission fees and does not of purebred dairy cattle, 24 fat steers, In 1979, the Hartford County 4-H Fair have a midway or carnival area. Some 50 sheep, and more than 300 poultry Association suffered a devastating of the more unique contests at the fair were shown. Twenty steers ready for blow when a tornado swept through are a premier showmanship contest slaughter had been raised and fitted the towns of Windsor Locks, Suffield, that involves every animal species by Baby Beef Club members from and Windsor. Right in the middle was shown on the grounds for both junior New Haven, Middlesex, and Hartford the long time site of Hartford County and senior contestants (beef cattle, Counties. 4-H Fair. Most of the facilities were dairy cattle, poultry, rabbits, dogs, lost including show rings as well as oxen, horses, sheep, swine, and dairy Clothing club girls exhibited more than equipment. The State Department of goats); a herdsmanship contest that 800 hand made articles of clothing. Transportation approved the rebuilding involves every club that has barn Middletown merchants and residents of the facility, but would not make a space; an auction on Saturday night; voiced their appreciation of the young long-term commitment (now the and a legislators' event that pits area people in financing and directing the location of airport parking lots on Rt. representatives against each other in fair. The annual Farm Bureau picnic 75). Since only a minor portion of goat milking or back seat driving. One was combined with the fair. Tickets the $75,000 loss was covered by of the highlights that has become a tra- were sold for 25 cents. Food available insurance, a major fund drive was dition at the fair, following its 50th for sale included cake, sandwiches, ice initiated. anniversary in 1982, has been the cream, fruit, drinks, and candy. Saturday Night Family Dinner. In 1984, Aimee Clark was elected as Middlesex County 4-H Fair boast of the first female president of the Fair The Litchfield County 4-H Fair being the "First Fair of its Kind in Association. This was also the last Association continues to provide America" not because it was the first year at Bradley Field. In 1985, the youths with meaningful leadership 4-H fair ever, but because it was the - 24 - first 4-H fair to have its entire voting 4-H fair. In 1978, the New London livestock and public health issues and board comprised of 4-H members. County 4-H Fair was reunited as one precautions including rabies, providing This model of goverance is still used entity and returned to the North physical barriers around displays of in 2002 for all 4-H fairs in Stonington Grange Fair Grounds animals for which there is no licensed Connecticut. where it continues today. rabies vaccine (rabbits, swine, goats, young calves, and lambs), foot and Eventually, the fair moved to Durham The name of the event was changed to mouth disease, and E. coli. and, in 1989, the Middlesex and New 4-H Exposition and the 4-H Exposition Haven County 4-H Fair Associations has certainly changed over the years in 4-H’ers participate in livestock combined. numbers of exhibitors, exhibits, and showmanship contests with poultry types of activity. 4-H’ers of the early showmanship an intriguing addition in As part of the 75th anniversary years looked forward to the 4-H fair recent years. Poultry has been added celebration, the fair sponsored an with great anticipation. It was a week to the premier showmanship contest in "Over the Clover" Division that was for preparing 4-H exhibits, setting up which the top showmen of each open to all 4-H alumni, volunteer or displays, and a weekend for species have to show all the species. parents of a currently enrolled 4-H recognition, recreation, renewal of Huge rosettes and silver bowls are member. Adult entries were accepted friendships, and festivity, a highlight of awarded to the premier showman and in the Home Arts Division and adults the summer and of the 4-H year. runner-up. Contestants show a horse, could participate in the "Over the 4-H’ers prepared one-and three-act dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, goats, Clover" livestock, dog, and horse divi- plays to perform during the fair. There swine, dogs, working steers, and poul- sion. The "Almost a Clover" division were king and queen contests, greased try. It's a highlight of the 4-H Expo. allowed children 7 and under also to pole climbs, greased pig contests, square dances, demonstrations, Several 4-H clubs coordinate special livestock shows, movies, and more. activities such as the 4-H Exposition fashion show, the basket raffle, guest There are still the exhibits of 4-H demonstrators, and performers members' projects: photography, including 4-H ventriloquists. New in baking, educational booth exhibits, 2002 was a very popular 4-H sewing, arts, crafts, record books and Olympics and the just-for-fun 4-H live- scrapbooks, woodworking, and more stock obstacle course. in the exhibit halls. The livestock project shows include horses, dogs, 4-H teens are the officers and participate. Three women, who had dairy and beef cattle, poultry, rabbits, committee chairmen of the 4-H Fair participated in the 1924 fair, were goats, and sometimes swine and Association. The ad campaign pays chauffered to the 75th celebration. working steers, and even cats. for the printing of the fair book and to They were Helen Spencer, Evelyn The New London County 4-H help with the 4-H Expo expenses. Cornall, and Grace Kelsey. Exposition is a small 4-H fair held in late July. It is non-commercial. There The 4-H Fair Association and a group New London County are no amusement rides or commercial of dedicated alumni have planned The first New London County 4-H food booths. The North Stonington reunions over the years including ones Fair was held in Pachaug in 1931. Grange graciously provides the in 1987 and 1998. Many of the From 1932 through 1940, its home grounds free of charge with the attendees were alumni well into their was in North Stonington. The 1941 stipulation that they operate the only seventies and eighties who fondly 4-H fair took place at the Elks Field in food booth. The 4-H Fair Association remembered their early days in 4-H. Norwich and then there was no 4-H sponsors a chicken (now pork roast) fair until after World War II. From barbecue on Saturday evening, Blue Slope Country Museum and 4-H 1947 through 1964, the 4-H fair was coordinated by 4-H alumni. alumna Patricia Weingart have become held in North Stonington. In 1965, the the caretakers of the 4-H fair 4-H fair moved to the New London Features other than the 4-H shows memorabilia, coordinating a 4-H County 4-H Camp in Franklin. The include the ox pull which sometimes heritage display at the annual New 4-H Fair Association contributed funds attracts up to 40 teams of oxen and London County 4-H Exposition. to build a large exhibit hall at 4-H runs long into the night with three Camp (now known as the Staebner weight classes. In 2000, a draft horse The early reasons for holding 4-H fairs Building) and donated funds to build demonstration replaced the horse pull. endure. Doug Hagen, 1964 4-H Fair a refreshment stand. Starting in 2001, a draft horse show President, stated: became one of Sunday's features. ______The New London County 4-H Fair then divided into two parts. The Today, the 4-H Fair Association is very “The 4-H fair is a combination of livestock shows were held at the 4-H concerned about safety and the work and fun through which club Camp while the exhibit hall projects appearance of events to the public. members can exhibit their products were displayed in the center of the Gone are the greased pole climb and and experience the satisfaction that enclosed Norwichtown Shopping Mall. greased pig contest of yesteryear and comes from helping others.” 4-H demonstrations and special even the sheep blocking contest. ______activities drew the attention of Many 4-H fair meetings have been That remains true today. shoppers who would never travel to a dominated by discussions concerning - 25 - Tolland County contest similar to a current pizza party Windham County From 1927 to 1941, the Tolland or spaghetti dinner. Awards were The origins of the Windham County County 4-H exhibits were organized by given to clubs for selling more than 4-H Fair began in 1945 when several the 4-H Extension Agents, 4-H leaders, $50 worth of ads. Windham County 4-H’ers and leaders parents, and 4-H members with the formed the Windham County 4-H Tolland County Farm Bureau and the In the 1960s, oxen demonstrations led Service Club. The 4-H Service Club Tolland County Extension Service. to the formation of the Working Steer formed as a social and service The County Home was used for the Class. In 1972, Raymond Ludwig organization for the promotion of 4-H 4-H fair from 1942-1948. 4-H exhibits organized the Tolland County 4-H club work and was opened to youths were held at Vernon Center (1949), the Teamsters as a way to keep alive the between the ages of 14 and 19. Stafford Fair (1950-51), and the art of oxen training. At early fairs, the Rockville Fair. As was the usual 4-H Advisory Committee assumed With the support of the 4-H County custom of the day, 4-H exhibits were responsibility for organizing and Club Committee and 4-H agents Paul featured at the Farm Bureau Field operating the food booth during the Latiner and Luella Pratt, the Windham Days as well. fair. This responsibility was later County 4-H Service Club recruited the assumed by Fair Association adult help of other Windham County 4-H’ers The Tolland County 4-H Fair advisors. In 1967, the fair expanded to to organize the first Windham County Association was officially organized three days and celebrated its silver 4-H Fair. The fair took place in 1946 on July 16, 1941. From 1942 to 1943, anniversary. In 1968, 68 members of and was held at the Finnish Hall in World War II prevented county 4-H the 4-H band played. 1970 was the Brooklyn. In 1949, the fair moved to exhibits. Instead, joint local start of the still popular Saturday the Brooklyn Fairgrounds and then community, school, and town exhibits evening chicken barbecue with 600 alternated between the Brooklyn were held. From its inception and 4-H members participating in the fair Fairgrounds and Woodstock through the early 1980s, a strong and 1,300 exhibits judged. Fairgrounds for many years. network of town committees composed of each town's clubs worked together During the 1980s, the 4-H Clover In 1969, 4-H Agent Robert McKay to promote 4-H. members received fair premiums, contacted the Connecticut State Tax and new activities included computers, Department and requested that Windham County 4-H Fair become a tax-exempt organization. On September 12, 1969, the State Tax Department approved the request. Bylaws for the fair were drawn up in 1971 officially naming the organization The Windham County 4-H Fair Association, Inc.

In 2002, the Windham County 4-H Fair celebrated its 56th anniversary at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds. The fair still holds onto the original concept of allowing Windham County 4-H’ers to plan and run the fair with the support of adult advisors. The fair allows 4-H exhibitors to learn from one another and have the projects they worked on over the past year evaluated. And today, just like in 1946, the fair enables the general public to Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, see the local 4-H program in action. major interests were in canning, bicycle freestyling, and a baseball vegetables, frozen foods, clothing, club. The focus of the fair continued In addition to the 4-H fairs, a and livestock. The first 4-H Horse to be a family friendly event. The year-round 4-H based educational Show was listed in the fair book in the 1990s saw an increase in the number program is conducted at the 4-H early 1950s. New classes in the 1950s of Fair Directors, the addition of Center at Auer Farm. included home nursing and health, gardens to the grounds, the revitaliza- frozen foods, childcare, home tion of the Frank Niederwerfer improvement, farm and home Wildlife Sanctuary, and the expansion mechanics, entomology, recreation of small animal projects. In 2002, the and rural arts, scrapbooks, and fair kitchen was expanded and brought photography. up to code. A 4-H Centennial Celebration was also held. The annual Fair Rally in the 1950s was held at Ellington Town Hall to mark the successful end of the annual ad - 26 - Lowry. The hay fields were restored, raspberry and blueberry patches THE 4-H CENTER AT planted, a Christmas tree plantation AUER FARM and a dwarf apple orchard started. Hay wagon rides to the original The Connecticut 4-H Development orchard overlooking the City of Fund was incorporated in 1970 with 24 Hartford are a highlight of any visit elected members of the Board of to the farm. Two farm festivals were Directors and 12 appointed staff sponsored each year: one a Spring members to provide private sector Fling that was held from 1979-89 financial support to the 4-H program. as well as the Fall Festival. In 2002, An initial fund drive provided a a corn maze was cut in the shape of $30,000 contribution to the National a 4-H clover. 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland and an investment fund of $35,000 for The mission of the 4-H Center is to programs in the state. President The Connecticut 4-H Auerbach Farm help youths and adults learn the Dwight Eisenhower had opened the Resource Center was dedicated on importance of agriculture and its National 4-H Center in 1959. A September 28, 1978, for the purpose impact on their lives. People hallway in the north end of the W.K. of providing an agricultural based actively learn, through hands-on Kellogg Hall is designated in honor of educational program for children. In experiences, the science of the efficient Connecticut 4-H. 1979, the Hartford Foundation for production of plants and animals and Public Giving provided $68,250 for the interrelationship of agriculture and The purpose of the 4-H Development facility renovations. the environment. Fund was to raise funds for statewide 4-H programs and to operate the 4-H A volunteer Farm Committee was Educational programs included Farms Center at Auer Farm in Bloomfield. established to operate the farm. In Produce Foods for pre-school and The 4-H Center is located at Auer 1977, following the death of Harvey children in grades K-3. Lessons Farm, originally owned by Beatrice Sinclair, Mrs. Auerbach's farm covered how a cow converted feed into Fox Auerbach. Mrs. Auerbach was manager, John Rowlson offered to milk, the growth of apples from president of G. Fox and Co. in manage the farm for six months at no flowers to fruit, and green plants as Hartford, one of the leading depart- charge. An early project was the food. The Summer on the Farm ment stores in the country. She was a development of an outdoor classroom program included hayrides to visit the strong supporter of the International in conjunction with the University of apple orchard, vegetable gardens, and Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) program Hartford which built the facility and farm animals. Apples and Apple Trees as well as of teaching leadership skills also used some of the existing farm involved picking apples and making to women. In 1951, Mrs. Franklin D. facilities. The relationship between cider. Other programs included Roosevelt stayed on the farm for a the 4-H Center and the University of Farmer as an Environmentalist and the short time. On November 18, 1955, the Hartford ended in 2002 due to the Farmer as a Mathematician. In 1996, main dairy barn burned down. Within University expanding programs 10,000 children, many from the a year, a new and more modern barn elsewhere. Hartford Public Schools, participated. was built as a one-story building with In 2001, 17,970 youths participated at a separate hay barn. In 1967, the In 1977, the first part-time an average cost of $10.75 each. entire Auerbach herd of 124 cows, environmental education instructor was bulls, and calves was donated to the hired. In 1978, the first full-time In 2002, after much discussion and a University of Connecticut. on-site farm manager was hired. In facilitated strategic planning process, 1980, the full-time staff included an the 4-H Development Fund decided to In 1973, Mrs. Auerbach's two executive director, an educational focus on enhancing and growing daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Richard program director, and a farm manager. educational programs and community (Georgette) Koopman and Mr. and The Learning Center was first used in outreach efforts at the 4-H Center at Mrs. Bernard (Dorothy) Schiro, 1980. That same year, the Fall Auer Farm. challenged Hartford County 4-H Festival attracted 550 people and a members to make the apple orchard tractor driving school was held. In productive. In 1975, 4-H orchard sales 1981, the main dairy barn was totaled over $8,000 and the 1977 renovated. season brought in $12,000 in sales. In 1976, the Koopmans and Schiros The original gift of 75 acres has grown gave 75 acres of the farm to the 4-H to 125.5 acres. The Hartford Development Fund. Implied or stated Foundation provided funding to in the deed were the following condi- convert the creamery into a Learning tions: the land was given to 4-H to use Center with a kitchen and to initiate for youth projects; the land was given the conversion of the young stock barn as long as it is kept in open space; and into a Learning Lab. In 2001, the 4-H could build on not more than four Learning Lab was renamed the acres plus the current building sites. William D. Lowry, III Science Center in honor of long time volunteer Bill - 27 - and in charge of the evening's club had 220-250 members. Parents program. The side yard on the were recruited as volunteers to work schoolhouse property is a favorite with the Club and some 40-50 adult recreation area after the 4-H business volunteers have been involved at any meeting. one time. One of the first fairs was held at the fairgrounds in Granby. A leader for 55 years, Hilda Purrington grew up in Melrose and had been a Early leaders of the Granby 4-H Club 4-H member. In the early 1950's, the were Charlie Allen, Rob and Liel Melrose 4-H Variety Club won a Shaw, and Bob Longlly. In the early trophy for having 100 percent of its 1940s, the boys group was called members exhibit three years in a row Nannutuck Farmers (named after the at the Hartford County 4-H Fair. All lake), and the girls group was called PROGRAM 4-H members gave demonstrations, Healthy, Happy, Homemaking, HIGHLIGHTS AND and many went on to participate in Helpers. In 1948, Blanch Newton State 4-H Demonstration Days and The was the girls club leader along with ACTIVITIES: Big E. Draighton Holcomb. TOWN, COUNTY, STATE, REGIONAL, All club members were involved in Betty Burke and Draighton Holcomb NATIONAL, AND two major community service ran the dog club, and Joan Catton activities each year. The Memorial Day started the horse club. By 1956, the INTERNATIONAL Service placed flowers on the graves boys club changed its name to the of veterans buried in the Melrose Granby Junior Farmers. In 1957, there 4-H programs operate on multiple Cemetery. 4-H’ers marched in the were 70 girls who participated in the levels involving thousands of youths, parade and served refreshments after State Dress Revue and Food Show. adults, and professional staff. Clubs the ceremony. The other community In 1958, Tom Fritzer led the Dairy operate on a neighborhood, service activity was the annual 4-H Club. community, or town basis. Christmas carol sing at the Melrose School. These activities provided an By the mid 1960s, club meetings had TOWN opportunity for members to develop moved from Freda Hayes' home to the Connecticut has a rich history of citizenship skills. Cossit Library, and then to the local town-based clubs such as the 4-H Grange Hall with the boys meeting Cantoneers Club and the Scantic In 1959, the first 4-H marching band downstairs and the girls meeting Valley Riders 4-H Club, which have and drill team was organized as part upstairs. The structure of club been active for over 50 years. Another of the Melrose 4-H Variety Club. meetings consisted of saying the example was the Southern Hartford Under the direction of Louis Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-H County 4-H Baby Beef Club whose Ungewitter, this group won many pledge, the secretary's report, and the members showed at area fairs under honors over the next 15 years. Hilda treasurer's report. The president of the the leadership of Walt Simmons and Purrington was instrumental in boys club and the president of the girls Bruce Grant with the assistance of Don providing opportunities for members club conducted meetings with Gaylord, Extension Specialist. The to have a horseless horse club (now assistance from junior leaders. The Melrose 4-H Variety Club, the Granby known as equine studies), a clown club held its own fair at one of the Club, and the Wethersfield Winding club, a supper club where teens could leaders' farms as a way for members Brook Club are examples of town- prepare meals and learn etiquette, and to preview their exhibits for the county based clubs. bicycle safety. She worked with one fair. These were held at the Hayes' of the first dog project groups. farm as well as the Wilhelm's farm. Melrose 4-H Variety Club Members in the Clown Club learned Tom Fritzer formed the Marquis of The Melrose 4-H Variety Club is a about types of clowns, make-up, tricks, Granby Fyffe and Drum Corps and community 4-H Club organized by and performed at nursing homes and carried the 4-H flag. Beulah Pease in 1951. At that time, in parades. many clubs were organized around Only members of the club with one project reflected in the club's The membership of the club varied livestock projects exhibiting at the name. The name "Variety" indicated from the original nine members to fair were permitted to sleep over. several interests. The original 4-H over 50 in some years. Currently, Members were permitted to take as members lived in Melrose, a section many members and leaders have third many projects as they wished. Record of East Windsor, and had gardening or fourth generational connections books have a long tradition in 4-H and, and community service projects. with the Melrose 4-H Variety Club. while not everyone enjoyed keeping After saying the 4-H Pledge, members records, they were crucial to The one-room Melrose School was recite the following verse, "I live in understanding the economic value of used until 1938 and today serves as the one of the best communities in the a 4-H project. Record books were 4-H Club meeting place. The annual country; Melrose is what we make it." judged and state-wide winners were 4-H achievement night is held each fall selected for awards. to install officers and conduct an Granby 4-H Club auction to raise money for the year's The Granby 4-H Club was formed in A major change in animal projects has projects. 4-H’ers are the auctioneers the early 1940s. By the 1960s, the been the concept of leased animals. - 28 - When a member leases an animal, the Chapel in the evenings. Monthly 4-H progress, and achievement in that 4-H’er assumes the primary meetings and special events in the project to warrant a second medal. responsibility but not the ownership. evening are still held at the Chapel. Some counties selected medal winners Frequently, the animal resides based only on leader recommendations elsewhere from where the member Winding Brook 4-H would not have and other counties gave junior level lives. This change has allowed urban existed for the past 50 years without achievement certificates or medals, and suburban youths to participate in the guidance of Myron and Beulah sponsored by the county 4-H a livestock project. "Billie" Baldwin. Beulah (Shanley) committee. Baldwin, Harwinton, joined 4-H at age The role of the town committee was to 11 at the Campville School. In 1948, Club or countywide community recruit new people, provide ideas and she married, moved to Wethersfield, service projects provided citizenship suggestions, and be involved with and joined Winding Brook 4-H Club as development opportunities. Projects enrollment. When 40 youths signed up a gardening leader. Myron Baldwin, included community clean-up, nursing for a dog project, but with only one Wethersfield, said that he "married into home visits, and work groups at the leader, the town committee sought 4-H in 1948.” Grange Hall. Other projects included additional volunteers. trimming community Christmas trees, The number of Winding Brook 4-H'ers collecting toys for the needy, caroling In the 1970s, members of the Granby has changed over the years with three at nursing homes, holding local paper Club helped at the 4-H Resource generations of 4-H’ers in the club. drives, providing Thanksgiving fruit Center in Bloomfield working in the Club members participate in a wide baskets for the needy and Christmas orchard. Dan Cunningham was range of projects such as sewing, wreaths for the elderly, beautifying instrumental in teaching 4-H members cross-stitch, embroidery, cooking, historic buildings, and cleaning the cider process, involving other canning, gardening, flower arranging, cemeteries. Clubs also participate in towns' 4-H committees in the process, electrical wiring, woodworking, Ride for Research, an annual horse and in brokering the donation of the animal care, public speaking, and show to raise funds for St. Jude farm to the 4-H program. By the photography. Children's Research Hospital, fund 1970s, there was less focus on girls vs. raising for hurricane victims in other boys projects and more blending of states, collecting coats for needy the clubs. COUNTY children, and serving meals at Counties provide the structure for community soup kitchens. Achievement nights provided an Cooperative Extension System and the opportunity to recognize club members 4-H program. Countywide committees Sharon McDonald recalled : for their accomplishments. Record organize events, fairs, camps, and ______books were collected and certificates recognize the achievement of 4-H "We raised money by riding our bikes given for completion of projects. members and leaders. This level of to Friendly's and actually being spon- Awards were presented for outstanding organization allows youths and adults sored for the whole thing. Seven cents boy and girl booths that displayed to work on a broader level, meeting a mile from some of the larger step-by-step instructions on how to new people, and gaining exposure to a sponsors; purely a 'fun' raising event accomplish a project task. diversity of ideas. looking back. The club also made tray favors for the 'old folks home.' Above Winding Brook 4-H Club Nationally, the 4-H calendar program all this, my experiences with the Blend Wethersfield's Winding Brook 4-H was initiated in 1947. This program and Mend 4-H Club of New London Club was begun in the mid-1940s by has long been supported in Tolland County was such a joy - a supportive members of neighborhood farms: County, initially by the Savings Bank environment for young women to work George Brandon, James Griswold, of Tolland, and since the 1980s, by the together and independently toward Arthur Griswold, George Harris, Floyd Stafford Savings Bank. At one time, collective goals. No matter what a Davis, and David Anderson. The there was both a leader's calendar that woman chooses to pursue, one takes motto was "Feed a Fighter". This was slightly larger as well as the away from the 4-H experience a sense group of 10-12 males met on the member's calendar with a pocket for of confidence and the desire to give second floor of the old Griswold Co. 2 keeping important papers. back something to the community." Firehouse, formally a one-room ______schoolhouse. Girls clubs were initially County medals were given by national separate, meeting at leaders' homes, corporations to recognize 4-H STATE learning skills such as cooking, members, 12 years and older, who had State activities provide an opportunity sewing, gardening, and embroidery. achieved in a particular 4-H project for youths to work together across the Eventually boys and girls clubs joined such as horticulture, dog care, state on events such as Marine Science to form a single program. citizenship, public speaking, or food Day, Teen Connection, Public and nutrition. 4-H’ers completed a Speaking, Dress Revue, Double Dutch, Starting in the 1950s, 4-H meetings recognition form and submitted a 4-H Interstate Exchanges, Computer were held in the Griswoldville Chapel leader recommendation. A county 4-H Technology, and Environmental Action at 178 Griswold Road. The Chapel awards committee reviewed these and Day. In addition, a wide array of was conveniently located so club made decisions on county medals. In shows and clinics allow members to members could walk from Mitchell most cases, a 4-H’er received a learn more about poultry, beef, dairy, School to leaders' homes for group particular 4-H project medal just once, dog, horse, and sheep programs. Many meetings and to club meetings at the unless there was significant growth, of these statewide events have been - 29 - held at the University of Connecticut In 1995, one workshop was held at the Public Speaking campus in Storrs. Recognizing and UConn Marine Science Research Lab The New London County contest was honoring 4-H volunteers is an in Noank. The 1996 program included established in 1964 by 4-H Agent important statewide activity. These a marine science nature hike at nearby Robbins Smith. The program attracts awards include the Alumni, Bluff Point State Park and Bushy Point 50 or more participants and includes Leadership, and Meritorious Service Beach. The participants explored the demonstrations as well as original Awards. unique environments of a lagoon, tide speeches. There are four regional pool and barrier beach. contests throughout New London 4-H Marine Science Day County coordinated by 4-H volunteers The 4-H Marine Science Day has The program is filled each year with under the direction of the 4-H been held since 1987. The two and 100-150 participants. The minimum Educator. Sometimes the coordinators age of 11 and are 4-H teens who serve in this role as chaperones help to a leadership experience. manage the large number of potential participants. In 1986, the New London County 4-H Attendees come from all Advisory Committee established junior counties and types of 4-H and senior age divisions. Junior programs. Participants winners were invited to present their increase their knowledge speeches at the county finals for and appreciation for the experience only and were not judged. marine environment. They In 1998, a competitive category for are more aware of pollu- juniors was added. In 1995, junior tion problems and focused and senior demonstration winners were on improving water quali- included. ty. The junior and senior winners in public speaking and demonstrations in one-half hour experience on-board each of the regional programs Project Oceanology's research and Teen Connection participate in the New London County education vessel Envirolab, based in This three-day, two-night conference 4-H Public Speaking and Groton, is the focal point for the is held at the University campus in Demonstration Finals. One winner in program. On board Envirolab, the Storrs every other year. The event is each category receives a trophy. Each 4-H'ers enjoy helping to set and pull in organized by staff, teens, and adult 4-H participant receives the judge's the trawl net and examine the catch volunteers from across the state. Teen score sheet and comments at local with a marine biologist. They use the Connection provides teens the and county programs. The senior vessel's educational instruments to opportunity to better connect to public speaking winner goes on to the measure the temperature, salinity, themselves, to other teens, and to the State 4-H Public Speaking Finals. oxygen level, clarity, and density of University. The Conference includes the ocean water; examine a core workshops, discussions on topics Senior speakers speak for 5-8 minutes; sample of the sea bottom; and learn important to teens, community service juniors 3-5 minutes. Speakers may use about navigation and the history of projects, free time to explore the note cards so they are not tempted to Long Island Sound. campus, and a dinner-dance. read their speeches. Demonstrators Participants stay in the dorms on use charts and props and actually show On-shore workshops supplement what campus and experience the University how to make or do something. All of the youths see and learn while on in a highly structured, supervised the presenters are judged on stage Envirolab. Presenters for the on-shore event. presence, knowledge of subject, workshops have been educators from organization, delivery, power of the Sea Grant Marine Advisory Objectives of the conference are to expression, general effect, and their Program, Cooperative Extension increase skills and knowledge, offer ability to answer questions. System, Coast Guard, USDA-APHIS, in-depth "action learning" in interest community environmental programs, areas, provide access to the University There are many opportunities for and Extension volunteers. campus and its wealth of resources, 4-H’ers to learn and practice public especially in the area of career presentations: talks and demonstrations The on-shore workshop topics have exploration, provide youth develop- in 4-H clubs, serving as emcees at included shore exploration (types of ment experiences above and beyond 4-H events; officers of club, regional shore, sand, plants, animals, environ- what is available at the local level, and and county committees running mental factors), marine botany develop leadership and enhance the meetings and giving reports; individual (seaweeds including sampling of personal growth of participants. or team demonstrations at 4-H Food seaweed-based recipes), mollusks and Shows; giving reasons in livestock shells, water pollution and clean up, Eighty-100 teens typically attend at the judging events; leading songs, games net-making, Sound gardening, most recent cost of $85 per participant. or sharing thoughts at reflections at aquaculture, coastal cleanup, marine Youths, ages 14-19 years, are eligible 4-H Camp; introducing workshop environmental protection, fisheries, to attend upon completion of a presenters at 4-H programs and much fish art, turtles and tortoises, and quiz registration form with a signed code of more. 4-H’ers are encouraged to give bowl to test the 4-H’ers knowledge. conduct and health information. short talks and demonstrations in their - 30 - 4-H clubs, a familiar setting with a For many years, awards were Being selected for the court of honor supportive audience of family and sponsored by the Connecticut 4-H at the county level gave participants friends. All who participate learn a life Development Fund. the right to represent their counties at skill. the State Revue. Being in the State In 2002, a State 4-H Equine Public Court of Honor, filling out the National Donald Beebe, New London County, Speaking Contest was established. Report Form, and being the one remembered that: Although 4-H horse project members selected meant a trip to the National ______have always been eligible to partici- 4-H Congress in Chicago where they "My 4-H leaders, Ernie and Sandy pate in public speaking contests, the participated in the National Dress Staebner, encouraged every club State 4-H Horse Advisory Committee Revue. Because of a lack of national member to prepare a speech and to felt there was a need to have a special sponsorship, this event was dropped in work through the process of making an state contest to select a 4-H’er to 1993. outline, the cards, and then actually attend the National 4-H Equine Public presenting it. I remember being so Speaking Contest. Two years prior, the Counties and the State 4-H program afraid my first year that I developed State 4-H Equine Contest added team continue to sponsor fashion revues. laryngitis the week of the public speak- demonstration for the same State Revues have been held in a ing event. My mother called Sandy purpose. 2002 saw the first State 4-H variety of places including the UConn Staebner to tell her the sad news. Horse Project Day at UConn, with a Ratcliffe Hicks Arena, the Parish Sandy was not totally persuaded that myriad of workshops and activities House auditorium of the Storrs the laryngitis that appeared on including public speaking. Congregational Church, the Faculty Tuesday would still be there on Friday Alumni Center (both old and new), night. She called my mother everyday Kathryn Maurice Christensen, New insurance companies in Hartford, an for the next three days to check on the London County, remembered: auto dealer on Church Street in status of my voice. Needless to say, it ______Hartford, and Centennial Hall on the was the longest period of laryngitis "Public speaking taught me to take 11th floor at G. Fox where Mrs. that I ever had. Although I worried pride in my work and to respect the Beatrice Fox Auerback as owner of G. about the daily phone calls, it occurred work of others. I learned through con- Fox would speak to participants. to me many years later that Sandy structive competition that win or lose, In 1951, and again in 1955, the state really cared about my getting past my one can always gain insights and fashion revue was held at the Hawley fear of public speaking." knowledge." Armory on the University of ______Connecticut's campus. In 1969, the state fashion revue was held at the The first annual State 4-H Public Dress Revue Now Called Hotel America in Hartford. In 1978, Speaking Finals was held on March 2, Fashion Revue 53 girls participated in the spring state 1985, at the State 4-H Leaders' Forum Dress Revues have been a strong part fashion revue held at the Faculty at the Mystic Ramada Inn. The judges of the 4-H history. Young women and Alumni Center at Storrs. In 1980, the for that first state contest were Donald men who participated in clothing statewide event was held in the Old Beebe, Louise Melling, and Arland State House Court Room in Hartford. Meade. The judges at county and state contests over the years have often Julie Keithan, Middlesex County, included exemplary 4-H alumni, remembered: community officials, and representa- ______tives of the Toastmasters organization. "We went to New York City as a group with [4-H Agent] Barbara Maynard to In the 1980’s for five years, the State tour the Simplicity Pattern Company." Finals were held at the same time as ______the State 4-H Forum. Then it was held as a separate event at various locations (1990 at the Bishop Center, UConn, projects have been evaluated and gone Storrs; 1991 at Middlesex Mutual on to show their garments in fashion Insurance Building, Middletown; shows at county dress revues, county 1992 at UConn, West Hartford.) In an fairs, and in the New England Center effort to expand the audience for these at The Big E. outstanding 4-H youth speakers, the contest joined the State 4-H Forum at A member record book from Northeast Utilities at Berlin in 1993, 1954-55 reflected the cost of clothing the State Extension Volunteer Forum, articles made at home. These included UConn, Storrs in 1994, and from 1995 a petticoat that took two days to sew to the present, as part of the State 4-H and cost $3.71, a blouse that cost Day at UConn, Storrs. $3.25, and a skirt at $6.90. The record book reflected fabric samples and A 4-H teen serves as the emcee and sketches of the garment, documenta- there is one speaker from each county. tion of dress revue participation, 4-H In this contest, the finalists give meetings attended, offices held and speeches only, no demonstrations. talks given. - 31 - Sue Blanchette LaTour, New London Tournament, youths are also competing benefits was the lifelong friendships County, shared: for scholarship money. that formed. ______"Sewing still brings back memories of Connecticut 4-H’ers have appeared Computer Technology Team a lot of laughter. We always had a on Good Morning America, the Today The Computer Technology Team was great laugh. Laughing at my mistakes Show, That's Incredible, and the formed in 1999. Teens between 13 and and laughing together while we Johnny Carson Tonight Show, and 19 years of age from throughout the worked on our projects. I remember performed at Disney World. State joined together to learn more laying out my entire pattern and about computers and the internet, pinning it upside down in my leader's Since 1997, the New London County while exploring career possibilities and living room. Can we blame that on 4-H Camp has conducted training in teaching skills to others through com- being left-handed? Or tripping up the Double Dutch. A Double Dutch leader munity service activities. steps at the Sheraton during the Dress and four 4-H members from Torrington Revue?" have taught campers the intricacies of The Team has participated in the pilot ______competitive jumping. Medicare/4-H collaborative program “Teens Teaching Internet Skills to Double Dutch Interstate Exchanges Senior Citizens.” Teens provided In the 1980s, Double Dutch brought Connecticut has a long history of workshops on computer technology an urban and minority audience to the interstate exchanges. At one point, and the internet at schools and 4-H program. It was the first large Hartford, Litchfield, New London, libraries, and assisted at statewide 4-H privately funded program for and Tolland Counties all had active activities, creating power point slide Connecticut. Programs were conducted interstate exchange groups. In 2002, shows for events such as Teen in Hartford, Windham, New Haven, Litchfield County has the only active Leadership Weekend and Teen and Bridgeport, often in cooperation program. Connection. County-based computer with the Girl Scouts. In Windham, technology teams were initiated to 283 youths participated in the program Litchfield County's involvement in bridge the digital divide at a local that also included a nutrition education exchanges started in the early 1970s level. component. In Bridgeport, 794 youths when one Litchfield County 4-H’er participated while the New Haven Soul visited Georgia and one Georgia Members attended workshops to Patrol conducted Double Dutch 4-H’er visited Connecticut. The improve their own internet and programs with 200 youths in the Hill program grew over the years to include computing skills, both in state and at Section of the City. Double Dutch as many as a busload of 4-H’ers the National 4-H Technology stressed physical fitness, teamwork, coming to Connecticut from Wisconsin Conference. Two members of the and fun. The Hartford program and vice versa. Computer Technology Team served included teams from the American on the National 4-H Technology School for the Deaf. Once the exchanges meant traveling Leadership Team, helping to create a and hosting in the same year, usually National 4-H website. For the first 10 or 12 years, United for a week each. In 2002, exchanges Technologies Corporation (U.T.C.) often span two years, one week of Environmental Action Day provided funding. Then Connecticut hosting and one week of visiting in the The first Environmental Action Day National Bank became the sponsor for following year. The cost of travel, the took place in May 2001. The three or four years. Since the mid- ability to raise funds, and schedules Cooperative Extension System, the 1990s, there have been numerous have caused this shift. Technology, in Audubon Society, EASTCONN, and corporate and private sponsors. In the form of 4-H hosted exchange the Windham County 4-H Foundation 1986, the World Invitational websites, has made it easier for groups sponsored this innovative youth Tournament was held for the first time to connect. The recent availability of program. The program is designed for indoors in the Hartford Civic Center e-mail in homes has increased the teens and is held at the Windham sponsored by U.T.C. This was the first communication between the 4-H’ers County 4-H Outdoor Center in two-day World Invitational event. involved. The opportunity afforded Pomfret. The goal of the program is to by the exchanges gave youths from advance environmental awareness and 4-H members in the program must different parts of the country a cultural responsible conservation with exciting maintain a C average or above to exchange within their own country. hands-on and team-building activities. participate and must show their report Along with learning about the card to their coaches. In order to Youths gained a better understanding environment, participants discover travel, youth must maintain a B of themselves as they lived with how they can take an active role average or better. Connecticut another family, faced the challenges of impacting behavior, policies, and laws members have traveled to Germany, learning to accept new people, and pertaining to the environment in their Japan, Canada, Russia, Poland, France, cooperated in groups. Exchanges were communities and beyond. and England to compete. often the first time teens had been faced with being on their own. The The World Tournaments were held on exchanges always included an element college campuses in order to expose of fun, and the families involved youths to college life and give them usually find out as much about their time to talk to school recruiters. own county and state as the guests During theWorld Invitational they hosted. One of the ultimate - 32 - 4-H Sheep Project Clinic Honoring 4-H Volunteers REGIONAL ACTIVITIES An educational day for 4-H sheep The 4-H adult awards program Working on a regional basis provides project members was established by consists of three awards: Alumni, an opportunity for youths and adults to Louis (Lonnie) Malkus, UConn Leadership, and Meritorious Service work together on the "state" fair of Extension Livestock Specialist. The to 4-H. New England called The Big E and to day was originally planned for just meet once a year for training and new Connecticut 4-H sheep project mem- The Alumni Award recognizes a ideas through the Northeast Regional bers and leaders and has grown to 150 previous 4-H member who continues Volunteer Forum and the New England people attending from Maine, New to exemplify outstanding leadership 4-H Teen Conference. Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and citizenship development. A Rhode Island, and Connecticut. nomination form is submitted to the Eastern States Exposition State 4-H Office by an Extension staff person. The form includes the (ESE) nominee's 4-H participation as a youth, The Eastern States Exposition, their present citizenship and leadership founded in 1916, in West Springfield, qualities as exemplified in 4-H; civic, Massachusetts, is called The Big E. community, school, public service, and Noting a decline in agriculture in the other related activities; career New England region, the founders of accomplishments along with evidence the Exposition saw the need to of the influence of 4-H training in the stimulate the exchange of innovative nominee's life; and his or her techniques, products, and methods of continuing commitment to 4-H. financing, marketing, and distributing agricultural products. The founders The Leadership Award recognizes determined that the East was overly individuals providing leadership to absorbed in industrial development organized clubs. The nomination is and had neglected its agricultural roots. submitted to the State 4-H Office from Farming needed a way to showcase The committee designed a two-track either a 4-H volunteer or Extension and promote all aspects of agriculture. system with workshops specifically staff person which includes the The Eastern States Agricultural and for the 7-12 year olds and different, following criteria: how the nominee Industrial Exposition was incorporated longer workshops for teens. Topics develops unique programs and/or in 1914. In 1915, the United States have included biosecurity; information leadership approaches, involves youths Department of Agriculture located a and equipment for beginning in planning and implementing 4-H Federal Entomological Laboratory on shepherds; selecting wool or meat activities, involves youths in its grounds. In 1916, the National sheep; owner responsibility for community service activities, and has Dairy Show was moved to the ESE veterinary care; judging; animal rights grown in their leadership skill and grounds. and animal welfare; handling and skill in involving youths in the 4-H maintenance of electric shears; program. digestive system of sheep; carcass evaluation; ethics in showing sheep; The Meritorious Service to 4-H housing and fencing for small flocks; Award recognizes individuals and/or novice sheep handling; marketing; organizations who have supported the waste management and the environ- 4-H program in roles other than direct ment; sheep dairying and cheese leadership. The nomination is making; felting; routine health care; submitted to the State 4-H Office pathobiology; working with wool; from either a 4-H volunteer or halter making; sheep showmanship; Extension staff person with the In 1937, the Connecticut General nutrition through the life cycle; and following criteria: the size, scope and Assembly voted to spend $35,000 on a lambing and care of the pregnant ewe. significance of the nominee's new building on the Avenue of New contribution to the 4-H program in England States at the Exposition if at Presenters have come from the their volunteer role, how the least $25,000 was raised privately. A University of Connecticut Departments nominee involves others in projects, total of $38,000 was raised, and the of Animal Science, Plant Science, and and new resources accrued by the Federal Works Project Act assisted in Pathobiology, and 4-H alumni, 4-H nominee's efforts. the building's construction. volunteers, sheep breeders, State Department of Agriculture officials, Traditionally, two Alumni Award recip- Camp Vail was the name given to and USDA-APHIS veterinarians. ients, six Leadership Award recipients, activities conducted during The Big E and three Meritorious Service to 4-H in support of 4-H. Founded in 1916 by A highlight of the day-long program Award recipients are selected. H.A. Moses of the International 4-H is the sheep quiz bowl competition, a Training School, C.B. Whitney was the knowledge event. Forty youth eagerly Chairman of the first Boys and Girls sign up for a total of ten senior and Committee. The first manager of junior teams for fun and learning. Camp Vail was J.A. Sherley in 1917. In 1916, a Congressional appropriation of $15,000 made the first Camp Vail

- 33 - exhibit possible. Camp Vail was public speaking, and Double Dutch. Teen Conference was held in 2000 at named after Theodore Newton Vail, In 2002, the Eastern States Exposition the University of Connecticut, Storrs. one of the founders of Eastern States hosted a 4-H Centennial Celebration Over 60 4-H’ers from Connecticut, Exposition. on September 29, the last day of the Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, 2002 Big E. Currently, the New and Vermont attended. Each New A 1949 document reported that Camp England 4-H Council that represents England state is permitted to send up Vail was sponsored jointly by the all committees and all states to ten 4-H’ers and have four 4-H’ers Eastern States Exposition and the coordinates 4-H programs conducted on the planning committee. With the Agricultural Extension Services of the during The Big E. support of adult volunteers and 4-H New England States. It was one of the staff, New England 4-H teens set goals four divisions included in the Eastern Northeast Regional 4-H and objectives for the conference, and States 4-H Roundup, and the only one Volunteer Forum plan the activities and workshops. The that was open to all members regard- Massachusetts first hosted the regional objectives of the conference include less of project. The other divisions 4-H Leaders Forum in 1978. Partially providing a regional, hands-on leader- were Baby Beef Show, Dairy Show, funded by the J.C. Penney Company, ship opportunity, creating an awareness and poultry exhibitors and judges. this program provided training for six of different 4-H programs and ideas, Eastern States provided meals and volunteers per state. In 1980, the introducing the New England Land- sleeping quarters for 12 Camp Vail del- event was held in West Virginia. Grant Universities, exploring career egates from each of the six New Connecticut hosted the Forum in 1983 opportunities, and creating new England States. The Camp Vail pro- with a planning committee of 10 friendships. gram centered on exhibits, demonstra- volunteers and one staff member. tions, and other activities in the Boys' Working over a three-year time During 1999 and 2000, members of and Girls' Building. The Country period, the group planned, funded, and the New England 4-H Teen Conference Kitchen, the Farm Shop, the demon- implemented the three-day conference. Planning Committee meet twice and stration platform, and the exhibit Marge LaRoche, Fairfield County, communicated via mail, phone and booths were featured. A dress revue served as the volunteer chair. e-mail to plan and organize the was held each day. The purpose was Connecticut conference. The theme to give the general public more infor- The 1983 regional conference was was Embracing New Horizons which mation on 4-H members and club held in Mystic with 230 delegates from focused on diversity. "Funshops" opportunities. Each Connecticut coun- 12 northeastern states participating. conducted by the 4-H’ers included a ty nominated two boys and two girls The theme was 4-H-Yesterday, Today, current issues forum, team building, for consideration. In the early 1950s, and Tomorrow with workshops on sign language, substance abuse, one 4-H’er remembered participating electronic technology with self assessment, problem solving, and at The Big E for one week instead of microcomputers, life enrichment Irish dancing. IFYE representatives, the current three days of participation through leisure education, Yevhen Chernenko from the Georgia for livestock projects. understanding your community by Republic and Katre Pilvinski from investigating your past, youth with Estonia, talked about their experiences special developmental and social in the United States and life in their needs, management skills to help countries. True Colors conducted a leaders teach through 4-H projects, workshop where gay youths shared and club meetings provide citizenship their personal stories of discrimination development. An afternoon was spent and acceptance, plus answered at Mystic Seaport and an evening at questions. Mystic Aquarium. A successful Chinese Auction raised $1700. The The New England 4-H Teen J.C. Penney Company sponsored the Conference was created by New closing banquet at Seamens Inn in England 4-H’ers as a "back-home" Mystic with the banquet gifts being plan during the 1995 National 4-H small white bells exclusively made by Conference in Washington D.C. Participation of 4-H members in The the Bevins Bell Company. Big E depends on the willingness and generosity of 4-H volunteers. These In 1996, the four-day Forum was held NATIONAL volunteers serve on the New England in Vermont and featured 80 workshops National events, such as 4-H committees that plan and coordinate and tours from animal science, natural Conference, Dairy Conference, and the programs, contests, and exhibits as resources, community service to maple Citizenship Washington Focus are well as chaperone 4-H members while sugaring, nutrition and wellness. often the reward for years of hard staying on the grounds in the Moses Connecticut will once again host the work and learning. Teams for judging Dormitory. Connecticut 4-H members conference in 2003 to be held in contests, including the National Beef participate at The Big E in sheep, Cromwell with Janice Castle, Tolland Judging Team and the 4-H Horse dairy goat, dog, horse, beef, dairy County, serving as volunteer chair. Judging Contest, have an opportunity cattle programs, and with demonstra- to travel and learn together. Adult tions and activity booths in the New New England 4-H Teen volunteers also have opportunities to England Center. In recent years, stage be recognized in the Salute to presentations in the New England Conference The fifth annual New England 4-H Excellence program and the National Center have included dress revue, 4-H Hall of Fame. - 34 - National 4-H Camp Became home state. Connecticut participants National 4-H Conference and their projects were as follows: National 4-H Club Camps' 25th Anniversary was celebrated in 1956. Elsie P. Woolam, Hartford County, Two years later the name was changed (1982) developed a statewide from National 4-H Club Camp to program focused on leader retention National 4-H Conference. The word through improved communications to "Club" was dropped to broaden partici- new leaders and a training pation. Conference, held at the session for adult and teen leaders. National 4-H Center since 1959, was J. Suzanne Larkham, New London designed to reward and develop out- County, (1984) designed a leader standing junior leaders in 4-H work, forum on program planning, club acquaint members with their meetings, county and state events, government, and familiarize record keeping, working with the Washington with 4-H. handicapped, and communications specifically for leaders with five or Larry Pennington, Hartford County, less years in the program. Marjorie remembered being selected to attend in S. Brown, Tolland County, (1986) 1972 and having a chance to meet then conducted a workshop on clothing President Nixon's daughter Julie and textiles, and invented a quiz game Eisenhower during a tour of the White in which 4-H’ers could test their House. He remarked: knowledge of home economics. ______"I was impressed with the character of Thomas Morin, Litchfield County, my fellow 4-H’ers from the other (1987) developed record keeping states. These kids were very articulate National Citizenship Short forms on a computer and distributed and expressive, and I am sure that Course Became Citizenship the floppy discs to state 4-H members many of them are prominent leaders Washington Focus (CWF) and leaders. William D. Lowry, III, today." Training in citizenship and human Middlesex County, (1988) focused on ______relations became an important the development of a "friends" network component of the 4-H program in to establish a new dwarf orchard at the National 4-H Dairy the 1960s. One example was the 4-H Resource Center. Pheobe Snowe, Citizenship Short Course held at the Fairfield County, (1989) wrote a Conference National 4-H Center. Most volunteer manual and developed From the beginning, 4-H dairy projects participants visited their Congressional educational materials for the Kids and have been an integral component of delegation and toured the White Critters program. Each of these the 4-H experience, reflecting the House. This event evolved into individuals added to the strength and importance of the dairy industry to the Citizenship Washington Focus as the quality of the 4-H program. agricultural economy. The National 4-H leadership program for high 4-H Dairy Conference began in school youths, ages 15-19. For 38 National 4-H Hall of Fame Chicago, Illinois in 1955 for the years, CWF has enriched the lives of One hundred people, who have made a purpose of career exploration and for thousands of young people. While significant impact on 4-H at the local, networking with leaders from all staying at the National 4-H Center, state or national level, were the initial aspects of the industry. Connecticut young people gain a broader apprecia- inductees into the National 4-H Hall of first participated in 1958 sending a tion and practice respect for them- Fame on April 11, 2002. The team consisting of William Hopkins, selves and others, increase their com- inductees represented hundreds of New Preston; William Keish, Jr., mitment of citizen involvement, under- thousands of dedicated volunteers and Manchester; and Allen Stickels, Jr., stand the importance of civic and county, state, and national professional Torrington. In the late 1950s, Frank social responsibilities, and practice fit- staff who have helped millions of Atwood was farm program director for ness, and have fun. These experiences young people learn valuable life skills WTIC radio. Through his connections lead to becoming "Better Citizens through 4-H over the past 100 years. with Traveler's Insurance, Frank Today. Better Leaders Tomorrow." The induction ceremony took place at administered a loan program to help the National 4-H Center. 4-H members purchase registered dairy National Salute to heifers which resulted in WTIC Excellence The Centennial Class included 13 4-H sponsoring members to attend the Initiated in 1982 and funded by the pioneers, 29 State Extension Directors, National 4-H Dairy Conference. This R.J. Reynolds Industries, this unique State Program Leaders or State Staff, six ended when the radio station national training program addressed major donors, nine county 4-H agents, discontinued its farm programming in the critical need for recruitment, ten of the founders of the National the mid-1980s. In 1970, the National training, and retention of volunteers. Association of Extension 4-H Agents 4-H Dairy Conference moved to Each state selected one 4-H volunteer (NAE4-HA), 11 long-term volunteers, Madison, Wisconsin. to participate annually in this week- three members of Congress, six National long training session held at the Program Leaders, a songwriter, an National 4-H Center. Participants astronaut, and several very successful selected a project to complete in their businesspeople. - 35 - Among the 100 honorees was Bernice Caravan and IFYE Representatives. CAREER DEVELOPMENT Assard of Bethlehem, leader of the The IFYE Caravan was a group The most powerful testimonials of the Bethlehem Busy Stitchers 4-H Club experience for youths between the ages 4-H program are the impacts of this since 1956. In 46 years, more than of 16 and 20 years of age who lived youth development organization on the 100 girls have benefited from her with host families and became careers of 4-H alumni. Several 4-H tutelage. The club has had as many as acquainted with other languages alumni shared their stories. 30 members in a given year, ranging in through a planned program led by a age from 7 to 19 years. group leader. Initiated in the 1960s by 4-H alumni have commented that the Owen Trask, State 4-H Staff, by 1979, most important thing that their 4-H Every year, her home economics club 19 Connecticut youths had participated leader did was "make them do public embarks on a community service in IFYE Caravan. speaking." Many adult leaders would project. In 2002, they sewed aprons never give a speech themselves, but for a local soup kitchen. Numerous Charles Larson, Hartford County, was know the value of having youth learn young women from her club have been the first Connecticut IFYE delegate to be comfortable expressing selected over the years for Citizenship who went to Denmark in 1948. In the themselves in public. Some alumni Washington Focus, IFYE, and National same year, three IFYEs from France say 4-H public speaking helped them 4-H Congress. and three from Denmark came to stay in school classes and community with families in Connecticut. From groups, in adult life in their career, 1948 to 1958, 18 young men and and in their involvement in community INTERNATIONAL women went to 16 different countries. organizations and committees. International programs allow 4-H During this time 47 foreign youths and young adults to travel and exchangees from 30 countries visited Gloria McAdam said: learn abroad. Youths from other Connecticut. Randolph Whaples ______nations have the opportunity to live organized the State IFYE Committee "I learned public speaking as a 4-H and work in Connecticut, learning which was incorporated in 1953. By member. Now, for my career, I do a about life in an urban state with a 1959, six of the eight counties had great deal of public speaking, and I strong agricultural economy. county committees. By 1979, 63 always credit 4-H with my skill." Connecticut young adults had ______The end of World War II witnessed a participated in the IFYE growing global perspective for the 4-H Representative program in 35 Debra Munson Jamrog remembered program. In 1965, nationally, the first countries. Under the leadership of growing up on a dairy farm in Teen Caravan visited England and the Lonnie Malkus, Extension Livestock Kensington: first IFYE World Alumni Conference Specialist, a two-way exchange was ______was held in Switzerland. In 1971, conducted with Belize in the 1980s. "Being a 4-H’er was a lesson in life International Farm Youth Exchange that was not fully appreciated until I was renamed to International Four-H IFYE representatives have an in-depth got older. The lessons learned have in Youth Exchange. experience in one country. Most many ways made me the person I am IFYEs live and work with host today." To reflect the growing interest in families and are 19-25 years of age. ______global issues, the words "and my IFYEs from other countries also live Sue Blanchette LaTour said: world" were added to the end of the and work with families in Connecticut. ______4-H pledge in 1973, the first change A state committee of IFYE volunteers "I always tell my boys that the only since the pledge was adopted in 1927. raises funds and selects participants. thing I truly wanted to be in life was a In 1978, John Garaventa, Hartford Upon their return to this country, mom. 4-H gave me the foundation, County, participated in the third 4-H IFYEs speak at numerous meetings along with my parents, to teach good Young Agricultural Specialist and schools. These presentations parenting skills and life's lessons. Exchange program. Selected as one of generate additional resources and Without head, heart, hands and health, 12 American delegates, John spent program exposure. you truly have nothing. With your three months in the Soviet Union, head you can make the decision working with farm families on state The Labo International Exchange between right and wrong. You can be a and collective farms. The main Foundation initiated Japanese person of character. With your hands objective of the exchange was to share exchanges in the 1980s for youths ages you can bandage a knee, turn the agricultural technology and increase 12 to 18 years to live and work in the pages of a book, and hug your child. understanding between the two United States. During the 1990s, a With your heart, you can teach them to countries. two week summer exchange with give, to volunteer, to understand the Chihuahua, Mexico was initiated as feeling of accomplishment, to love and Originating in 1948, as the well as a year-long high school be loved. With health, you can show International Farm Youth Exchange exchange. In 2002, the outbound them the way to not only healthy program, IFYE was established on the IFYE delegate from Connecticut will living, but how to care for and respect principle that understanding between live in Estonia while the two inbound ourselves to avoid the risk-taking peoples is the foundation for world IFYEs will be from Greece and lifestyles all around us." peace. IFYE, a people-to-people Austria. Over the years, more than ______program, provided opportunities for 1,000 families in the state have hosted cross-cultural experiences. Two an IFYE for some part of their stay. specific IFYE programs were IFYE - 36 - There are many examples of 4-H demonstrate, support, and train on initiatives to promote knowledge of, marriages. One is the Robert Deming CAD, CAM, and CMS products for and celebration for our diversity. family. Robert wrote: 8 years." ·Expand use of mentoring, work-based ______community-service learning, and tech- "I met my wife of 50 years, Mary nology so that each young person Milner, a long-time 4-H member and reaches his or her potential. the Home Economics Club Agent in THE FUTURE FOR 4-H ·Increase compensation and profes- New Haven County. Our four children sional development opportunities to have all been members of various 4-H meet demand for professional youth clubs as they were growing up. All of Kirvin Knox, Dean and Director development staff. our family has maintained life long (1987-92), noted that: ·Provide training, support, and incen- relationships with 4-H friends we made ______tives to expand quality and many years ago." "One of the greatest satisfactions of number of volunteers needed to fully ______working with 4-H was witnessing the serve America's young people. increased commitment to serving all of ·Maximize resources invested in youth Nancy Deming Squier, Middlesex Connecticut's young people regardless development by creating County, shared that: of their geographic location or ethnic procedures across youth development ______background." organizations and agencies that "My 4-H leader and extra ‘Mom’, ______improve coordination and eliminate Lillian Logan, made me see that every- duplication. one has their own special talent and Impact of the National 4-H that talent, whatever it is, should be Conversation Effort shared with others. My husband Walter The National Conversation on Youth and I are a 4-H marriage, and even Development in the 21st Century was The strength of the 4-H program is the though we do not have 4-H children of an unprecedented series of discussions core foundation of youth members our own, we have a very large 4-H between youths and adults from working with adult volunteers over extended family." around the country to devise ways of time. The biggest challenges to the ______improving urban, suburban, and rural 4-H youth development program in the Margaret Maurice Lettieri, New communities nationwide. The next 100 years will include keeping the London County, remembered that: Conversation's findings are the basis program relevant in rapidly changing ______for an action plan that leverages the times, improving diversity of "4-H taught me responsibility. Each strengths of both youths and adults to participants, and avoiding the and every activity that I engaged in improve communities. A total of 1,200 impression of program duplication. during my 4-H years gradually molded youths and adults representing 600 me into a responsible young adult. organizations participated in the The 4-H youth development program Throughout my 4-H career, I was National Conversation February 28- empowers youths to reach their full always held to the highest standard. March 1, 2002 in Washington D.C. potential, working and learning in However, the level of expectation was partnership with caring adults. May the always adjusted and appropriate to my National Conversation motto of 4-H, To Make the Best Better, age. I learned to be responsible to my Presents Key Findings and the slogan, Learn by Doing, guide community, for myself, and for the ·Involve youth directly in us as we carry the 4-H program to the health of my animal. I entered my adult creating policy and making decisions next 50 years. life, career, and parenthood a more at all levels of government and society. prepared individual due in part to the ·Seek multi-cultural acceptance and life changing experiences provided to unity for all families, lifestyles, and me in the 4-H program. As an adult, I settings. utilize many of the skills I gained and I ·Provide safe and inviting environ- truly believe that I am a more well- ments for a variety of learning rounded person because of the 4-H strategies. SPECIAL APPRECIATION program." To all of the special friends of 4-H ______·Attract and retain exceptional people to the field of youth development. who so freely shared of their memories Kimberly McNabb Cashman, a 4-H Build collaborations among youth and 4-H experiences; current and alumnus remembered that: · former staff and faculty members who ______organizations and across government programs impacting young people. filled in the gaps in our memories; "Some of the other projects we and, with endless gratitude, to all the [brother and I] took included volunteers who make the program embroidery, electronics, baking, and National Conversation work! foods and nutrition. These interests Recommended the led ultimately to studying home eco- Following Actions nomics in college where I earned a ·Establish a National Office of Youth, B.S. and M.S. in Clothing, Textiles, and a National Youth Advocate, or other Fashion Merchandising. I then moved youth advocates within each to central Connecticut to work for federal department or agency. Gerber Garment Technology, using my ·Design programs, educational skills in the garment industry to opportunities, and public relations - 37 - fun, fellowship, and education for everyone. CANR Rouse, W.F. (1980-81, Fall-Winter). 4-H is popular REFERENCES AND Journal. (p.5). Storrs, CT. in Fairfield County schools. Milestones. (p.17). Storrs, CT. CREDITS Gavitt, A.R. (1981-82, Fall-Winter). 4-H program is extended to handicapped youths in New Haven County. Salute to Excellence Projects 1982-1989. Kelsey Whitmore for typing memories, Jenna Castle Milestones. (p.9). Storrs, CT. for scanning photos, Rosalie Narita for her secretarial Seaver, S. (1972, June 28 &1974, January18). support, and Elsie Woolam for her insights. Gavitt, A.R. (1982, Spring-Summer). Four volunteer Interviews with Wilfred B. Young, Dean and Director 4-H leaders are honored. Milestones. (p.16). Storrs, CT. College of Agriculture 1945-1966. Unpublished. An Invitation to the Whole Family. (1958). Windham County. Gavitt, A.R. (1978, December). Four-H'ers observe Seaver S. (1996, May). A History of the Department of state government in action. Milestones. (p.13). Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University Aronson, R. (1967, Spring-Summer). Connecticut's 4-H Storrs, CT. of Connecticut 1920-1979. Storrs, CT. club program. Milestones. (pp.10-12). Storrs, CT. Gavitt, A.R. (1979, December). It's in the air; It's Secretary of the State. Connecticut State Register and Brundage, A.J. & Case, J.R. (1953, June). Forty Years everywhere. Milestones. (p.15). Storrs, CT. Manual 2000. of 4-H Club Work in Connecticut. Storrs, CT: Agricultural Extension Service. Gavitt, A.R. (1978, April). Man to visit Soviet Union Smith, A.T. (2002, August 8). 4-H Youth Development on 4-H exchange program. Milestones. (p.16). Facts in Brief-2002. Washington D.C.: CSREES. Camp Vail, September 19-25, 1926. Leaflet. Storrs, CT. Stemmons, W. (1931). Connecticut Agricultural Camp Vail, Eastern States 4-H Roundup, Gavitt, A.R. (1981-82, Fall-Winter). Master Gardeners College: A History. New Haven, CT: Tuttle, September 17-24, 1949. Unpublished paper. introduce vegetable growing to sixty-two youngsters. Morehouse, & Taylor Company. Milestones. (p.8). Storrs, CT. Citizenship Washington Focus Website Stemmons, W. (1945, June). Miss Trabue Sees it www.cwf.n4h.org Gavitt, A.R. (1981, Spring-Summer). Seven 4-H Through. Unpublished. leaders receive awards. Milestones. (p.11). Storrs, CT. Colavito Markesich, K. (1995, September-October). Talmadge, D.W. (1974-75, Fall-Winter). Chick Teen Conference. CANR Journal (p.3). Storrs, CT. Gavitt, A.R. (1980-81, Fall-Winter). State 4-H fashion incubation and embryology in the schools. Milestones. revue finalists. Milestones. (p.17). Storrs, CT. (pp.8-9). Storrs, CT. Connecticut Agricultural Extension Service. (1951, January). Helps for 4-H Leaders. Bulletin 428. Gavitt, A.R. (1979, May). The 4-H international United States Department of Agriculture. (1976, May- Storrs, CT. program. Milestones. (p.6). Storrs, CT. June). Extension Service Review.

Connecticut Cooperative Extension System Financial Gavitt, A.R. (1997, July-August-September). Thousands United States Department of Agriculture. (1980, April). Records 1952-1953. Unpublished. learn about food production at the 4-H Farm Resource National 4-H Camps/Conferences: Expanding horizons Center. CANR Journal. (p.3). Storrs, CT. for 50 years. Connecticut Cooperative Extension System. (1934-35). Connecticut Four-Leaf Clover Newsletter. Gavitt, A.R. (1980, June). Tornado destroys 4-H Fair Valiquette, E. (1999, January-February-March). 4-H but not 4-H spirit. Milestones. (p.12). Storrs, CT. creates youth entrepreneurs. CANR Journal. (p.3). Connecticut Cooperative Extension Service (1963). Storrs, CT. Key Award Directory. Storrs, CT: College of Gavitt, A.R. (1981-82, Fall-Winter). Weiss cited by 4-H Agriculture. group. Milestones. (p.16). Storrs, CT. Weiss, N.P. (1981-82, Fall-Winter). Double Dutch means double fun. Milestones. (p.8). Storrs, CT. Connecticut Cooperative Extension Service. (1987-88). Gavitt, A.R. (1979, May). Women cited for 4-H X-10 Extension Bulletins. Storrs, CT. leadership. Milestones. (p.5). Storrs, CT. Weiss, N.P. (1980-81, Fall-Winter). 4-H jumps into Double Dutch. Milestones. (p.16). Storrs, CT. Czajkowski, J.M. (1966, Spring-Summer). Connecticut Gavitt, A.R. (1980, June). Youth wins national 4-H 4-H program for improving fitness of youth. safety scholarship. Milestones. (p.13). Storrs, CT. Wessel, T. & Wessel, M. (1982). 4-H: An American Milestones. (p.5-6). Storrs, CT. Idea 1900-1980: A History of 4-H. Chevy Chase, MD: Hartford County 4-H Camp: Celebrating 30 years of National 4-H Council. Dworken, B.S. (1994, September-October). State 4-H 4-H camping. (1995, September 2-3). camping program promotes learning for living through Westelinck, K.A. (1980, June). Urban success story: education and recreation. CANR Journal. Head, Heart, Hands, and Health: Watchword of much Growing vegetables. Milestones. (p.12). Storrs, CT. (p.8). Storrs, CT. of nation's youth. (1962, March 4). Norwich Bulletin. Windham County Agricultural Center Dedication 4-H Centennial website Katzin, J., Krebser, H.A., & Dudley, G. (1989). History Program. (undated). www.4hcentennial.org/history of Litchfield County 4-H Foundation. Windham County Deed 4-H Fair History (1985). Hartford County. Kinsman, D. M. (undated). A History of the Animal Science Department of the University of Connecticut. Windham County Farmers' Association 25 Years of Gagnon, A. (1997). Eastern States Exposition 1916- Service to Agriculture Programs. (1940). 1996: An Illustrated History at 75 Years. Litchfield County 4-H Clubs. (1929). Booklet. W. Springfield. MA: Eastern States Exposition. Torrington, CT: Blass & Weller.

Gavitt, A.R. (1978, April). A memorial for Miss Elsie Litchfield County Agricultural Center, Inc. Trabue. Milestones. (p.12). Storrs, CT. (1951). Booklet.

Gavitt, A.R. (1978, April). CL&P cited for thirty years McGinley, M. (1980, June). Six 4-H leaders are given of service to 4-H. Milestones. (p.13). Storrs, CT. awards. Milestones. (p.13). Storrs, CT. Gavitt, A.R. (1970, Spring-Summer). Connecticut 4-H National 4-H Club Magazine. (1930). fund officers review progress. Milestones. (p.14). Storrs, CT. National 4-H Council. (undated). 4-H Salute to Excellence. Gavitt, A.R. (1978, April). Connecticut youth attends commodity marketing symposium in Chicago. Nelson, C. (1978). Report on the Auer Farm. Milestones. (p.13). Storrs, CT. Unpublished. Gavitt, A.R. (1981, Spring-Summer). 4-H award to Niederwerfer, F., Riendeau, J., Vredenburg, A., & Carmen Burrows. Milestones. (p.11). Storrs, CT. Person, R. (2002). 60 Years of Tolland County 4-H Fair History. Vernon, CT. Gavitt, A.R. (1999, January-February-March). 4-H: 84 years of service to youth and still growing. CANR Journal. (p.8). Storrs, CT. Reck, F.M. (1951). The 4-H Story: A History of 4-H Club Work. Ames, IA: The Iowa State College Press. Gavitt, A.R. (1963, Fall). 4-H in the city? New Haven youngsters say YES. Milestones. (p.8-9). Storrs, CT. Rideout, A. (2002). Reflections on the Connecticut 4-H Program, 1978-92. Unpublished. Gavitt, A.R. (1996, November-December). 4-H offers - 38 - “4-H has been the greatest influence in my life and has shaped me into what I am. Through 4-H, I have learned communication, organization, and leadership skills. I have learned how to communicate with peers and people of various ages in and outside of 4-H. When I was younger, I was shy and not always confident, however, I have matured and now can start a conversation with just about anyone. The organizational skills help me everyday of my life. Leadership skills have made me a more confident and respected leader in 4-H and my community.

The motto of 4-H is “To Make the Best Better” which means that 4-H’ers respect themselves and others in an attempt to make a better world. They work to the best of their ability and always lend a helping hand to anyone. They improve themselves while improving the world around them. I am honored to be a part of 4-H.”

Kara Forman Hartford County 4-H Member 2002 Delegate to National 4-H Conference

- 39 - The 4-H Pledge I pledge: my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service and my Health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world. Motto To Make the Best Better Adopted 1927 Slogan Learn by Doing

4-H colors Green and white The white symbolized purity and the green is nature's most common color in the great outdoors, emblematic of springtime, life and youth.

4-H Centennial Logo

State 4-H Office Litchfield County Extension Center New London County Extension Center University of Connecticut 843 University Drive 562 New London Turnpike 1376 Storrs Road, Unit 4134 Torrington, CT 06790-2635 Norwich, CT 06360-6599 Storrs, CT 06269-4134 Phone: 860-626-6240 Phone: 860-887-1608 Phone: 1-888-FOUR-H-CT FAX: 860-626-6897 FAX: 860-886-1164 FAX: 860-486-0264 www.canr.uconn.edu/ces/fourh Middlesex County Extension Center Tolland County Extension Center 1066 Saybrook Road 24 Hyde Avenue Fairfield County Extension Center Box 70 Vernon, CT 06066-4599 67 Stony Hill Road Haddam, CT 06438-0070 Phone: 860-875-3331 Bethel, CT 06801-3056 Phone: 860-345-4511 FAX: 860-875-0220 Phone: 203-207-8440 FAX: 860-345-3357 FAX: 203-207-3273 Windham County Extension Center New Haven County Extension Center 139 Wolf Den Road Hartford County Extension Center 305 Skiff Street Brooklyn, CT 06234-1729 1800 Asylum Avenue North Haven, CT 06473-4451 Phone: 860-774-9600 West Hartford, CT 06117-2600 Phone: 203-407-3161 FAX: 860-774-9480 Phone: 860-570-9010 FAX: 203-407-3176 FAX: 860-570-9008

2013 marks the Centennial Celebration of Connecticut 4-H. Have a memory you would like to share? Please feel free to send it to the State 4-H Office.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kirklyn M. Kerr, Director, University of Connecticut, Storrs.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, Stop Code 9410, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964.

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