Holly Merritt Presents Past, Present and Future of 4-H to Allison Lions

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Pictured here is Holly Merritt, ISU Butler Co. Extension Youth Coordinator, showing uniforms, at the top this uniform was worn by 4-H girls in the 40’s and early 50’s. Uniform on left was worn by 4-H girls in the late 50’s & 60’s. The additional photo shows a girls uniform worn in the 70’s and the t-shirt has been worn by both 4-H boys and girls since about 1985.
Holly pointed out that Iowa 4-H began in Wright & Page Counties. Boys were enrolled primarily in corn & livestock clubs, with girls in sewing, gardening and food preparation clubs.
The term 4-H was officially adopted in 1924 with a three leaf clover. Later the fourth leaf was added & Head, Hand Heart & Health became the 4-H Motto.
The first documented 4-H Club in Butler County was in 1925. By the 1930’s there were 18 township clubs with 160 members. The largest enrollment was in the 1960’s with nearly 500 were enrolled. There are currently 16 clubs with 32 volunteer leaders in Butler County.
Read the full article in the January 26 edition of the papers.

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