What is 4-H and Why is it Part of the Fair?

4-H is a national organization which helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become productive citizens. It also helps youth meet the diversities and challenges of today's society. Youth and adults work together to design programs that will teach skills for living. 4-H reaches people in their own neighborhoods with programs and activities suited to their needs, and helps build a stronger bond between family members.

The 4-H program is a voluntary, non-formal, educational program offered to all boys and girls regardless of race, color, national origin, place of residence, or disability. The Illinois 4-H program is conducted by University of Illinois Extension. Lawrence 4-H programs are directed by professional Extension staff, and a great group of trained, dedicated volunteers who work with 4-H members.

4-Hers learn about citizenship, leadership, cooking, arts and crafts, mechanics and technology, horticulture, agriculture, and many other subjects through hands-on instruction with lots of encouragement. Each member selects 4-H projects according to individual interests and abilities. 4-H projects offer a practical, but challenging, planned course of activity on a specific subject. Participants learn to set goals and evaluate progress, and the skills and knowledge gained in the process prepare them for future education and work opportunities. Each summer, 4-Hers bring their projects to theLawrence County 4-H Fair for evaluation. Evaluation helps members assess their knowledge, skills, and attitudes in order to build on strengths and overcome weaknesses. The fair showcases their many skills and abilities, and ratings and ribbons on projects demonstrate the standards met for project exhibit requirements. Entries in many categories have the option to exhibit at the State Fair.

The first 4-H club in Lawrence County was orgainized in 1923. A group of young people on Allison Prairie formed the first club with Miss Rose Gerhart as leader. Miss Martha Crews and Mrs. H.C. Wheeler, wife of the first farm adviser in the county, helped get the club started.

H.C. Wheeler served as farm advisor from 1920-1949, retiring Jan 1, 1950. During his tenure many agriculture and home economic clubs were formed.

Several people assisted the farm advisor with 4-H work during the years. It is believed that Grace Schrader started the first girls club. H.R. Plue was assistant club leader in 1929-30 six monthes in Lawrence County and six months in Richland County. Then there were 14 clubs with 55 boys and 46 girls enrolled. In 1930-31 T.A. Birkmier worked during the summer months as an assistant, helping 77 boys and 135 girls in 4-H clubs.

In 1944 Home Bureau was organized in Lawrence County and Mary Kitchens became Home Advisor. Girls then became more active in 4-H as Home Bureau units helped with clubs.

The 4-H Fairs were held many years in Bridgeport Park. In 1970, Lawrence county advisors, 4-H members and leaders saw a need for a 4-H Junior Fair Center. Land was bought in April, 1970. 4-H Clubs raised $6000 for the ground. The famous Chicken BBQ funds were used. A fund raising drive was launched --a goal to raise $50,000. In October, 1972, a steel building was build with help of a Vincennes Firm. In July of 1973, the first fair was held at the new 4-H Center.

Farm Advisors in Lawrence County:

• H.C. Wheeler (1920 - 1950)
• Lyle D Kerley (1950 - 1953)
• Hugh Livesay (1953 - 1979)
• Dave Shue (1979 - 1982)
• Ron Waldrop (1982-Present) (Now County Director)

Home Advisors in Lawrence County:

• Mary Kitchens (1945- 1947)
• Margaret Bunyan (1947 - 1954)
• Mildred Nuttall (1954 - 1961)
• Marion Paddick (1961-1970)
• Sue Hough (1970 - 1973)
• Cheryl Parker ( 1973 - 1974)
• Nancy Miller (1975 - 1976)
• Judy Smith (1976 - 1986)
• Michelle Saxon (1987 - 1988)
• Donna Kaufmann (1989- 1992)

Community Workers in Lawrence County:

• Helen Foster (1992 - 1993)
• Jane Inyart (1993 - Present)
  

The unsung heroes are the adult leaders, some of them mothers and fathers, who meet with young people throughout the year and keep interest in 4-H high.

So while you and your family enjoy the many activities at this year's 4-H Fair, you are all helping us carry on this great Lawrence County tradition.

The Lawrence County 4-H Show is July 24-August 1, 2008.