History of 4-H in Pennsylvania
O. H. Benson started the foundation for present day 4-H club work in rural schools in 1900. Benson later moved to Gettysburg, PA, where his daughter still lives. He was the county school superintendent in Wright County, Iowa, and sought ways to revitalize the rural school program after surveying the students and learning 90 percent intended to leave the farm. He wanted a program emphasizing the advantages of rural life.
Rural Life Day (4-H Round-up)
In several places across the country, garden seeds, seed corn, and flower seeds were distributed to school students. The students planted their seeds and tended their crops and gardens. In the fall, at rural life day programs the products grown by the students were exhibited and prizes for the best specimens were awarded.
Smith-Lever Act
As these school clubs progressed assistance was given by various
state agricultural colleges and experiment stations. This gradually led to the
association of agricultural colleges. The Smith-Lever Act was passed by Congress
in 1914, providing for federal and state funds to be used jointly for
agricultural and home economics Extension work, including work with boys and
girls in rural areas. This made national 4-H club work become an activity of the
land grant colleges.
Early records indicate 4-H originated in Pennsylvania
in Mercer County. The first 4-H club met in the Courthouse at Mercer under the
leadership of Charles G. McBride, Extension Agent.
4-H Symbol
The national 4-H symbol is a 4-leaf clover signifying good luck and success. The 4-H club symbol was designated by O.H. Benson when given a bouquet of 4-leaf clovers by a group of rural school students. He later added an H on each leaf of the clover representing the objectives: of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. It is for boys and girls 8 thru 19 years of age.
Program Focus
Today one of the emphases 4-H puts into local clubs work is nutrition to improve individual health. Community development/citizenship programs teach young people how to work with adults to become useful citizens, Consumer Education Programs, opportunities for career exploration and providing for leisure education are components of the 4-H club experience. Other project involvement help young people develop various manual skills and aid in the development of essential life skills.
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University 4-H Youth Division of Cooperative Extension is responsible for planning, organizing and supervising the work throughout the state. County extension agents supervise 4-H in the individual counties.
Leader
An adult leader is chosen to supervise the 4-H activity. The local leaders guide the members and are the contact with the county Extension agent.
Recent Developments
Urban 4-H was experimented with in the 1960's to meet the needs of youth especially low income. A program was established in 1972 by the U.S. Congress which provided special funds to intensify the work with low-income and minority youth.
Adapted from 4-H in Pennsylvania
by Jerry H.
Reyburn
