Kansas 4-H Youth Development

4-H's First Decade
1902-1912

In 1907 or 1908, the first emblem used nationally was designed by O. H. Benson as a three-leaf clover. It stood for head, heart, and hands. In 1911, Benson suggested that the fourth H should be hustle, and the 4-H design was adopted. Later
O. B. Martin suggested that health replace hustle. The 4-H emblem has stood for head, heart, hands, and health ever since.

4-H'er of the Early 1900's
In 1902, A. B. Graham, Superintendent of Schools in Clark County, Ohio, organized a boys' and girls' agricultural club in Springfield Township. Activities included growing corn, planting a garden, testing soil, and club meetings.

Canning Club 1916- In 1910, Marie Cromber of Aiken County, South Carolina, organized the first canning club in that state. 46 young women each planted one-tenth of an acre of tomatoes using materials furnished by the USDA. Above photo shows a canning club instructor demonstrating cold-pack canning to the local team and local leader. Notice the canning  club aprons.
 

           Pile of corn - Virginia 1912
With corn club work spreading to many states, some groups produced astonishing results using methods developed at land-grant colleges. Marius Malgren of Hickory, VA raised 209 bushels of corn on one acre of his father's farm in 1912, when national corn yields averaged only 45 bushels per acre. Such results were used by county agents to
demonstrate new techniques of corn production to adult farmers.