Help Us Dig Into Story County 4-H History

Thank you to Carolyn Manning for sharing this with us.  You can learn more about the history of 4-H in Story County, Iowa here.

Help us Dig into 4-H History

Shared with Story County Historical Alliance, 4/11/15

In 1940, the present fair grounds became the home for the Story County 4-H Fair.  That has been 75 years of outstanding youth and excellent projects.  We have much to celebrate at this year’s youth fair.

Story County families have lots of 4-H history in their families.  Who do you know that have several generations of 4-H’ers in their family?  Please let them know that the 4-H History Committee would love to hear their story.  

When you are exploring your family history, keep the “4-H’ers in Action” photo classes in mind.  There are 4-H classes plus open classes for any adult or youth to enter.  You can enter a photo of any 4-H’er in action, past or present.  You can enter a photo of a grandparent when they were an active 4-Her.  There is a special class for any 4-H photos taken at the 1940 Fair.  There will be cash prizes.  Questions?  Ask JoAnn Blanchard (515-290-1294).

We will honor individuals who have shown the Grand Champion Market Steers since 1940.  This will be part of the 4-H Reunion on July 26.  While our list has been growing, we still need names and addresses of those in1988, 1996 - 1999 and 2005.  If you know anyone of these, please share name and address with Michelle Gibson (Phone: 515-450-4329).

The collection of county fair books from the 1940s to today is nearly complete.  Missing books range from 1941 – 1945 plus 1947 and 1958.  Record books and historian books are good places to look.  Fair books may be left at the Extension Office for the 4-H History Committee.

We are also searching for more photos taken at the 1940 county Fair.  These would be put in a Fair History notebook.  Any help you can give us will be greatly appreciated.  See you at the 75-Year Celebration at the 2015 Story County Youth Fair.

Mark your Calendar………

Story County Youth Fair - July 25 – 29, Fairgrounds, Nevada

4-H Reunion – Sunday, July 26, 2-4 PM, Christy 4-H Hall, Nevada

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The Story County 4-H History Committee is a group of volunteers who have supported the preservation of the Story County 4-H History.  4-H is part of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Story County, which is located at 220 H Avenue Box 118, Nevada, Iowa 50201.

Contact:  Carolyn Manning, 211 Valley View Circle, Nevada, Iowa 50201 (515-382-6616)

Other Committee Members:

Evelyn Beavers, Ames   515-292-7025

JoAnn Blanchard, Nevada   515-290-1294

Marlys Cooper, Ames     515-450-4676

Mary deBaca, Huxley    515-597-2727

Ralph Manning, Nevada    515-382-6616

Linda Meyers, Story City    515-733-4577

Bob Nervig, Ankeny    515-257-4850

Shirley Pilgrim   515-382-2740