The Midland Journal

National 4-H Club Week Recalls State History

National 4-H Club Week, March 3 to 11, recalls some interesting highlights in the history of 4-H Club work in Maryland. A glance at the growth and achievements of club work since its beginning in the state reveals the steadying influence it has had in the development of Maryland youth and the important part it has played in rural community life. Mylo S. Downey and Dorothy Emerson, state 4-H club agents at the University of Maryland, bring out the following facts:

Club work was started in the state in 1915 under the direction of Reuben Brigham, now assistant director of Extension for the U. S. Department of Agriculture. During the succeeding two years, he laid a foundation in policy and practice which has resulted in an increasingly active organization in the state. R. F. McHenry filled this place from 1917 to 1919 at which time E. G. Jenkins, known as "Daddy" to thousands of 4-H clubers over the past 25 years, started a long period of service, ending with his resignation in 1942, that saw club work grow to its present prominent place in Maryland rural life.

In the past two decades, enrollment in 4-H clubs throughout the state has grown from 1,876 in 1924 to almost 11,000 last year. Four-H clubers are proposing a 10 per cent increase, to 12,000 this year.

In a letter addressed to all 1,700,000 of the Nation's 4-H'ers, commending them for their war services, and urging renewed efforts this year, President Franklin D. Roosevelt says:

"Final victory of our armed forces is still to be attained. Your efforts must be carried forward with even more momentum in 1945. To this end may National 4-H Club Week, March 3 to 11, result in a rededication by all 4-H Club members of their heads, hearts, hands and health to fullhearted endeavor in all that makes for victory. Such rededication is significant, especially in this crucial war year 1945."