1986 -

July 2, 1862 - "Morrill Act" to establish our Land Grant colleges (A&M, Mississippi State, Mississippi State University).  A&M College began in 1878.

1886 -

Seaman A. Knapp started the Farmer's Cooperative Demonstrations at Lake Charles, Louisiana (Knapp, 1833-1911).

1905 -

Mississippi Farm Demonstrators began.  They were:  W.M. Bamberg, Natchez; col. W.R. Beatty, Greenville; and Col. J.E. Adgert and A.S. Meharg, Grenada.  Seaman A. Knapp is the Farther of Cooperative Extension work.

1906 -

Dr. Seaman A. Knapp attends meeting, A&M College about youth and adult work.

1907 -

December 11, 1907 - William Hall "Corn Club" Smith, cooperating with Mississippi A&M College and Seaman A. Knapp, USDA, Washington, D.C., became the first individual and Mississippi the first state to have their Rural Youth Organization, sponsored by the federal government.  He was paid $1 per year and franking privileges.  This began in Lexington, Holmes County, under the USDA Callaborator Smith and County Agent W.B. Lundy, with 120 boys in the Corn Club, producing a high yield of 120 bushels of 1 acre.  October 1907, 82 of 120 boys exhibited their corn at the County Fair in Lexington.

H.D. Tate, J.W. Willis and R.S. Wilson were added to the Farm Demonstration work in Mississippi.

1908 -

First Poultry Club began in Lee County.  Mississippi Legislature passed bill to employ county agents.  R.S. Wilson appointed State Agent.

1909 -

P.P. Garner, first State Boys Club Leader.  Cull a. Cobb, succeeded Mr. Garner in charge of Boys Club work (1909-1919) - a strong supporter of 4-H and MSU, now living in Decatur, Georgia (1973).

D.C. Lundy, winner of trip to Washington, D.C., on corn production.

1910 -

Cully A. Cobb appointed State Corn Club Agent.  First Pig Club organized in Oktibbeha County by Hugh Critz and W.H. Miller.

Carmack Deaton, Tishomingo County, produced 153 bushels of corn on 1 acre - South's Champ.  (Award:  stalk cutter, silver pitcher and certificate from Governor Noel.)

1911 -

In January, Dr. S.A. Knapp appointed Susie V. Powell, school teacher, USDA representative to organize Tomato Clubs.  She was given the franking privilege plus $1 per year salary.  She began in Copiah and Lincoln Counties.  The girls planted 1/10 of an acre each.  The three 4-H's began (Head, Heart and Hands).  She was the first State Girls Leader.  Mississippi Legislature passed bill to employ Home Demonstration Agents.  First Chicken Club exhibits at Oktibbeha County Fair and received awards.

1912 -

Five (5) Copiah County club girls won bronze medals at National Canning record winners.  George Hightower, Lee County Superintendent of Education, was presented a Ford car by C.A. Cobb, State Club Agent, for the best club program in the state.  The Fair Association served as the donor.

1913 -

M.M. Hubert, Jeff Davis County Agent, was the beginning of Negro Extension Service work.  Retired June 30, 1952.

T.M. Campbell, first Southern Field Agent to work with Negro agents - (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas) promoted club work, etc.

1914 -

"Smith-Lever Act" passed to establish the Agricultural Extension Service in connection with the Land Grant Colleges.  First Beef Club began in Covington County (Supt. Bura Hilbun).  4-Leaf clover design was adopted by S.C. State Club Leader.

C.A. Cobb, W.H. Kendrick and H.H. Williamson were the first committee to develop a State Club Program.

George E. Farrell of Cook County, Illinois became the second federal staff club assistant to join O.H. Benson in Washington, D.C.

1915 -

July 1, 1915, first Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service Director, E.R. Lloyd.  He was also Director of Experiment Station.

Livestock judging began (F.W. Farley, Extension Animal Husbandry).

R.R. Ritch, County Agent in Yazoo County, had Honorable John Sharp Williams present first checks to boys and girls for pigs in cooperative sale.  (First pigs shipped out of a county).

M.M. Hubert was appointed District Agent for Negro work on September 16.

1916 -

The first State Boys' Livestock Judging Contest was held.  (7,700 white and 1,000 black members enrolled.)

1917 -

"Mississippi Club Boys" was first club paper printed in Mississippi (C.A. Cobb).

Miss Gertrude Warren joined Benson and Farrell in club work, Washington, D.C.

Mrs. Alice Carter Oliver became the first Negro Home Demonstration Agent in Mississippi.  Her salary was $1 per year with the use of franking privileges.

1918 -

State Junior Farm Mechanics Short Course at A&M College for boys.  First special train was organized by county agent, W.C. "Bill" Mims, Union County.  It ran from New Albany to Starkville.

C.H. Wilkes was first State Negro Boys' Club Agent (August 1).

1919 -

James E. Tanner was the first State Agent, Boys' 4-H work (1919-1942) (White and Negro) (December 1).
R.S. Wilson appointed second Extension Service Director (January 1).

First annual club tour, International Livestock Exposition, Chicago for 40 boys and girls (forerunner of National 4-H Congress).

1920 -

In October (Atlanta, Georgia) the Mississippi 4-H Livestock Judging team placed second in competition for a trip to the Royal Show, Derby, England.  E.W. Lyons, Jones County, and Myers McDougal of Prentiss County, members of the team became Rhodes Scholars.  Lyons was president of Pamona Woman's College.  Eugene Ferris of Marshall County became a famous surgeon in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Myers McDougal, Prentiss County graduated from Yale in the School of Law.

Aubrey McLemore of Lauderdale County was alternate on the team and became President of Mississippi College and authored many books.

James Robert Jackson was appointed Negro Boys' Club agent on February 21 (Second) and resigned December 31.

First Cotton Club began in Monroe County by J.E. Tanner.

1921 -

The first county camp was held in Waltham County at Conerly's Mill Site on Magee's Creek.  Mr. Fred Hurst was county agent.

First Negro District Short Course was held at Utica Institute.

1922 -

The 4-H motto, "To Make the Best Better" and the meaning of each "H" was adopted by the State 4-H Leaders.

G.C. Cypress served as Negro Boys' Club agent from February 21 to August 27, 1955.  He was the third State Negro Boys' Club agent.

The first National 4-H congress was held in Chicago, Illinois.  The director was Guy Noble, National 4-H Committee for Boys and Girls, Chicago, Illinois.  Guy Noble served 1921-1958.  He died September 22, 1968.

1923 -

Elaine Massey was the first Girls' 4-H Club agent (1923-1942).

Gladys Hughes of Sunflower County was the first National Health Winner from Mississippi and attended the Second National 4-H Club congress in Chicago, Illinois.

There were 400 boys exhibiting and participating in contests at the State Fair in Jackson.

1924 -

First State 4-H Club congress was held at A&M College, Starkville.  4-H Band started in Neshoba County, known as the Bassett Band.  A.D. Bassett was the leader.  Clarence Posey of Neshoba County began his boxing career as a 4-H member at the State 4-H Club Congress (A&M College) by knocking out the college conference champion.  He boxed as a professional with a cloverleaf on his trunks and was known as "4-H Posey."

Boys and girls first joint short course at A&M College.

First 4-H Minstrel was presented at Cleveland School in Kemper County, directed by County Agent J.K. Morgan, Sr.  The proceeds financed their community fair.

M.M. Bedenbaugh, Prentiss County Agent, transported the first truck load of 4-H boys to A&M College.

1925 -

The most outstanding 4-H family for trip winners to National 4-H events went to the W.A. Smith family of Union, Neshoba County; 1925 - Farland; 1929 - Ross; 1940 - Sarah; 1945 - Marilyn; and 1949 - Janice.  Their mother and dad served as volunteer 4-H leaders for more than 30 years.

1926 -

First County 4-H Orchestra was organized in Lee County by Mrs. A.G. Hamilton, wife of county agent, with 20 members.  Instruments and uniforms were purchased by business people.

The same county (Lee) organized the first 4-H Baseball Club by County agent A.G. Hamilton.

1927 -

Began the first National 4-H Camp in Washington, D.C., held in tents, conducted by Miss Gertrude Warren and F.E.S. Youth Director, George Farrell.

First Negro State 4-H Short Course was held at Jackson College (297 members attended).

The four-leaf clover (Head, Heart, Hands and Health) was adopted at National 4-H Camp.  (Design was approved in 1914.)

Spring of 1927, 4-H members assisted and aided Mississippi River Flood Emergency.

1928 -

"Capper-Ketchum Act" was passed to further develop Extension (4-H).  Eighty percent of funds to be used in the counties.

The first county 4-H Junior Council was organized in Clay County.

John A. Wallace, Negro County Agent in Humphreys County, served for 39 years (1928-1967).

1929 -

January 1, J.D. Sykes, Poultry Specialist, started a well-balanced 4-H Poultry Program.

1930 -

The first State 4-H Junior Council was organized during State 4-H Club Congress.  J.P. Coleman of Choctaw County was the first president.

L.A. Olson was appointed the third Extension Service Director.

1931 -

Ross Smith, Neshoba County, won $500 4-H Achievement Scholarship.

1932 -

Ozie Bell Garrett, Madison County, received all-expense trip to Washington, D.C. to speak on Negro 4-H work over NBC Radio Station, September 21, during Land-Grant College hour.

1933 -

R.E. Waters, Dairy Specialist, placed special emphasis on 4-H Pasture and Dairy work.

1934 -

The first 4-H Wildlife Training Camp for 4-H Agents was held at Kickapoo Lake, Hinds County, to teach Wildlife Conservation.  (George McCullough)

1935 -

"Bankhead-Jones Act" - additional funds to carry research information to the farms and homes.

J.R. Ricks was appointed the fourth Extension Service Director.

1936 -

C.R. Ashford began 4-H Soil and Water Conservation Program.

1937 -

August 11-13 - The first State 3-H Conservation Camp was held at the Gulf Coast Military Academy, Gulfport, Sponsored by the Federal Cartridge Company (C.L. Horn).

E.H. White was appointed the fifth Extension Service Director.

October 12, the first state-wide 4-H parade was conducted in Jackson during 4-H Day at State Fair.  There were 300 boys and girls in 4-H uniform participating in the parade.  The 4-H float won first place.  Jim Tanner was State Boys 4-H Club Leader.

1938 -

The State 4-H float won first place at the State Fair in Jackson on "4-H Day."

1939 -

Negro Extension workers with 4-H increased from 4 (1913) to 71 (1938).

1940 -

Fertilizers were allocated to 4-H'ers on Unit Test Demonstration Farms.

Mississippi participated in the first National Junior Vegetable Growers Association which was organized in 1935.  (Chesley Hines)

1941 -

L.I. Jones was appointed the sixth Extension Service director.

1942 -

July 1, H.S. "Major" Johnson, became the first State 4-H Club Leader (boys and girls).  (July 1, 1942 - June 30, 1949).  Extension tenure:  January 1, 1924 - March 14, 1952.

The State Adult 4-H Leaders' organization began at State College, during State 4-H Club Congress.  Mack Rowzee of Sunflower County was the first president (men and women).  T.A. Erickson, State 4-H Club Leader (Ret.) Minnesota, was a special guest.

1943 -

S.S. - R.S. Wilson Ship, named for former Extension Director (1919-1930) was christened at Pascagoula.  4-H members, Joe Mary Smith of Carriere and Harold Coleman, Shuqualak were in the ceremony.  Launched February 4, 1944.

1944 -

The State 4-H Advisory Council was organized in Mississippi with Supt. J.S. Vandivere the first president (18 members).  H.S. Johnson was the State 4-H Club Header.  Hon. John C. Stennis was the second president (August 23).

1945 -

During State 4-H Club Congress, a memorial program was presented and a portrait of W.H. "Corn Club" Smith was presented to Mississippi State College.

The State 4-H Club Roundup began in Jackson, sponsored by the Agricultural Committee, Jackson Chamber of Commerce and Mississippi Power and Light Company, (district and state 4-H record winners).  Hon. Jasper Lowe, Secretary Jackson Chamber of Commerce and Major H.S. Johnson, State 4-H Club Leader, gave the leadership for this special 4-H event.

The first Negro State 4-H Club Roundup was held in Jackson with the same donors.

The first county 4-H Fair was organized by Assistant County Agent Claude Ming of Winston County.  (Owned and operated by 4-H).  4-H members contributed to every request in an all-out effort to win World War II.

"Bankhead-Flannegan Act" - additional funds for county Extension work.

1946 -

4-H members collected two shiploads of cattle and sent to Greece.  Mr. Bob Coman, Copiah County Agent, accompanied the ship and witnessed the presentation.

Frenchman Davis of Pearl River County was Mississippi's first sheep sheerer to participate in the National Contest in Chicago.

Mrs. Virlie M. Lindsey, first State 4-H Club Agent for Negro girls, was employed (March 1).

1947 -

April 14-28, 1947 - A special Illinois Central Railroad Company 4-H club train moved over the state loaded with 4-H exhibits.  Adult leaders and 4-H members served as hosts and hostesses throughout the tour.

The United Gas Pipeline Company began sponsoring the State 4-H Leadership Conference in June.  (Donor name changed to Pennzoil United, Inc., 1967).

James Spell, Marion County, was Mississippi's first National Production and Marketing Winner (N.J.V.G.A.).

1948 -

November 30, 1948 at national 4-H congress, "A Place in the Sun" was introduced and dedicated to 4-H by Fred Waring of Pennsylvania and his orchestra.

March 10, 1948 was the first issue of "Mississippi 4-H Club News."

James Spell, Marion County was Mississippi's first National President of National Junior Vegetable Growers Association.  He later became a M.D. and Surgeon in Jackson.  (1953-Joyce Young, Quitman County)

1949 -

January 26, Ed Fulton, President State 4-H Advisory Council and H.S. Johnson appointed a committee to develop and launch the 4-H club Foundation of Mississippi, Inc.  The committee:  J.D. Davis, S.C. Meisberg, Ed Fulton and Will Montgomery.

Three (3) 4-H members of Washington County sheered 2,500 sheep at 50 cents per head and entered college on this income (Bobby Davis, Pat Gibson, and James Nerren).

4-H member Gerald Richardson of Choctaw County received the first Senator John Stennis $2,100 Fellowship to George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

John Yarbrough, Pickens, Holmes County was the first 4-H talent selected to appear on the U.S. Rubber Breakfast Program (Share-the-Fun) during National 4-H Congress.  He presented classical, semi-classical and "Boogie Woogie" piano selections.  He played with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra.

January 25, 1949 - Jackie Rogers of Covington County was the first Mississippi Sweet Potato Queen and was crowned by Governor Fielding Wright.

Quitman County was the first to raise their quota of $886 toward the 4-H Training Center goal.

The Sears Foundation 4-H Poultry Chain started in 1949 with three counties.  In 22 years 13,590 members received $87,363.50 in premiums with pullet sales of $220,807.20.

July 1, R.O. Monosmith became State 4-H Club Leader (July 1, 1949 - August 18, 1953).

H.S. "Major" Johnson became Administrative Assistant (4-H Camps).  He was in charge of securing sites and constructing 4-H camps at Sardis Lake, Ocean Springs, and Flora Parrish - (August 1, 1949 - May 1, 1951).

1950 -

The Mississippi 4-H All-Star organization was begun by Miss Blanche Goad, advisor, and was accepted into the national organization during the annual conference in Knoxville, Tennessee.

October 12, 1950, the "4-H club Foundation of Mississippi, Inc." was organized with Mr. Duke Davis, United Gas Co., as president.  (R.O. Monosmith, State 4-H Leader)

The I.F.Y.E. Program began with headquarters in F.E.S., Washington, D.C.

December 16, Joyce Nell McGraw, Lincoln County, was selected as State Corn Queen and Clifton Osborn, Tishomingo County, was selected as State Corn King.

December, Amaryliss Fair and Jacqueline Fair of Panola County were the first National 4-H vegetable team demonstration winners at N.J.V.G.A., at New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Mississippi Legislature appropriated $100,000 to State 4-H Camp funds.

1951 -

Opening of our three 4-H Club Training Centers (camps) at Sardis, Ocean Springs, and Canton.  (This was started by H.S. Johnson, State 4-H Leader and completed by him as Administrative Assistant - 4H Camps, May 1951.)

Dr. Clay Lyle was appointed the seventh Extension Service Director.

Jane Farwell, Rural Recreation Service Specialist, Dodgeville, Wisconsin, conducted Extension District 4-H Recreation Training for 4-H Leaders.  Ingrid Tierese of State 4-H office started this program .

March 9, 1951, the world's largest 4-H Club Rally was held in Jones County with 4,000 members present in uniform.  H.B. Hedgepeth, assistant county agent was the key leader of this program.

National 4-H Club Foundation was organized and purchased Chevy Chase Junior College Plant and Campus in Washington, D.C. for headquarters.  The quota for Mississippi is $5,000.

State 4-H Advisory Council sets National 4-H Club Week, March 3-11 to raise $100,000 for 4-H, as announced by Council President Les Taylor, Mississippi Power and Light Co. of Jackson.

June, Esco Williams of Pike County was the first I.F.Y.E. delegate from Mississippi to France.

July 4, 25 boys and girls visited Minnesota in the 4-H Club Exchange program with two Extension Service leaders as advisors.  This program began when R.O. Monosmith was State 4-H Leader.

1952 -

November 13, Everett Mitchell addressed the 4-H record winners at the annual 4-H Roundup Banquet.  He is emcee of the National Farm and Home Hour on NBC.

First 4-H Tractor Rodeo held in Simpson County with 125 members participating, under J.F. Ponder, assistant county agent.

The U.S. Post Office Department issued a new commemorative three-cent postage stamp honoring 4-H club work January 16, 1952.

1953 -

December 1953, the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company started the sponsorship of the Community 4-H Club Awards program.  Center Hill 4-H Community club, Lauderdale County, was the first state winner.

May 5, 1953 - A 4-H program and parade was held in Lexington (Holmes County) celebrating the organization of the first federally sponsored 4-H club.  A 4-H marker was presented by the Mississippi Historical Society and erected at intersection of Highway 51 and 17.  (among those present were President Ben Hilbun, E.W. Aiton, Washington D.C., T.W. Thompson, Chicago, Illinois, P.P. Garner and all living 4-H Corn Club members of 1907).

In August 1953, our first Negro I.F.Y.E. delegate, Ulysses Fovman, Route 2, Drew, Sunflower County, spent four (4) months in Nigeria.  (G.C. Cypress)

C.I. Smith became State 4-H Club Leader (September 1, 1953 - July 14, 1966).

1954 -

S.H. Kress and Company served as Mississippi's first donor for the 4-H song and talent program during the State Fair, Jackson in October.

Joyce Young of Quitman County as elected N.J.V.G.A. president during the annual-convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

1955 -

Lamar Ratliff, 4-H member of Prentiss County, produced the world's record of 304.38 bushels of corn on one (1) acre (Funks G711, Hybrid Variety).

Janet Ard of Lincoln County was elected president (Big Chief) of the Interstate 4-H All-Stars organization conference in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Marilyn Graves of Jones County was selected "Miss Young America, Rural U.S.A." at National 4-H Camp, Washington, D.C.  she was awarded a European Tour sponsored by "Seventeen Magazine."

Organized annual tour of project work for each member of "Hinds Pace Setters 4-H Club" (C.E. Estess, agent; Howard Langfitt, leader)

1956 -

Shipload of needed supplies sent to Korea on July 19 from Mississippi 4-H'ers and seven (7) other Southern states.  C.M. Chafee, Associate State 4-H Club Leader, James Ray Hogue of Union County and Michael Smith of Rankin County represented Mississippi on the ship and participated in the presentation to the 10,000 4-H Clubs of Korea.

Memorial Service and Ground Breaking Ceremony at Flora Parrish 4-H Training Center - "Cypress Recreation Hall" in memory of George C. Cypress (1916-1955).  Spent 35 years as Negro State 4-H Club Leader (Lloyd Rutledge, Washington, D.C. gave the dedicatory address).

1957 -

In November the first Mississippi 4-H General Livestock Judging team was declared the National Champions at the International Livestock Exposition, Chicago, Illinois.  The team members:  Harvey Lewis, Peter Balgord, Ted Preuss, and Rodney Henderson.  Rodney was the highest individual scorer.  The team was from Hinds County and coached by C.E. Estess, assistant county agent.

1958 -

February 13-16 in Kansas City, Missouri, the Mississippi Poultry winners attended their first Junior Poultry and Egg Fact-Finding Conference.  This was the fifth annual conference.

March 1-8, Charles Pickering, President, State 4-H Council and National 4-H Leadership winner, was one of six delegates to give a "Report to the Nation" on 4-H.  He was our first delegate and visited President Dwight D. Eisenhower.  C.I. Smith, State 4-H Leader, accompanied the delegates to Washington, D.C.

September - Mr. And Mrs. T.A. Clark of Kemper County were honored for serving as adult 4-H Leaders for 39 years each.

1959 -

For the first time Mississippi 4-H Dairy Record winners attended the Fourth Annual 4-H Dairy Conference and the Sixth Annual International Dairy Show in Chicago, Illinois.  Shelton Fletcher, Jr., James Anderson, Carl Brandon and M.A. Rowzee were the delegates.  Quaker Oats Company was our donor.

January 8 the membership of the State 4-H Advisory Council and 4-H Club Foundation of Mississippi, Inc. became one membership and the same.

The 4-H Honor Club program began in the fall of 1959, sponsored by Cities Service.  Eligible are 1 percent of 4-H membership.  Nancy McGrew, Assistant State 4-H Club Leader, was advisor.

March 30 was the first State 4-H Livestock Show Roundup in Jackson.

The "Mississippi Room" at the National 4-H Club Center, Washington, D.C. has been named the "Elaine Massey and Blanche Goad Memorial Room."  Alice Moore, Barbara Austin, Rodney Taylor, Charles Bray, Nancy McGrew, and M.A. Rowzee participated in the ceremony on June 18.

1960 -

Name was changed from the "National Committee on Boys and Girls Club Work" to "National 4-H Service Committee, Inc."  (Norman Mindrum, Director)

1961 -

Connie Ivy, 4-H Dairy member of Clarke County, owns the senior three-year old Jersey cow which broke the National Register of Merit Milk Production Record with 15,942 pounds of milk and 753 pounds of fat at three years and six months of age.  She is Williams View Star Mabel.

July 13, 1961 the "4-H Club Flag Pole and Base Marker" was dedicated by officials of 4-H Extension, MSU, and 4-H Club Foundation of Mississippi, Inc.  Each name appearing on the plaque donated $500 to the Foundation.

M.S. Shaw was appointed the eighth Extension Service Director.

The record 4-H enrollment of 107,745 members for Mississippi.

1962 -

Dr. W.M. Bost was appointed the ninth Extension Service Director.

From May 15 1862 to May 15, 1962, marks a century of progress in American agriculture.  (February 1, 1907 to February 1, 1962, marks 55 years of Mississippi 4-H Club work.)  President Abraham Lincoln signed the 1862 Act establishing the USDA.

November 10-16, Martha Jo Ballard of Lowndes County represented Mississippi and the United States at the Canadian National 4-H Club Conference in Toronto and Ottawa, Canada.  Mr. And Mrs. C.I. Smith escorted Miss Ballard to Canada.

Connie Ivy, 4-H Dairy Project member from Clarke County owned a registered Jersey cow that was a national class leader for her age group in milk production.

Mississippi State University presented the Land Grant Institution Pageant commemorating the Centennial of the Land Grant College and University system - Scene XIII, depicted W.H. "Corn Club" Smith starting the first corn club, resulting in the 4-H Club organization - C.M. Chafee and M.A. Rowzee represented the 4-H Department (1862-1962) in the pageant.

1963 -

Kenneth Anderson, Associate Director, National 4-H Service Committee, spoke at the January 10 annual meeting of the State 4-H Advisory Council and 4-H Club Foundation of Mississippi.

Faye Craig (first girl) of Winston County made a 4-H "Report to the Nation," beginning March 2.  She traveled to Washington, New York, Cleveland, Los Angeles and Dallas.

Melleen Herchenhahn, 4-H Dairy Project member from Forrest County was declared on the basis of her 4-H Dairy Achievement Record the National Holstein Champion Girl.

1964 -

Major changes in the Mississippi 4-H organization were evident under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  4-H camps were closed and State 4-H Congress discontinued.

Our first State 4-H Horse Show was held at Edwards.  H.B. Hedgepeth gave leadership to the 4-H Horse Project.

The 4-H Livestock Conservation Demonstration team (John Laney and Ronnie Demilio) of Coahoma County was the National winning team in Chicago.  T.K. Swoope, assistant county agent, was the coach.  This was a first for Mississippi.

Melleen Herchenhahn of Forrest County was the first Summer Assistant in the Citizenship Short Course at the National 4-H Center, Washington, D.C.  Others serving were Martha Johnson, Carolyn Rowzee and Eric L. Martin.

The first Mississippi 4-H Land Judging Team to win international first place honors at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  They were Joe Box (highest scorer), David Westmoreland, William Scott and Tommy Brogan.  Lester Howell, assistant county agent of Chickasaw County was the coach.

4-H Club Foundation of Mississippi, Inc. reached the goal of $100,000, stated A. Ray Tillman, President of Jackson and C.I. Smith, State 4-H Leader.

1965 -

Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey presented a sliver tray to Jerry Patton of Pontotoc County as the first National 4-H Citizenship winner of Mississippi at National 4-H Congress at Chicago.

Julia Ann Carr of Attala County is the author and composer of a 4-H song entitled "4-H'ers Marching Song."  (Tune:  "When Johnny Comes Marching Home)

State 4-H Livestock Roundup for youth began (Improved Show and Sales).

Fifteen (15) national 4-H record winners received $7,300 (greatest number and amount to date).

The Electric Power Association of Mississippi sponsored the first "Suite" in the Conrad Hilton Hotel.  Chicago, for our National 4-H Club congress delegation.  The state manager is Howard Langfitt.

The 4-H Clubs in the public schools were abolished and all clubs of the community were organized by the local 4-H adult leader.  The state had a small number of community 4-H clubs as such.

1966 -

Mississippi represented the South with Copiah, Pontotoc and Simpson Counties serving as pilot counties for the "Operation Expansion" program.  J.W. James represented the State 4-H office as advisor.

The 4-H youth section of the Association of Southern Agricultural workers met in Jackson for their annual meeting.  The general theme, "Exploring the 4-H Uniqueness."

Jerry Patton of Pontotoc County and M.A. Rowzee, Associate State 4-H Club Leader, were the first to receive an all expense trip to Chile for two weeks, as 4-H Achievement winners, sponsored by the Chilean Nitrate Educational Bureau (August 7-27).

Gordon H. White became State 4-H Club Leader (August 15, 1966).

1967 -

The United Gas Company featured in their July issue of "United Gas Log," a special article "Dividends - In Leadership."  Those former outstanding junior leaders who were featured in adult leadership roles are:  Mrs. James B. Huff (Marilyn Graves), Charles D. Barrentine, Dr. W. Kenneth Boutwell, Jr., Eugene B. Gifford, Jr., Charles W. Pickering and Barbara Austin.

Mississippi has the fastest growing 4-H Club program in the nation.  The enrollment increased 13,000 members with a total of 44,678 state enrollment of members in 1,891 communities, with 4,192 adult 4-H leaders.

There were 45 citizenship winners from state-at-large to attend the National 4-H Citizenship Short Course in Washington, D.C. at the National 4-H center.  Carolyn Murphy of State 4-H Staff escorted this group.

July 18-21, the State 4-H Club Convention met for the first time in Jackson, Mississippi.  All district and state winners in judging, demonstrations, and record keeping were in attendance.  The State 4-H Leadership Conference was held in cooperation with the convention.  (This replaces the State 4-H Round-up.)

Alvin Jackson of Sunflower County served on the President's Council on Natural Beauty in Washington, D.C., October 20-22.

Charles Robinson of Copiah County was the first Mississippi Negro to win national 4-H record keeping honors.  He received a trip in the 4-H Automotive Program to National 4-H Congress and $600 scholarship, sponsored by the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company.

4-H Camps reopened and State 4-H Congress resumed.  All contests and events opened to all 4-H members disregarding race or sex.

1968 -

The beginning of a new version of 4-H Day at the State Fair at which time 6,000 members from 80 counties participated in a program of talent, announcement of winners, etc.  This was the largest assembly of 4-H'ers in Mississippi to date.

"Miss Teenage America," Stephanine Crane of Iowa (Dallas Contest), spoke to the delegates during State 4-H Club congress at MSU in June.

Fourteen adult leaders attended the first Southern 4-H Leaders Forum, held at Rock Eagle, Georgia, October 27-November 1.  The theme was, "The World Our Young People Face."  J.W. James served as advisor and attended the Forum.

Mrs. J.J. Clayton and Mr. T.V. Wade received 35-year service pins for 4-H Adult Leadership work.

Ann Hughes of Yalobusha County was the first "A.I.C. Queen and Scholar" at their annual meeting, Blacksburg, Virginia.

1969 -

Laura Beth Kittrell of Greene County was declared the National winner (senior division), "Make It Yourself With Wool" in San Francisco, California, at the San Francisco Hilton Hotel, sponsored by the American Wool Council.  She received a set of luggage from Samsonite and an all-expense European tour.  The competition was held January 16 with 21 finalists from 21 states.  These were selected from 9,481 girls in state competition.

A goal of $9.5 million is launched for expanding the National 4-H Club Foundation and Center in Washington, D.C., Grant Shrum, Director.  A goal for the support of our National 4-H Center (Washington, D.C.) is $20 per 4-H Club in Mississippi.

First state to have a sub-district Teen Leader Workshop - conducted at William Carey College, Hattiesburg, June 16-18.

"Green Thumb Grow and Show" Special Horticulture Project began in Bolivar County with 5,074 members enrolled.

Hurricane "Camille" destroyed the Ocean Springs 4-H club Camp (Gulf Coast) on August 17.  Mississippi 4-H members assisted in relief and restoration.

G.M.& O. Railroad Company gave a lease on land for constructing a Brownfield 4-H club Community House in Tippah County.  (Completed and being used for 4-H.)

The National 4-H Club Foundation grants $2,665 to 14 local 4-H clubs (Readers Digest).  Noteworthy:  Gluckstadt Go Getters 4-H Club completely redecorated the Willard F. Bond Rest Home (Madison County).

Billy Gressett, Newton County, received $84 for his 84 pound pumpkin (4-H Pumpkin Growing Contest) (1970 - Janet Lyle produced one weighing 160 pounds.)  (1971 - June Roebuck produced one weighing 128 pounds.)

1970 -

U.S. Senator John C. Stennis speaks to State 4-H Advisory Council - Jackson.  (He is a charter member and gave leadership in its first being organized - 1943.)

Over 50 banks in Mississippi contributed a total of $3,630 to the National 4-H Center Expansion Program.  On April 20, Patricia Nixon (President's daughter) turned the first soil for erecting the building at the National 4-H Center.

Charles W. Sappington became State 4-H Club Leader (July 1, 1970).

James Edwards, State 4-H Council President, gave leadership in raising $219 for the "Kids for Chris" campaign.  Christine McClamrock of Palmer House (Columbus) was supported by "Kids for Chris" as she competed for "Miss America" honors in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Mississippi's 4-H Dairy Judging Team judging at the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest, placed first in the nation in reasons.  The team was also first in the Nation in Guernsey Judging.  They also finished third in Ayrshire Judging and was declared 5th place team overall with 2000 points.  The top team was Massachusetts with 2022 points.  Team members were:  Becky Jumper, Kathryn Wallace, David Kelly and Mitchell Jumper of Union County.  Team coaches were:  Joe P. Baker, Jr. and Gerald T. Taylor.

Twelve (12) National 4-H Record winners received a total of $8,400 in Scholarships - ($600 - $1,600 each).

Record Breaker:  At State Fair (Jackson), 107 members exhibited 1,200 birds and 39 participated in the Chicken Barbecue Contest.

State 4-H Poster Contest with 119 entries from 21 counties.

1971 -

Frank Dowsing, Jr. represented our state and nation as a 4-H Reporter.  Conferences with President and Mrs. Nixon and Secretary of Agriculture, Clifford Hardin.  (Outstanding 4-H'er Lee County, student and athlete - MSU..)  He was the first Negro to serve on a "Report to the Nation Team."

Emally Jane Schmidt of Madison County was declared State winner of "Port Cook-Out" contest (55 members competed).

Northeast Mississippi 4-H Resource Development and Environmental Conference was held at Tishomingo State Park.  100 members and leaders attended for 3 days.  (Patterned after Fontana Resource Development Camp.)

Hazlehurst 4-H Community Garden provided adequate vegetables for 38 low-income families.

The N.Y.C. project provided 365 members from 60 counties opportunity to work and improve their environment.

Mrs. J.J. Clayton, DeSoto County, was presented a scrapbook of memories in 4-H, for serving as a local 4-H leader for 38 years.

President Richard Nixon addressed the 50th Anniversary (Golden) National 4-H Congress, Chicago.  42 members, 7 adults from Mississippi attended.

Debbie McGee of Oktibbeha County won first place in the Nation in the National Junior Guernsey Production Contest.  Her registered Guernsey cow, Sunny Land Flashs Valley, produced 18,750 pounds of milk and 759 pounds of fat actual production in 305 days.

1972 -

A total of $5,050 was allocated to Adams, Lee, Harrison and Washington Counties for a Pilot County Special 4-H Automotive Care and Safety Program (1972-1971-1970-1969).  A total of 5,306 youth and 246 adults were reached to save lives, property, time, suffering, and money.

There were 270 4-H National Winners from 1944 to 1972.  220 of 270 National Winners received a total of $106,350 in 4-H Scholarships to attend the college or university of their choice.  (These scholarships, based on 4-H Record Keeping, came to Mississippi 4-H members via National 4-H Service Committee, Chicago, Illinois) and M.A. Rowzee's book "How to Prepare a 4-H Record."

DeSoto County conducted a youth "Job Fair" for 807 youth on February 8-11, reported Jack McMillen, 4-H Youth Agent.

Mississippi was declared again the first state in the Nation by the American Jersey Cattle Club in Columbus, Ohio as Junior Members of the National Association.  Mississippi has held this number of position for 14 consecutive years.

Monroe County youth learned about "Firearm Safety" on February 21-26, with 1,200 participating reported Ronnie Hartness and Lois Varnell, 4-H Youth Agents.

State 4-H Community Pride Program began under the leadership of Jim Yonge, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, sponsored by Standard Oil Company of Kentucky.

Eric Martin, Washington County, was the first Negro to serve as a Leadership and Citizenship Assistant at the National 4-H Center, Washington, D.C.

May 6 was the 25th Anniversary of the Meridian Area Calf Scramble.  J.D. Howerton, county agent, started the program, with support from the civic clubs (6-12 boys received beef animals for their 4-H beef projects each year).

October 31 - November 2, the first State Volunteer Adult Leader Forum was held in Jackson for 400 youth leaders.

Bolivar, Sunflower and Washington Counties were involved in the first area "Youth Consumerama" at Cleveland with 492 in attendance led by Kenneth Cook, Area 4-H Youth specialist.

1973 –

Lydia Hodges of Itawamba County was selected National Princess Soya.  She will travel to Europe and important centers of the United States.  Lydia is sponsored by the American Soybean Growers Association.  She is the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. W.E. Hodges and a popular student of M.S.C.W.

4-H Youth Development Area Specialists and Area Agents were appointed for the first time in Mississippi.

The first statewide 4-H Automotive Driving Contest.  A girl-boy team competed for regional honors at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Eatonton, Georgia.  Only pilot county (4-H automotive winners) participated (1969-1972).

The first Premier Exhibitor Award for juniors was held at the Mississippi Junior Dairy Roundup Show in Jackson.  Barry Holloway of Panola County placed first with the highest score, based on classes entered and rating in all classes (this 4-H'er breeds Ayrshires).

4-H Youth Educational Television began.  Untold thousands profited by these programs.  Mr. Jim Yonge gave leadership to this new program.

Newsletter "4-H" is edited by Mrs. Jean Crane and sent to 4-H Youth Agents monthly.

Leadership of the 4-H Poster Art contest is given by Miss Ollie D. McWhirter.  The national winners' art will be used educationally for promoting the 4-H youth program.  She is also liaison 4-H Youth specialist for the Special Food Program.

Connie Hairston, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. W.D. Hairston, Jr. of Scott County, was selected as the 1973 Mississippi Pork Queen at the annual meeting of the Mississippi Pork Producers Association.  She has been active in 4-H Club work for nine years.

The 1973 regular Legislative Session passed unanimously a concurrent Resolution No. 591, designating Mississippi Highway No. 12 from Tchula to Starkville as the "William Hall 'Corn Club' Smith Memorial Highway."  Senator Charles Pickering and Rep. Clarence Pierce presented the resolution in each chamber.  It was approved by Governor Bill Waller and Lt. Gov. William Winter.  S.R. "Sandy" King, Durant attorney, Chairman, Jimmy Ward, Editor, Jackson Daily News, and M.A. Rowzee served on Promotion Committee.

"1.5 x '75" ($1 1/2 billion agricultural income by 1975) became a reality in 1972 - three years ahead of schedule.  Governor Bill Waller presented Director Bill Bost a plaque and citation as the Mississippian of the Year.

"Drug Abuse Week" was held in Tallahatchie County for 1,426 youth.

"Alcohol Education" reached 2,135 students in Covington County, stated H.B. Everett.  Statistics reveal alcohol to be the drug being used most.

A tour of the State Penal Farm (Parchman) by 24 Winston County boys was educational.

Personal Hygiene was taught to 315 boys and girls in Newton County.

Marion County reached 1,199 youth with programs on "Food and Conservation."

A "Motor Bike and Motorcycle Program" was conducted in Covington County with 1,740 youth participating.

"Job Fair" was conducted for 850 students in DeSoto County, reported Martha Burks.

"Creative Candle Making" for 75 youth in Jones County.

Lee County conducted a "Knitting Clinic" for 71 girls.  "Citizenship Week" was also observed with 5,914 youth participating.  (Rev. Robert Wall and Rev. Oddvar Berg visited 6 schools.  Rev. Wall reached 1,120 youth in Pontotoc County.)

Pike county conducted a Cooking School for 91 girls.

Washington County presented a Venereal Disease Seminar to 6,478 youth and Benton County to 765 youth.

Tippah County conducted an Agricultural, Industrial, and Youth Spring Round-Up (March 5-10) to promote agriculture, industry, and youth development.

Educational Drug Abuse Program was conducted in Jeff Davis County for 170 youth, Calhoun County for 2,000 and Itawamba County for 2,500 youth.  Both boys and girls participated.

In Leflore County 33 girls learned "Emergency Automobile Repairs" at a clinic by two auto mechanics.

Greene County conducted a Hunter Safety Program for 380 boys and girls.  Jaycees and Game and Fish Commission assisted.

Washington County organized a Motorcycle Club with 25 families attending the first meetings.