The other night a documentary show on PBS about the history of 4-H caught my attention. Jessie Field Shambaugh of Iowa is remembered as the "Mother of 4-H," an organization initially started in support of rural youth. It offered useful learning activities and still does, although now club offerings have expanded to include STEM projects.
"4-H" stands for "Head, Heart, Hands, and Health." The motto is: "I pledge my head to clearer thanking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my club, my community and my country."
My time spent with 4-H cultivated skills that have lasted a lifetime. Mrs. Florence taught me to knit and Mrs. Sanborn led a sewing group where I learned to use a sewing machine and do clothes construction. In addition, I was in 4-H Gardening with Mrs. Petersen. I also joined 4-H Horsemanship and had the camaraderie of other young horse enthusiasts, having fun meet-ups at the Deerfield, NH Fairgrounds.
In the 4-H fundraising activities at the Town Hall, I danced in a Can-Can line, modeled clothes, and played folk music on m y guitar. I also served food at an International Dinner dressed in a green dress to represent Ireland.
I received a blue ribbon at 4-H Dress Review for making a green jumper with a square neck and also a shite crepe blouse with a stand-up collar and bell-shaped sleeves that had lace trim.
Luckily, I was chosen to attend 4-H Congress in Washington, D.C. with other Junior Leaders.
4-H helped to shape who I am today as an adult. I will be forever grateful to the adults who shared their skills and time with me.
