Proud 4-H’ers for over 80 years - A Sesquicentennial Feature

4-H has played an integral part in the lives of Ogden youth as far back as the mid 1920s. It is because of the fond memories and learning experiences that the tradition continues on down through the generations.

 

The first generation . . .

 

In 2002, 4-H celebrated 100 years. Harry Plahn, returned to the Boone County Fair and shared his granddaughter’s fair experience. 

Harry W. Plahn, a member of the original Westside Hustlers 4-H club in the late 30s and early 40s was the first of his generation. 

Among his memorabilia are copies of the 4-H Spokesman from 1940, record books, and the 21st Annual Boone County Achievement Show booklet with premium lists. The booklet is dated 1943, putting the first County Achievement show in 1922. The book also contains general rules and regulations for the livestock department and home projects. 

While being interviewed for a Centennial news article Harry talked about the fair grounds being in the Old Round House. “Then you brought blankets and slept on the straw all night with your animals,” he remembered.

His record book reflects how inflation is evident even in 4-H. Plahn’s market calf was purchased for $45 and later sold for $141.06 (about 15¢ per pound).

A 4-Her today may pay around  $850 for his/her calf at the beginning of the project. At the current rate of $1.14/lb., a 1,250 lb. calf may bring $1,425 when sold. 

 

Club minutes published in a 1942 newsletter he retained, give a glimpse of 4-H life at the time, and reveal a little about its history:

Back in the 40s, clubs held summer softball “Kittenball” tournaments near Perry.

In 1942 every club was asked to raise three acres of hybrid corn. Profits were to go towards construction of a new 4-H building.

Representative of the times, the club sold war stamps and bonds during Fun Days that year.

 

The second generation . . .

 

When Harry and his wife Darlene started their family, the couple became active leaders. Darlene served as a leader for the Beaver Blue Belles (a girls club associated with the Westside Hustlers) for approximately 15 years, long enough to get all five children through the 4-H program. 

Daughter Karla reminisces about her years in 4-H and the changes she has seen. What used to be a Better Grooming contest, she said, has evolved into the present Fashion Day. She laughs when recalling the categories and awards presented during the contest: Pencils for having perfectly groomed feet; fingernail file for hands; and stationery for teeth.

One notable change she says is in the Clothing Project area.

“Purchased garments were not allowed back then,” she says. “You had to make it all.” 

Sisters Kathleen, Karen and Karla were all Beaver Blue Bells. Karla says it wasn’t until she was in high school that girls could show livestock without joining a boys club as well. She remembers a designated category each year for the girls exhibits. One year would be food and nutrition, the next home improvement, and then food and nutrition. 

Read more in the Aug. 24 issue of The Ogden Reporter.

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