Graham

On Jan. 15, 1902, one of the seeds of 4-H took root with a meeting organized by Albert Belmont Graham, superintendent of schools in Springfield Township, Clark County. Some 30 boys and girls attended the meeting in the basement of the county courthouse to learn about harvesting corn, planting a garden, testing soil samples, tying knots in rope and identifying wildlife. The following year, Ohio State University began contributing aid to the program. By 1905 there were more than 2,000 youths in similar agricultural clubs in 16 Ohio counties. By 1916, Ohio 4-H was an official organization. Four-H stands for Head (thinking critically), Hands (serving others), Heart (respecting others) and Health (choosing healthy lifestyles). Mr. Graham was later appointed superintendent of the Ohio Cooperative Extension Service. While 4-H clubs have since spread to all 50 states and more than 80 countries, Ohio still has one of the largest programs.

Rebecca Billman

Ohio Moments will appear here daily during 2003. Have a suggestion? Contact Rebecca Billman at rbillman@enquirer.com or (513) 768-8361.

Ohio Moments