4-H Club Memories

1954 or 1955

I was a 4-H Club Member from age 12 to 18.  I joined the Jefferson Go-Hawks in 1952.  The name was special because we lived in Jefferson Township in Clayton County, Iowa.  Clayton County has as the Eastern Border the Mississippi River.

Every Year Our Club decorated the Barn where our Projects where stalled during the Annual "Clayton County Fair" which was held in August.  We usually won the best decorated contest for our Club.

By Looking close at the large square sign you can see the name of our Club "Jefferson Go-Hawks.  The crepe paper streamers were colored "Green and White" of course because that is the 4-H Colors.  

I do not recall if we attended the Iowa State Fair the same year as the pictures above from the Clayton County Fair, however I do recall that Our Leader, My Uncle and his Family and My Siblings, David and Thelma all went!  One other Club Member, Bob Walke participated.  

This is Cousin Milton.  The Boys all slept in this tent.  The Girls slept in the Stake Truck which was used to transport our 4-H Cattle to the State Fair.  This was in the Camp Ground at the Iowa State Fair.  This same Camp Ground is still used today, 2025 for the Fair.

On a Non-Show Day our Leader too us all the State Capital of Iowa.  If I recall correctly, Bob's Mom is on the far left.  My Aunt Lillian, the Leader's Wife is next.  My Brother David and Cousin Norbert complete the Front Row!  

My Sister Thelma and Bob Walke are in the Second Row.  Our Leader and Myself, Alan and Cousin Helene peaking between Me and Bob.  

This is a picture of the Six 4-H Club Members by the Cannon which was also on the State Capital Steps.  The seventh person is a Sibling not old enough to be a Club Member, but he was with his Family.

I also note with interest the garments worn by everyone.  No shorts and no trousers for the Girls.