I UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Z* Bureau of Agricultural Economics ' C * l n Cooperation With WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY Agricultural Experiment Station 4-H CLUB WORK IN WEST VIRGINIA A Preliminary Report Washington, D. C. April, 1931 4-H CLUB WORK IN WEST VIRGINIA By T. L. Harris. Sociologist, Agricultural Experiment Station of w TSt Virginia University, cooperating with the Division of Farm Population and Rural Life Introduction Since the passage of the Agricultural Extension Act in 1914, boys and girls' 4-H Club work has developed rapidly among farming communities the country over, and has become a substantial part of the agricultural extension activities in many States. This report deals in a brief way with a study of the 4-H club work in West Virginia from the sociological point of view. The data were gathered from 1927 to 1928 inclusive. Most of the facts were obtained through personal interviews in the field. The questions, so far as possible, were made to deal with objective data rather than with personal or group opinions. Tabular presentation of data appears together at the end of the text. Scope of the Report This report includes: 1. An analysis of the structure, functions, and influences of 341 clubs in 39 counties. 2. A study of farm boys of 4-H club age (10 to 18) who are not b members. 3. An account of what 39 county supervisors of club work think . the chief problems, values, and obstacles in 4-H work. 4. A case-study of a county in which 4-H work once flourished, later greatly declined, and is now at a standstill. 5. A case-study of a county in which 4-H work has made a steady progress from its inception to the present time. 6. A cai ly of one 4-H club which is in some respects out- r.g. in other respects average or beiow. 7. A spc stat m -nt about 4-H club work by an intelligent fara woman who has si.x children who have been active in the work. T ils statement was based on definite questions and throws some light on paren- tal attitudes toward 4-H activities. P. A detailed analysis of the effects of 4-H club experience in the socializing of persona' icter. . v notes on a regional 4-H club leaders' conference. The discussions at this conference reveal 4-H aims and standards at their best. 10. Outline of the strong points and weak points of the 4-H club work at present . An Analysis of 341 4-H Clubs in 39 Counties For an analysis of certain significant sociological facts a random sample of 341 of the 828 clubs in the State during 1927-28 was taken. The median enrollment in these 341 clubs was 13, the average enrollment 15.5. The total 4-H enrollment in the State during 1927-28 was, 13,328 ,an aver- age of 16.1 per club. Practically all of the information used in the analysis was obtained directly from club leaders or older boys or girls who were members of the clubs studied. Seventy-one per cent of the clubs in the sample were in neighbor- hoods where general farming was the chief occupation. Four-H club work has had only slight success in mining communities for at least three reasons: The 4-H projects, especially for boys, are designed for farms; the mining population is so mobile as to make it extremely difficult to retain even a moderately permanent club membership; nearly all county supervisors of 4-H work consider their chief job to be with the farm boys and girls. Only two counties, Kanawha and Fayette, enrolled any con- siderable number of boys and girls from mining families. In an endeavor to determine how many competing (or cooperating) groups of young people of club age were found in the respective club neighborhoods, it was found that substantially more than one-half of the clubs studied were in neighborhoods that had no other organized group of young people. One of the greatest problems of 4-H work in West Virginia is that so many clubs lead a flickering existence and then die. It was found that 42.2 per cent of all clubs studied were only in their first or second year, and 62.7 per cent of the clubs were *- neighborhoods that never hed hed a club. Undue effort on the part of county supervisors and local leaders is spent in organizing new clubs and not enough time and effort are spent in carefully selecting the neighborhood in which a club is to bo started and then intelligently and persistently fostering this club through a series of years. About one in five of the clubs organized dies within a relati. Qort time, perhaps because adolescent groups change rapidly in personnel make-up. The median age of the clubs studied was 2.7 years; the median num- ber of leaders, L.J rage, the length of service for a club leader Is between tw d one-half years. The great majc: ubs that had enrollments of more ) were found -llages or even larger towns. Four county-seat towns, one with a poj J5.000. are found in this group. Thero is a tendency for the 4-H clubs in towns to suffer in vitality and in- terest re active in other frour>s and because the recreational or pi. t is more likely to be overemphasized in ti clubs than in those found in the open country. About three-fourths of all the club leaders are school teachers. This situation has its advantages in that practically all club members are school pupils; its disadvantages are discussed later. Apparently it would be desirable to enlist the services as club leaders of a larger number of intelligent farm men and women, especially those who have them- selves had successful experience in 4-H work. Nearly two-thircs of the club leaders have never had experience as rank-and-file club members. This is to be expected on account of the recercy of the 4-H movement and the rather mature ago of a largo proportion of rural teachers in ?<^st Virginia, especially the men teachers. Slightly more than seventy per cent of the clubs hold their regu- lar meetings once a month. Nearly all clubs have one or more special meetings during the year. Such meetings usually partake of the nature of picnics or hikes, or they .tended to expedite project completions. typical club meeting consists of three parts: Opening service, consisting of club songs, other music, and devotions; business, with the chairman presiding, assisted by the adult leader; and recreation with games, and stunts. Nearly seventy per cent of the clubs receive adequate supervision, so far as frequency of visits by county workers is concerned. At least one county h~s its club work so well organized and con- veniently located that every club, weak and strong, near and distant, is regularly visited by eounty agent or the home demonstration agent. A well-planned and well-executed activity for adolescent youth (like the 4-H program) is a vital formative influence in the development of boys or girls who actively participate in the program, yet nearly one- third of the clubs are without their regular leader during the summer period, when project completion work and recreational activities are or should be at their height. In a relatively small number of cases special club agents are obtained for summer supervision. Later this lack of summer supervision in a large number of clubs is pointed out as one of the weaknesses in the program but the situation is not so untoward as might be expected when one considers that 249 of the club leaders were teachers and that only 130 of the leaders did not remain in the community during the sumc Making a liberal allowance for the clubs taken care of by the spec- ial agents during I about 200 of the 945 clubs (1923-29) I without satisfactory a vision. Perhaps there is no one point in the whole range of club activities whero a relatively small amount of money would go so far in raising standards of achievement as would the ..ccessary for at least a part-time 4-H club agent in every county of the State during the three summer months. - 3 - ular items 13 to 16 inclusive present a brief analysis of the in- tellectual, f ..d social (or community) status of 4-H club families. e tables show •.lationship between club menbership and the following fact< tual interests of the families from which club members come; (2) above-average capacity of club bers' families as community leaders; (3) education of parents: and (4) financial prosperity of parents. 8 lowest degree of relationship in these four pairs of factors is fcund in the relation between club membership and education of parents. In 36.1 per cent ol nlub neighborhoods there is no recognizable difference between parents of club members and parents of nenmembers in the matte: formal education. Perhaps the ch . .Sanation lies in the fact that until the last 15 or 20 years, opportunity for education in many parts of rural West Virginia has been extremely limited. In only 3.8 per cent cf the club neighborhoods was the attitude of parents found unanimously favorable toward club work but practically no ac- tive opposition or hostili j noted anywhere. In the very few cases of outright opposition the generally related to the parents' idea that club work was a fad, taking time or money that should be spent at real work. The incre y frequent demonstrations of the money value of club work, especially in livestock and crops, are removing nearly all the opposition to club work. In only a few instances do club leaders consciously attempt to trr. form parental indifference into whole-hearted support. Nearly all clubs invite parents to their programs at least once a year. Other devices could be used to accomplish this much-to-be-desired end of intelligent, general, and enthusiastic cooperation of »nts in support of the 4-H aims, ideals, and activities. Considerable progress has been made in a few counties in securing some financial support and friendly sponsoring of 4-H work . but a reasonable goal in this respect seems far in the future. From the viewpoint to the community, interest to themselves, and encouragement toward developing boys and girls, there seems to be no more promising and fruitful project for civic clubs and women's clubs than the intelligent fostering of 4-H work. In seme cases, such as ce of improved methods taught la club work ect uj by their children who an in club work is unmistakable and c: no other ascertainable factor at k to produce th For instance, definite improvements in sheep and da and in potato growing are traceable to s of 4-H work in ions of the State. Because of the si- factor covered in tabula 19 •as attempted to effect of 4-H work. One intelli- - 4 - gent farm woman assured the field worker that she hcd learned many valuable methods in the canning of fruits and vegetables from her daughters, who hcd learned methods frcm their 4-H canning project. If the data given in tabular item 19 are somewhere near accurate, it seems that in about 71.3 per cent of the clubs this process to bring about better farming and farm homemaking has been going on to some extent. In 101 of the 341 clubs it is estimated that ?5 per cent or more of the 4-H ■embers have thus definitely influenced their parents. In 27.3 per cent of the clubs studied there was evidence of some in- fluence by club members upon their parents in the matter of keeping accounts of receipts and expenditures. This was true mest frequently of potato and livestock projects. Close connection was found between club membership and enrollment in some public schools. Practically all club members were school pupils; the 47 clubs that had less than 100 per cent of their members enrolled as school pupils had only a very few such members in each case. The usual number of boys or girls in any one club who were not attending school was one or two. In practically all cases the club members who were not school pupils at the time the club was studied had recently been in school and were merely retain- ing their club membership a year or so until the rest of their fellows left school . On the other hand. 65.9 per cent of the clubs enrolled fewer than one-half of the boys and girls of club age in the respective schools where the clubs were organized. Slightly more than twenty-two per cent of the clubs had fewer than one-fifth of the boys and girls who were eligible for club membership. Parental indifference and cost of project materials were the chief reasons why boys and girls did not join clubs. In a few isolated cases the club seemed to have been deliberately kept an exclusive group for children of certain families or of a selected circle. One county agent mentioned this tendency among some of his clubs as a real problem. In about nine-tenths of all the clubs studied the club leaders seemed definitely convinced that the club program was more attractive to the bright- er boys and girls. Possibly there should be an associate membership, without full pri- vileges, for those boys and girls who are willing to do their part with projects and to cooperate in all club group activities, but are unable to complete all the requirements for full-fledged membership. The present movement in West Virginia to have "standard" or "honor" clubs; to give special recognition to clubs with almost a perfect score in project com- pletion, is a step in the right direction. The real leadership-training phase of 4-H work should not be diluted or weakened in order to allow re- lative weaklings to call themselves full-fledged 4-H members. In 75.1 per cent of the clubs there were evidences that non-club mem- B did better school work because of the presence of a club in their school , even though they did not belong to the club themselves. The spirit of - 5 - emulation anri t of persona! example aro cspocially strong among ado! cent boys and girls. This favorable • : ct of tho presence of a club is perhaps one ch: : .son why progressive teachers who are ambitious for thoir pupils are willing to tho supervision of a 4-H club in th< school . In the matter of contributing toward higher standards of conduct, it seems that 4-H club influence sco: /on higher than toward stimulation to bottor study. Whi. ont of tho clubs had the latter Influen 83 per cent oxertcd tho form.r. The connection dards of personal and social conduct above -•rage on * d 4-H club rxperience on the other hand, s to be definitely trac although intangible. Both by precept and by ex- ample the 4-H program ^rly and strongly the value of wholesome moral character. Tt is similar in this respect to the program of the Boy Scouts. Camp-Fire Girls. Girl Scouts, and Girl Reserves. Nearly 75 per cent of the clubs showed evidence that their a remained in school for more years than did non-club members in the same school. Probably this was only partly due to their club experience; their greater native mentality, greater encouragement by parents, and grc financial prosperity of ; s would a d in this direction. Personal testimony of former club members as well as the fact that a vital part of club ex] fional. seem to make it certain that one facto: causing club members to continue their formal education longer than do non- club members is tho factor of ambition and stimulus toward all-round, com- plete personal development which they received from their 4-H club experience. Practically all the clubs revealed distinct leadership qualities in playing and recreation at school. The training which club members rec in the matter of recreation at county and Si ^mps as well as in their homo club meetings is of tho most valuable contributions of the wholo 4-H program to r nmuni ty advancement. Inasmuch as most rural communi* decidedly lacking in adequate group recreation, it is especially fortuna* I tho 4-H clubs omphasize this aspect of th work. Some typical gam:s used by 4-H leaders arc briefly described lr. in the diary notes. Encouragement of pood re;.*, ng habits md in 88.3 per cent of clubs. In tho g; jority of cases active in1 3 secured in completing the requi: pupils' books, which compose as - of t: curricular activities of V. Vir> v schools En b considerable number of c. ad- ing of club membors ■ yond t : ments and incli: books of U biography, r and history sou: club I 1 who occasionally devoted most of a regu- lar aeoting to reports and discussion of books read by membors of the club. a large number of rm horn d books are a luxury, and som9 almost p;. :.gry - 6 - for gocd books to The owning ar.d circulating among its members of even a few wholesome books is a real bocn to many a club and to the homes of the members. Not many clubs have as yet accumulated sufficient fur.ds to un- sertake to furnish community library facilities. The fact that even 28.4 per cent of the clubs studied are doing something in the way of providing books for the community speaks well for their ability to sense community needs in this respect. The fact that S6.8 per cent of the clubs seemed to exert an influence in the direction of new ideas ar.d practices indicates that the stimulus of friendly attitudes toward new and improved ways of doing things has been set to work by many of the clubs. The 341 clubs hrd a wide variety of social activities, ranging from hikes, picnics, box suppers, ar.d socials to money-making affairs and drama- tics. Clubs that had no meirbers in camp one year may have been represented in previous years. About thirty-five per cent of the clubs had no repre- sentative at any county camp in 1927, chiefly because of distance from the camp, pressure of farm work at heme, and lack of money. In a few cases there was no ccunty camp in the ccunty. On the other hand, nearly one-half of the clubs had three or more members at camp that year. The State camp at Jackson's Mill although nearly in the geographic and population center of the State, is yet quite distant from the majority of the clubs in the State. Time, money, and an outstanding achievement record at home are necessary for the privilege of attending the State Camp. Fifty-nine of the 341 cluts were represented by one member at Jackson's i.!ill in 1927 and 59 other clubs by more than one. More than two-fifths of the clubs had honors or prizes to report for 1926-27. A wide variety of prizes ar.d honors, many of them of a substantial character, are available to West Virginia 4-H boys and girls. Cash prizes at State and ccunty fairs, scholarships donated by railroad companies or farm women's clubs, prizes by fruit-jar and other manufacturing concerns, are among the material rewards offered for real achievements in 4-H work. For boys carrying livestock projects, the honor of participation in a judging team at the International Livestock Exposition at Chicago is one of the most valued of the prizes. Members in G8.3 per cent of the clubs carried bank accounts. The practice of keeping careful records of costs and profits bears further fruit in helping to develop the habit of saving ar.d of doing business through the It is fair to o that by their experience in buying materials, in keeping an account of quantities ar.d values of feed used, and in buying cloth or eggs, the 4-H be i girls who have bank accounts have found their club work a real factor in the development of thrift ar.d of business-like attitudes and practices. 81.2 per cc the clubs seme contribution toward the informal social life of the neighborhood was four.d. In 89.5 per cent of the cases, - 7 - 4-H mombers were more active in the social and recreational life of the community than were other young people of the same age. Community sing- ing, dramatics, or demonstrations of some phase of club work often add zest and interest to these informal aspects of rural social life, and make the adults more intelligent as to the nature and merits of club work. Naturally the more socially minded young people are drawn into the club work and the club gives outlet and guidance to their potential sociability. Nearly 90 per cent of these club neighborhoods reported that their 4-H young people are more active and helpful in Church, Sunday School, and young people's societies than are the other young pcopl*>. This probably is a result of the emphasis upon the religious element in che 4-H program. Interest in beautification projects, as demonstrated by nearly three- fourths of the clubs studied, does not always mean actual work, but at least it is a step in the right direction. The 4-H influence here comes from the general favorable attitude of all effective club leaders toward the practice of cleanliness and neatness about the home, the school, and church grounds, and. in a few cases, the community highways. It is not unusual for a 4-H club to assume the responsibility of cleaning the school yard, cutting weeds around the church building, or setting out trees and shrubbery on the school grounds. There is an increasing number of boys and girls who carry home beautification projects, from which they receive intelligent guidance as to how to improve their everyday surroundings. Inasmuch as the 4-H program is maintained by the State and Federal governments for the express purpose cf promoting more intelligent agricul- ture and farm home-making, it would fall short of its purpose if it did not help the boy and girl members to put as much as possible of their educa- tion and knowledge into daily practice. This reasonable goal of 4-H work is, to a considerable extent, actually achieved. Large community enterprises in rural communities are few; that is one reason why only 2.3 per cent of the clubs have achievements of this kind to their credit. Only in rare instances do club members have the age, experience, and leadership capacity to enable them to take a leading part among the adult tax-paying members of the community. The improvements in community life mentioned in the cases of 249 of the 341 clubs ranged from material improvements such as a new high school builaxiig to intangible factors such as better relationships between adults and young people or between town and country people. Yost of the 92 club neighborhoods where no such improvements was in evidence were those neighbor- hoods in which club work was of very recent origin. A County Study of 557 Boys of Club Age Who Are Not in School Dr. C. B. Smith, in charge of cooperative extension work in the United States Department of Agriculture, in regard to this study of 4-H work in Test Virginia requested that the plan of study include: (1) Ascertaining in one or more counties -umber of rural boys between the ages of 10 and 18 not in any school, with their respective aees. - 8 - (2) The present occupation of such boys; or how they are spending their time. (3) The reasons why such boys are not in school. As a result, personal interviews were held w^ th teachers, former schoolmates, and brothers and sisters of such boys. Monongalia County, a representative farming and mining county in th central West Virginia, was selected. With the exception of the city of Morgantown. practically all the people of the county live under rural or semi-rural conditions. Three small incorporated villages, but none of the schools of the city of Morgantown, are included. The county is probably above the average so far as the development of 4-H club work is concerned. The farm people have had the leadership of competent county agent and home demonstration agent for several years, and the State university is situated at Morgantown. The fact that Morgan District, in which Morgantown is located, has twelve 4-H clubs in its 22 rural schools, and Clinton District, one of the isolated agricultural sections has only three clubs in its 22 rural schools, suggests that proximity to the county seat and the presence of a hard-road system are significant factors in determining the extent of 4-H club develop- ment. This situation prevails rather generally over the State. The 147 country schools in the 39 counties vary in size from one room to three or more. The 43 schools with two rooms or more are found mostly in neighborhoods in which the population is partly mining and partly agricultural. The 104 one-room country schools have eighteen 4-H clubs. and 82 per cent of the distinctly farming neighborhoods of the county are without any 4-H program. Of the 43 schools having two or more rooms, 17 schools, or 39.5 per cent have 4-H clubs, as compared with 18 per cent of the 104 one-room schools. The larger schools are nearly alwavs on or near hard roads. The three magisterial districts lying nearest Morgantown (the county seat) and having the best hard-road system, had an average of one club to three schools. The school enrollment in these three districts averaged 29. The four magisterial districts lying farthest from Morgantown, having the poorest roads and an average school enrollment of 20, had an average of one club to six schools. The 4-H program is valuable in the larger schools but it is still more valuable and more urgently needed in the one-room school neighborhoods. These more isolated neighborhoods usually have only slightly developed group activities of any worthwhile kind. Small school enrollments are handicaps to effective 4-H club organi- zation. It is possible to have a club of five members, but eight, ton or twelve members are necessary to a vitally functioning group. Many of the - 9 - one-room schools do not have enough boys and girls of club age (10 to 18 years) to encourage the organization of a club. A school enrollment of 20 or more is usually necessary to include enough older boys and girls to make an active club. The average school enrollment in the four magisterial districts of the county having the most purely farming population wis 20, with a con- iarable number lowor than 20. In the other three districts the average school enrollments was 29. Small enrollment in a large number of the cols in distinctly farming neighborhoods was regarded as an additional factor tending to determine the extent and quality of club work in this county. An illustration of how rural migration sometimes affects 4-H club work is found in the following note of the field worker concerning a cer- Ln school visited. "There was a 4-H club here, but it ceased to exist when the chief families moved away two years ago." In the farm neighbor- hood the moving away of a few families is often fatal to the negihborhood organizations. None of the six schools for negro children in the county has a 4-H club. Most, boys leave school at about 15 years of age and beyond. The rather sharp increase in the number o r those dropping out at 16 years, as compared with those leaving at 15 years of age, is explained partly by the fact that the West Virginia law allows boys to work in coal mines at 16 years. About twenty-four per cent of all the 557 boys were actually working in coal mines when the survey was made. The 4-H program is not designed especially for coal miners and naturally the boys who left school to work in the mines would be inclined to drop + heir 4-H club membership at the same time. The two leading causes given for leaving school were lack of in- terest in school work on the part of the boy, and economic necessity. One should probably not interpret this to mean that 140 boys were com- pelled to leave school to prevent actual suffering in their families: it means, in most cases, that the standard of living of farm families in this county is slowly rising and that the older boys of the larger families wished to help maintain this rising standard when they reached the point where they could make tangible contributions to the family income. Ninety per cent or more of the boys of 4-H club age who have left school are not enrolled in 4-H club work. Although 155 boys lived near enough to a club to make membership possible, only 16 of these availed themselves of the opportunity. About 80 per cent of the fathers of the 557 boys earn their living entirely or chiefly by farming. Tabular item 47 shows that only 111 of the boys, or 19.9 per cent, are following that occupation. Only one-fifth of the boys in farm families are following their - 10 - fathers* occupation. No doubt this fact is a large causal factor in the low percentage of older boys out of school who are doing 4-H club work. The whole 4-H program is organized primarily for boys and girls whose families make their living in agriculture. When an older boy leaves that occupation his chief incentive to 4-H club work is gone. In the more purely agricultural counties the percentage of boys and girls who stay in club work for a short time after they leave school is higher than it is in Monongalia. In the large number of counties, however, where the occupations of farming and mining are much intermingled, much the same conditions prevail as in Monongalia County. A Case-Study of a County in Which 4-H Club Work Has Gone Steadily Forward. Four-H club work in Barbour County had its origin in corn clubs; the first was organized in 1S11 with a membership of five boys. In 1912 the clubs were conducted by the teachers under the direction of the county superintendent of schools. The total membership was 300; of these 47 per cent exhibited at the fair. These clubs were intended to give the farm boys and girls something of their own and to give them recognition as owners and operators. During the early years of club work in the county, communities held local fairs in which the boys and girls held the most prominent part. Local citizens contributed money and articles for prizes and thus stimulated and maintained the interest of the boys and girls, but Valley District was the only one to continue this practice for any length of time. With the help of its first county agent, Barbour County in 1915 ranked fifth in the State in club membership, with an enrollment of 204 in about eight clubs. Six boys received prizes which entitled them to attend the Prize Winners' Course at Morgantown in January, 1916. All were from the Kerr Club. Four received prizes on exhibits or on judging. In 1917 more than 100 boys and girls in six clubs carried on pig corn, potato, or poultry projects. The first girls' club in the county that was associated with the Extension Division was organized at Mountain I in 1918; it had cold-pack canning and sewing projects. The club was discontinued because of lack of local and county leadership. Several of the clubs survived the World War. Emphasis now was put on organization, and the social and religious phases were stressed for the •ime, a feature which distinguishes 4-H clubs from other agricul- tural clubs. Eight or ten clubs were active in 1919. The first county camp was held in 1919 at Audra on the Middle Fork River. Four local leaders, three camp instructors, and 20 boys and girls attended. For the first time the 4-H idea was developed, and from that time the idea has grown steadily. A few more clubs were organized in 1920. The county agent endeavored to strengthen the clubs by urging old members to continue, developing club 3pirit. making home visits, encouraging more co-plete organization, and em- phasizing the social hour. - 11 - The second county camp was held in 1920. The first county 4-H organization was formod at this camp. About 3D club members attended, and six directors and instructors. The camp did much to strengthen club work in the county. This was the first year that local leaders received pay; four were employed. In November, 1920. the first coupons of credit were offered to teachers who would sponsor club work. Lack of appreciation of the value of the work on the part of farm- ers, and a feeling on the part of certain business men that farmers' or- ganizations would hinder their business, proved a hindrance to effective club work from the beginning. The county was without a county agent for six months in 1921; as a result no camp was held, and club work declined somewhat. In 1922 many new clubs were organized. Three women as local leaders helped with the girls' work, and three men assisted with the boys' work. Sewing and canning projects were introduced this year. Thirty-five members attended camp and two von thoir 4-H pins. In 1923 several State leaders visited the county. Two women and one man were employed to work on part time during the summer. There were 21 clubs, with a membership of more than 300. During the summer the work was carried to new communities. In ]923 the camp site was changed from Audra to a more centrally lo- place near Volga. A banker at Philippi, the county seat, gave land for a camp site. Men of the community dug a well and put the grounds in condition for camp. There were nine camp instructors, four local leaders, and 60 regular campers. Three received their 4-H pins. In the fall of this year a home demonstration agent was employed. One person who has lived in the county and has been connected with club work for many years says that "the members from the early clubs are now showing leadership and citizenship above the average in their communi- ties." The period from 1923 to 1928 was one of steady growth and constant achievement in Barbour County. The 4-H program became familiar to all ;zens of the county. Perhaps the greatest single reason is the impetus givon to more successful potato growing and sheep raising, the chief sources of cash inccma- The Kiwanis clubs in Philippi and Belington, as well as the bankers and merchants, have given cordial and substantial support to thp 4-H work, both because of their interest in the boys and girls and because 4-H work contributed directly toward more and better businoss. Assistance has been in the form of loaning money for purchase of lambs and soed potatoes, in taking a friendly interest in the boys and girls and in their projects, and in giving all who completed their potato projects a recognition dinner at the close of the harvest. The business and professional men of the county give further en- couragement to th* 4-H work by visiting the county camp, making talks to the campers, and by speaking a good word for tho 4-H program in their daily contacts. - 12 - Some of the more significant and valuable results of 17 years of con- uous 4-H club work in Barbour County may be summarized as follows: 1. A substantial contribution has been made to more scientific and more profitable agriculture, especially in the fields of potato production and sheep raising. 2. A large contribution has been made a more vital recreational life of the teen-age young people. This has been accomplished largely through training in group games, stunts, and group singing fostered by the county camps and by the more resourceful club groups in their respective local communities. 3. The bringing about of a more friendly and mutually helpful re- lationship between the farm people of the county and the business and professional people of the two leading towns of the county. The gocd will thus engendered and the increase in actual money profits obtained as a result of this helpful cooperation between town and country are plainly noticeable. 4. The all-round personal development that has been brought about in the lives and characters of a large number of boys and girls who have been active in 4-H work. This personal development includes ability to achieve substantial results in the technical and business aspects of agriculture, creation of interests and ambitions for high school and college education, and ability to serve the community as effective leaders. One specific evidence of this developing effect of club work is found in the large number of State prize winners coming from this county and the fact that one very small club (Kerr) won so many prizes for two or three years that it was temporarily withheld from prize competitions. An interesting example of how certain 4-H projects may be used to develop community interest and pride is found in the community beautifica- tion project performed by the 4-H club of Philippi, the county seat and largest town in the county. This rather large club, of more than 30 members, took as its group project the beautifying and improving of the school grounds. Through the planting and the setting out of shrubbery, the appearance of the school grounds, in which all the community is inter- ested, was transformed. Perhaps the creation of a more vital pride and in- terest in their community by the team work on the part of the boys and girls who carried the project through was the most valuable result of this enterprise. In summarizing some of the more important reasons why 4-H club work has gone steadily forward in Barbour county the following factors should be noted: 1. More competent and more permanent county leadership than most of the West Virginia counties have had. This is especially true in the 1923-28 period, during which the same agricultural agent and same home demonstra- tion agent served the county continuously. - 13 - 2. The more-than-average interest of the representative and influen- tial adult people of the county in the 4-H program. 3 In recent years the building of a well-coordinated system of county and State roads in Barbour County has greatly increased the ease and efficiency of county supervision. 4. It has been partly incidential that a considerable number of en< 3 and intelligent families have been actively connected with club work. These have made notable contributions to club work through their perseverance, intelligence, industry, and loyalty to club ideals and principles. A Case-Study of a County Where 4-H Club Work has Slumped Monroe County, situated in the southeastern part of the State on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is of rolling topography. Union, the county seat, is the largest town, with a population of about 1,000. General farming and beef cattle raising are the chief industries. There are four high schools: Union, Peterstown. Gap Mills, and Greenville. The average attendance at each is about 90. There are several graded schools and many one-room schools in the county. Bad roads have been the chief drawback to social betterment in the county, but. with the coming of good roads social conditions are improving. Practically no foreigners live in the county: there are several settlements ■)f negroes; and considerable number be characteristic mountain people may be found. Monroe was one of the first counties in West Virginia to take an in- vest in 4-H club work. Corn clubs were organized in 1912 or 1913; these were forerunners of 4-H club project work. In 1915 the first county camp was held. Monroe was thus the second county in the state to hold a county camp. The Extension Division of the College of Agriculture sponsored a number of contests, and in this county five members entered the acre corn contest, 45 the 200-hill corn contest, one the poultry, one the pig, and one the potato contest. The county's first agricultural agent began work in July. 1916. At this time 4-H club work was establishing itself in the State as well as in the county. Forty-six boys and girls attended the county camp in that year. lit Sulphur Springs, an old summer resort located four miles from Union and almost in the center of the county, was the site for this and later camps, a beautiful spot, for many years the scene of happy days. There were games, story tellir. :ture classes, study of bible characters, first aid, Indian lore, stunt nights, ar.d campfire. In spite of the constructive character of the meetings, some of the people in time with- drew their support and their children from 4-H work, fearing too much recrea- tion. - 14 - The camp of 1917 was called a "Boys' Institute", although girls also attended. About 75 campers attended the five-day event. There were three girls' clubs in the county in 1917. The projects were limited to a few activities such as raising chickens and pigs. Cann- ing and sewing were being introduced. Up to this time most of the clubs had been organized in the eastern part of the county and around Union. Many new clubs were organized in 1918 Almost every school had a 4-H club, with the teacher as volunteer leader. The county camp attendance for 1918 was 166. Several of the State leaders assisted. A 4-H fair was held at Salt Sulphur Springs. During 1918-19 there were between 20 and 3D 4-H clubs in the county with a total membership of about 650. In 1919 both a girls' and boys' club agent were employed. In the summer of 1918 six girls in the Sinks Grove Community held a meeting to practice stunts, songs, and yells to perform at the county camp. They called themselves "The Big Six." At the camp they asked to be placed in the same tribe. This request was granted on the condition that they would allow a first-year girl to be chief ("The Big Six" had all been in club work five years). The other tribes had experienced chiefs, but this one worked hard and finished camp with more points than any other tribe. The friendship of the girls in this unique club has proved to be one of its outstanding features. In addition it has proved of much value to them to come in contact with experienced leaders and to work with other groups. Their work attracted attention to the county, at that time one of the fore- most in 4-H club work in the State. The attendance at the county camp in 1919 was about 100; six State leaders assisted; each club had its own exhibit. Five club agents were employed in 1920. During 1920 and 1921, 12 local paid leaders helped with the work. There were ten representatives of the county. In 1920 county camp had an attendance of 115, while that of 1921 dropped to 73, a decrease due primarily to lack of leadership, for the county agent had left the county in February, 1920. In September, 1921, a home demonstration agent was appointed. In the spring of 1922 district club days were held with the assistance of the agent and the club leaders. Practically all of the clubs organized in 1919 were still in opera- tion in 1922. In both this year and the next, two camps were hold each year, a senior camp for club members 14 years and older, and a junior camp for those from 10 to 14 years. - 15 - In the spring of 1923 the home demonstration agent was instrumental in arranging public school days as well as the county public school day. Fall leaders' meetings were held in 1922 and 1923 at "The Salt". There were 20 organized and active clubs in 1923, with a total en- rollment of 350 members. In 1924 the number had dropped to ten with an en- rollment of 197 and an attendance of 43 at the county camp. The slump was due largely to lack of leadership, for the home demonstration agent left in 1923. In 1924 a county agent was employed, but he did not stress 4-H work as his predecessors had done. The camp of 1924 was the last one held in county, for the buildings at "The Salt" were now old and unsafe. Those *ho wished to attend camp went to the Summers County camp at Barger's Springs. From 1921 to 1925 many boys and girls from Monroe County attended the camps and volunteers* conferences at the State camp at Jackson's Mill. Many demonstrations and judging teams were sent to district and State fairs, where they won many prizes. In 1924 a campaign was begun for funds for a Monroe County cottage at Jackson's Mill; the cottage was completed in 1927 at a cost of $3,000, and the necessary funds were raised by 1928. In 1925 sixteen boys and girls from Monroe County had attended the 4-H camp in Summers County; interest in camp work was then at low ebb. In 1926. 152 children were enrolled in 4-H clubs and 30 volunteer leaders assisted. During 1927 there were only seven clubs with a total enrollment of 82, in spite of the fact that a county agent was employed. Each club car- ried on one definite line of public work. Moreover the girls of one club completed a piece of sewing each month so that their sewing projects were completed when school closed. Twenty-one members attended camp in Summers County. Twenty-eight completed their projects in time to exhibit them at the Greenbrier Valley Fair. Two clubs made club exhibits. The Waiteville Club demonstrated with a club-night program at the close of the club year and invited adults. This entertainment revived considerably the sentiment in favor of the 4-H work. The decline of club work in Monroe County dates from the time paid leadership was discontinued. By 1929 the county had neither county agent nor home demonstration agent nor paid club leader. Some of the more important factors which caused 4-H club work to de- cline in Monroe County were: 1. The county home demonstration agent who first built up ork in the county was an enthusiastic leader herself, but failed to develop leadership in others. 2. The district leaders who were paid relatively small amounts for their work were important cogs in the wheel of good club work. When their pay was stopped most of them felt they could no longer afford to supervise club work. - 16 - 3. Some dissatisfaction was felt because the financing of the county cottage at the State camp was strongly pushed, perhaps ahead of some of the local work. 4. The county court became more interested in building hard roads than in helping finance 4-H club supervision. 5. Changes in county agents were rather frequent. The last agent was more interested in building up young people's religious societies than in fostering 4-H club work. Chronological Case-Study of One 4-H Club The club understudy . an influential 4-H club in Northern West Virginia, has had a longer history than most clubs. It was selected because of its rela- tively long process of evolution and because it illustrates several signif- icant conditions which make for success or failure in 4-H clubs. Among these conditions of success are: (1) adequate, intelligent, responsible leadership; (2) a homogeneous and stable population type in the club com- munity; (3) the sensitiveness of 4-H groups to friendly support, or lack of such, from their elders; (4) evidences of the possibilities of 4-H clubs as vital factors in community improvement. Notes on this club are offered chronologically 1/ 1916: The Progressive Young Farmers' Club was organized in April with 21 charter members. Two meetings were held but the club was forced to discontinue for a year, and the leader resigned because of parental opposi- tion. 1918: Club reorganized with 12 members and a new leader; projects were carried through the summer and the club was then discontinued for a year. 1920-21: A new leader took charge of the club, nearly all members completed their projects, and good meetings were held every two weeks. The club sponsored a community meeting which aroused the interest of parents. Fourteen members attended the county 4-H camp. 1921-22: Club had 40 members and 2 leaders. Nearly all members com- pleted their projects and attended the fair. A social, with money-making features was held every month during the summer. The club presented the first play ever given in the community, repeated it in another community, and cleared $50, which was used to send prize-winning club members to the Prize Winners' Course at Morgantown. Fifteen attended county camp and three won the 4-H emblem. The club sponsored a successful community meeting and a club party was given at end of year. The club began to attract attention even outside the county. 1922-23: A community meeting sponsored by club attended by 300 peo- raatlon was gathered by Mr. C. H.- Hunter, then a senior In the College of Agriculture of ■est Virginia UnlYersltjr, and a permanent resident of the neighborhood In which the club la located. - 17 - pie. and another play was given. Attitudo of parents and patrons had chang- ed from one of hostility to one of approval. The club sent two represen- ives to two of the State camps. Two "lucky beans", two All-Stars, and one pold medal were awarded individual club members. 1923-24: A "got acquainted" community social was held at beginning of year; oight new members were added, making total of 57. Seventy-five por cent of tho members completed their projects and the club exhibit won first prize at county fair. One girl took grand championship, and numerous other prizes were won by members. Eight attended county camp. One member earned his 4-H emblem. Throe formed a stock-judging team and represented the county in State contest, winning first place there and twelfth place at Chicago in Inter- national Noncollegiate Livestock Judging Contest. At the State fair the club leader was awarded a $100 scholarship given by State Bankers' Association to West Virginia's best all-round club member for that year. Members took part in school programs and entertainments; $24 was cleared at a social given by club, which took an active part in a clean-up campaign, and pledged and paid $50 toward a community building. The Commun- ity'Council arranged a stunt night, at which the club won second prize. A Hallowe'en party and a "wind-up" party were held in two of the homes. 1924-25: A slump in coal business in the two villages which had furnished many club members affected the club, for families moved in and out and members did not remain long enough to complete projects. Only nine- members completed them. No county or community fair was held, but the county agent judged projects of members. One boy attended the State Boys' Camp; two members at- tended the Volunteer Club Leaders' Camp, and one of them was elected to the All-Star group. Nine members attended county camp, where one boy earned 4-H emblem and several were chosen as outstanding in four-fold de- velopment . Two schools and a festival were held and the club aided toward com- pletion of community building. 1925-26: Club had 11 old and 5 new members. Ten members completed projects and exhibited at community fair. Two members attended the Vol- unteer Leaders' Camp at Jackson's Mill and 11 went to tho county camp. Of thesb. four were chosen as outstanding; three won the 4-H honor; and the pig raised by one of the membors won first prize in State contest. More than tho usual numbor of meetings wore held in order to keep up interest. At two meotings vesper services were held, followed by camp fire. The club pledged $300 to the fund for county cottage at Jackson's Mill. An illustrated lecture, a festival, a food sale, an amatour circus, and a play wore employed to help liquidate the pledge. 1926-27: Fourteen old members and 6 now ones were enrolled - about 60 per cent of those eligible for club work in the community. Two regular meetings woro held each month — tho projects carried related to sewing, pigs. corn, potatoes, and poultry. - 18 - Three of All-Star members at the All-Star Camp and Volunteer Leaders' Camp. One boy was award trip to boys' state camp. The club leader was editor of the camp papers. One girl was sent to girls' state camp. Eleven members went to county camp. One member was chosen as out- standing in four-fold development. Three of older members served as volunteer instructors. 1927-28: The lender, v ho had ably directed the club since 1923. was now sophomore in the State University and was too busy to con-tinue work with club; the club declined and nearly passed a . Four boys and six girls enrolled but three moved away before Christmas. One completed his project and exhibited his work. Meetings were scheduled every month, but the chairman, a high school student, often was unable to attend and so call- ed off many meetings. One member attended county camp. 1928-29: The enrollment was small and was mrde up of first and second-year members. The club gave a large basket of focd and clothing to the Salvation Army at Christmas time. Khat Seventy Men and Women Say Their 4-H Club Experience Did for Them An attempt is here made to analyze the effect of fairly extensive 4-H experience as they reveal themselves in the present attitudes, charac- ter traits, and social behavior of 34 men and 36 women. Fifty-one of these had three or more years of experience as club members, whereas the average period of club membership in the State is about one year. Fifty-six have been graduated from high school. 18 from college, and 22 were attending college at the time of inquiry. Practically all these 70 men and women were under 30 years of age, when they gave the following information. More than half were under 25 years of age. Only 23 began their club work at the most favorable ages, 10 11. and 12: over one-half began at older ages. No doubt the rapid turn- over in club membership has been due partly to the fact that a large pro- portion of boys and girls join at an age when they have only one or two years of most active club interest ahead of them. Ages twelve to fifteen are the period of adolescence, when the club life makes its strongest appeal to the boys and girls. The median number of years spent in club work by these boys and girls was nearly three and one-half — long enough to make it likely that their later interests, attitudes, and activities were, to a considerable extent, influenced by their 4-H club work and relationships. The median nunber of projects completed was 3.1. The number of pro- jects completed averaged almost exactly one for each year for each boy or girl concerned. These outstanding 4-H boys and girls did twice as well as did the rank and file of club membership, since only about 50 per cent of the projects undertaken annually in the State are actually completed. Expenditures of ■< -.ade on 4-H projects seem to have been mostly - 10 - for cducntirn. travel, clothes. vines. These fcur items reflect fairly • most ur ; of most farm boys ar.d girls. vhe'>: r not. If of the 70 * small clubs (u:der 16 ; he fact tl d to very '. clubs (5 to 10 com- bers) shows that a grcup need not be large to furnish an environment v.hich reduce eut£' ig individuals. Probably 12 to 15 memb make the mest desirable size of club fcr the average leader ar.d the usual cirL ices feui d in : eighborlv r.ller groups are distinctly lit . they can undertake eu . up projects or activities. • one or more offices he'd by 46 of the 70 buys ar.d girls almost ine. buted to their abil grcup leedsrs ar.d cdd;d to their jcity for taking responsibili Inasmuch as club leaders, supervisors, ar.d rank-and-file members are agreed that attendance at county is one of the most vitalizing socialising factors in the whole 4-H program, it is unfortunate that nearly one-third of these men ar.d women never lud or used the opportunity to at- tend even one ccunty camp. In the earlier days county camps were relatively few. The Slate 4-H camp at Jackson's Mill is of even more recent origin than the ccunty camps. Fifty never attended the State camp. The three honors most cheiished were (1) The 4-H pin (an emblem of high achievement in the fourfc.d life— heed, hand, health, ar.d heart); (2) trip to ntown (.here the State University is located and where the ©-tinners' courses d before the State camp was de- velop cl); and (3) Ail-Star sembership. The All-Stars are regard. d as the most active and interested of men and women in the State in the pro- motion of the 4-H program. These 70 men and vromer. have received definite impressions of their club lecders to be able to mention 21 traits, a total of 452 times, six or eir.ht years after their club experience hed ccme to an end. Honesty, industry. a:.d deper.dabil. lest, with patience and gced judgement next in importance. The percentage of those who a; Lliated with the church and active in son a of its work is considerably hi r.an the usual percent; in th« '.ulation. Because the West V. La 4-H program places consid rrhasis en the ar.d other religious or spiritual elements of its program, it seems fair to conclude that of the reason for this greater showing lies in the influence of club tork. Only 25 are now farmers, farm home makers, ccunty agents, or home demonstration agents. Some of the 22 who wore studants at the time of Inquiry may later have returned to the farm. About one-half of the more capable 4-H be 1 girls, it is estimated, are leaving the country for tc city life and work. Farm taxpayers suppt . d girls in the schooi; ho later become ci of towns and oitil The same process goes on in the field of 4-H work. In so far, however, as 4-H work is supported by Federal ar.d - 20 - and even State funds, much of its financial support comes from town and city taxpayers. Forty-three of the 70 asserted that certain benefits had been de- rived from their 4-H experience which had been of use to them in their present occupation. The fact that 33 of the 70 declared that their 4-H experience had not influenced their choice of a permanent occupation may mean that more attention should be given to the problems of vocational guidance by 4- H club leaders. They are in a strategic position to give valuable aid if they are sufficiently trained in adolescent psychology and sufficiently informed concerning occupational trends and requirements. Contact with leaders and 4-H camps decidedly heads the list of the phases of club work which have most influenced these 70 men and women, according to their testimony. Self-reliance and ambition distinctly head the list of personal or character traits which they believe were developed through their 4-H experience. Many parents commented, with pathetic em- phasis, on how much the 4-H club had done for their boy or girl in helping him or her to "stand on his own feet and express his own ideas." The simple but essential health principles emphasized in the 4-H program were noticeably demonstrated in 60 per cent of these men and women. The 4-H program, when participated in with good cheer and heartiness, is bound to make a real contribution toward better conditions in rural health. Club members are naturally most affected, so far as particular skills acquired are concerned, by the type of project carried. For example. the sewing project was listed as most helpful in the acquiring of skill. On the other hand, not many projects were carried which had to do speci- fically with the making of home conveniences. Farm people are in special need of more technical skill and business-like practices, and 4-H work makes a definite contribution toward this need. It also helps to develop special technical skills. In about 85 per cent of the cases definite contributions to social development were noted. Nearly every element of club activities has at least some social aspect; some of the features of the work are included especially for their socializing effect. It seems rather strange that even 15.7 per cent of these men and women could testify that their 4-H experience had had no such effect. Nearly 80 per cent attribute a definite part of their moral and spiritual development to their 4-H experience. It is significant that the greatest single need for the improvement and extension of 4-H activities noted is the need for a greater number of trained leaders who are able and willing to devote themselves wholehearted- ly to self-imposed tasks. Further evidences of the nature of the social behaivor of these 70 •ected men and women are found in the fact that 29 are members of a civic, community, or fraternal club and 31 have held one or more offices in such organizations. In these respects the proportion of group activity and leader- ship is considerably above the proportion found in the rank and file of farm men and women or even of those in town or city, to which about half of these former club members have gone. Of the 27 who are married, six mar- ried former club members. - 21 - Tabular Presentation of Data Section I ar.d items 1-42 inclusive relate to the 341 4-H clubs surveyed in 1917-28 as organizations; that is. each item summarizes the statis cr the experience of the indi.idual clubs. As in the first case the total number of clubs is 341 ar.d all percentage distributions have been rouidcd ci.d rd.,usUd to odd to 100.0 Section II and items 43-47 relate to 5L7 boys of club age in Koncncalia Ccui.ty, W. Va. . who were not attending school. Section III aid items 48-C9 relate to 70 persons vho hc_d been 4-H club members prior to time of survey. Section I. Description of the clubs. 1. Chief business of the people in the club neighborhood Sort ine basis Clubs in the gr oup. General farming Dairy farcing Truck farming Mining Farming ar.d mining Lumbering Total Number 242 28 C2 5 2 2 341 Per cent 2. Other organizations of young people in club neighborhood None 1 ether others others others Total 2 3 4 Number Per cent 198 58.0 £7 25.5 31 9.1 20 5.9 5 1.5 341 100.0 3. Age of the club to time of survey 1 year 2 years 3 yecrs 4 years 5 years More tl Tc 5 years umber Per cent 61 23.7 63 18.5 33 11.1 47 13.8 35 10.3 77 22.6 341 100.0 - Previous 4-H club experience in present club neighborhood or more clubs prior to present club No earlier 4-H club in the neighborhood Evidence not certain Total Numbor 76 214 51 Per :ont 22 .3 62 .7 15 .0 100 00 Number of clubs having had only 1 loader, and numbor with 2 or more since organization 1 leader 2 leaders 3 leaders 4 leaders 5 leaders 6 leaders 7 leaders 8 leaders Number unknown Total Number Per cent 163 47.8 82 24.0 41 12.0 25 7.3 13 3.8 3 .9 7 2.1 2 .6 _5 1.5 341 100.0 Enrollment of 341 4-H clubs at time of survey Clubs h? -, ing enrollment of 1 to 4 5 to 8 9 to 12 13 to 15 17 to 20 21 to 25 Over 25 Unknown Total Numbor Per cent 1 .3 64 18.8 102 29.9 71 20.8 35 10.3 27 7.9 37 10.8 4 1.2 341 100.0 Occupation of the leaders of 341 4-H clubs Clubs whose leader in 1927-28 was - School teacher Farm woman Farm man Club agent Student In some other occupation Without a leader Total Number Per cent 249 73.0 19 5.6 2 .6 9 2.6 17 5.0 44 12.9 1 341 .3 100.0 - 23 - Number of clubs whose leader had been a club member Leader had been a member Leader not a member Without a loader Total Number 131 209 1 341 Per cent 38.4 61.3 J3 100.0 9. Frequency of regular club meetings held by 341 4-H clubs Number Per cent Number of clubs holding regular meetings Once a month 239 70.1 Twice a month 78 22.9 Once in 3 weeks 2 .6 Once a week 7 2.0 Irregularly 15 4.4 Total 341 100.0 10. Meeting places of the clubs Group Clubs in the Group Meetings were usually held in School house Seme members' home Church building Club leader's home Community hall, grange hall Total etc umber Per cent 272 79.8 43 12.6 7 2.1 9 2.6 10 2.9 341 100.0 11. Supervision (frequency of visits) from county extension workers Number Per cent A county extension worker visits the club Once a month 204 59.8 Once in 2 months 20 5.9 Every meeting 34 10.0 Once a year 10 2.9 T/ice 22 6.4 3 times 2 .6 4 times 25 7.3 Not at all 3 .9 No information 21 6.2 Tol 341 100.0 - 24 - 12. Summer service of leaders to the clubs Number Per cent Leader remains in community and t rge of club during the summer 70.7 Leader does not at lub during t; QQ 29.3 Total looTo 13. Answers to question: Do 4-H olul we more gocd boohs in their homes than families there are no club members? Yes No Unknown Total Number Per cent 286 83.9 33 9.7 22 6.4 341 100.0 14. Answers to question: Are tits of club members recog- nized as community leaders more than are ,-arcnts of nonclub members? Number Per cent Yes 287 84.2 No 39 11.4 Unknown Total 15 341 4_,4 100.0 15. Answers to question: Have parents of club members had more schooling than parents of nonclub members? Yes No Unkr. Total Number Per cent w 194 56.9 123 36.1 _24 7.0 341 100.0 Answers to ques* of 4-H club members more prosperous, financial ban families of boy girls who do not belong to a 4-H club? Yes No No difference n Total oer Per cent 256 75.1 17 5.0 54 15.8 14 4.1 341 100.0 - 25 - 17. Attitude of parents in the neighborhood toward 4-H club work Very favorable and helpful Favorable and holpful . ly favorable and holpful Somewhat indifferent Indifferent Unknown Total Number Per cent 13 3.8 55 16.1 111 32.5 140 41.1 17 5.0 5 1.5 341 100.0 18. Answers of 341 4-H clubs to the question: Ha3 anything been done during 1927-1928 to promote tho work of this 4-H club by the farm bureau, farm women's club. Kiwanis or other civic club, or by business men in nearby town or city? Yes No Unknown Total Number Per cent 91 26.7 213 62.5 _37 10.8 341 100.0 19. Answers of 341 4-H clubs to the question: What percentage of 4-H club boys and girls have influenced their parents to adopt better farming methods or get more home conveniences? Not at all 5 to 10 per cent 15 to 20 per cent 25 to 30 per cent 35 to 40 per cent 45 to 50 per cent Over 50 per cent Unknown Total umber Per cent 53 15.5 £3 27.3 49 14.4 34 10.0 21 6.1 35 10.3 11 3.2 45 13.2 341 100.0 20. Answers of 341 4-H clubs to question: Does the presence of 4-H club members in tho family I ny influence in causing parents to keep financial records? Yes No Unknown Total Number Per cent 93 27.3 200 58.6 48 _ll^I 341 100.0 - 26 - Percentage of school pupils 10 to 18 years old who are club members 1 to 10 per cent 11 to 20 per cent 21 to 30 per cent 31 to 40 per cent 41 to 50 per cent Over 50 per cent Unknown Total Number 43 35 39 55 53 112 4 341 ir cent 6 10 3 11 4 16 1 15 5 32 9 1 2 100.0 22. Percentage of club members who are school pupils 100 per cent Less than 100 per cent Total Number 294 47 341 Per cent 86.2 13.8 100.0 23. Answers of 341 4-H clubs to question: Are the better students more easily interested in 4-H work? Yes No :nown Total Number Per cent 305 89.5 25 7.3 11 341 3^2 100.0 Answers of 341 4-H clubs to question: Does the presence of a 4-H club stimulate better study among pupils who are not club members? Yes No Unknov. Total Number Per cent 256 75.1 57 16.7 _£8 8.2 341 100.0 jrs of 341 4-H clubs to question: Does the presence of a 4-H club in the school hslp to maintain higher stand- ards of conduct among the pupils? Yes Unknown Total Number Per cent 300 88.0 16 4.7 £5 341 7.3 100.0 - 11 - 26. Answers of 3-11 4-H clubs to Do 4-H club membors stay in school longor t] nclub members? Y.s No Unknown Total Nam! Per cent 250 73.3 15 4.7 75 22.0 100.0 27. Comparison of 4-H club members and nonmembers as to their interest and activity in organized games and play at school Club members moro interested No difference Unknown Total Number 323 4 JLi 341 28. Answers of 341 4-H clubs to question: Does the 4-H club encourage its members to read good books? Yes No Total Number 331 _40 3 a Per cent 88.3 11.7 100.0 29. Answers of 341 4-H clubs to Hr.s this 4-H club helped in any way to provide books for use of the community? Yes No Total Number 97 244 341 Per cent 28.4 71.6 100.0 33. Answers of 341 4-H clubs to question: Does this 4-H club help to produce friendliness to id improved ideas and practices among tho pooplo of the community? No Unknown To Number Per cent 296 86.8 29 8.5 _I<2 4.7 100.0 - 23 - 31. Chief group activities of club bosides regular meetings? Number Per cent Hikes, picnics, wiener roasts, etc. 192 56.3 Socials 66 19 Dramatics 13 3.8 Money-making affairs, sales, etc. 14 4.1 Box suppers 2 .6 Miscellaneous 11 3.2 None 43 12.6 Total oil 100.0 32. Answers of 341 4-H clubs to the question: of the club went to county camp in 1927? How many members ] 1 or 2 5 or 4 or 6 7 or 8 9 or 10 Yore than 10 Total umber Per cent 118 34.6 53 17.0 51 15.0 45 13.2 25 7.3 21 6.2 23 6.7 341 100.0 33. Answers of 341 4-H clubs to the question: of this club went to state camp in 1927? How many members 1 2 3 4 5 Over 5 Total Number Per cent 223 65.4 59 17.3 31 9.1 9 2.6 8 2.3 5 1.5 6 341 1.8 100.0 34. Answers of 341 4-H clubs to the question: How many boys and girls in this club won special honors or prizes in 1926-1927? 3 4 5 re than 6 No report Total umber Per cent 193 58.1 46 13.5 31 9.1 19 5.6 15 4.4 7 2.0 7 2.0 15 4.4 _3 9 341 100.0 - 29 - 35. Answer of 341 4-H clubs to the question H club mombers have bank accounts? Do any of the 4- Clubs in which one or more members h bank accounts Cli ;ch no members have bank accounts Clubs in which . whether .bers have bank accounts To- 341 mber Per c '33 68.3 75 22.0 9.7 100.0 era of 341 4-H clubs to the question: Does the 4-H club take any active part in the informal types of social life in the community (picnics, family reunions, etc.)? Total Number 341 Per cent 81 .2 IF .8 100.0 37. Answers of 341 4-H clubs to the question: Are 4-H club members more active and helpful in the social and recre- ational life of the community than are other young people same ages, not club members? No Unknown Total lumber Per cent 305 69.5 25 7.3 11 341 _3^2 100.0 33. Answers of 341 4-H clubs to the question: Are 4-H club members more interested in church activities than other young people, same ages, not club members? Unknown Total Number Per cent 302 88.6 28 8.2 11 3.2 341 100.0 era of 341 4-H clubs to the question: Are the 4-H club ..bers and th ailies any more active and interested jects, (home grounds, school uroh grounc . | ublic | than families in the ;cd which have no club members? Un> Tc Number Per cent \7 15.6 341 11 100.0 - 30 - 40. Answers of 3-41 4-H clubs * question: Does membership in the 4-H club make the boys and girls more interested in applying what they learn in school to their work in the home and on the farm? No Unknown Number Per cent 2S3 85.9 14 4.1 34 10.0 341 100.0 41. Answers of 341 4-H clubs to the question: Has this club »r helped in a definite way to put over a large community enterprise, such as a now high school or bonds for road improvement? Number Per cent 8 2.3 No 333 97.7 Total 341 100.0 42. Answers of 341 4-H clubs to the question: Do you know of any improvements in community life since 4-H club work was organized that can bo traced to the influence of club work' Number Per cent Yes 249 73.0 No _92 27.0 Total 341 100.0 - 31 - SECTION II. Status of 557 Boys of Club Age not in School 43. Ages of the 557 boys. G roup Boys jn the group 10 yoars .1 years 12 years 13 yer. 14 years 15 years 16 years years 18 years Total Number Per cent 8 1.4 8 1.4 2 .4 11 2.0 12 2.2 61 10.9 176 51.6 168 30.2 111 557 19.9 100.0 44. Reasons offered for leaving school Chief reason given Indifference oedod to support family Had completed eighth grade Wanted to go to work Parents not interested in having the boy stay Prolonged sickness Inability to do school work Conduct problems Too great a distance Total 557 umber Per cent 172 30.9 140 25.1 98 17. ^ 66 11.8 7.9 20 3.6 7 1.3 5 .9 5 .9 100.0 45. Present membership in 4-H clubs Boys known to belong to a 4-H club Boys known not to belong to a 4-H club Doubtful cases Total Number Per cent 16 2.9 4S9 £9.6 42 7.5 557 100.0 46. Number of boys to whom a 4-H club is accessib" Boys to whom a club is accessible Boys to whom a club is not accessible Doubtful cases To Number Per rent 155 .8 .6 48 557 100.0 .t(.: aa >--n»!ii> it 11 la I La tba boy'a boa* naltbborbood or In tba adjoining. I borbood. - 32 - 47. Present occupation? of the boys Occupation ner Loafer Glass worker Day laborer Clerk in store Dairyman Worker in stone quarry Teamster Truck driver Lumberman Mechanic Tin plate worker Junk collector Forter in hotel Worker in shoe shop Selling papers Worker in restaurant Questionable work Worker in pool room Worker in bakery Unknown Total 133 8 111 19- 9 80 14.4 7-1 13.3 41 7 13 2.3 11 2.0 9 1.6 9 1.6 9 1.6 7 1.2 6 1.1 4 0.7 3 0.5 3 0.5 2 0.4 2 0.4 2 0.4 2 0.4 1 0.2 1 0.2 34 6.1 557 100.0 SECTION III. Description of 70 persons v.ho had been 4- H club members prior to time of survey 43. Fresent (when questionnaire was filled cut women who were club members in the past ages of men and 13 19 20 22 23 24 ?5 26 27 23 29 Unknown Total .mber Per cent 1 1.4 3 4.3 7 10.0 3 4.3 9 12.9 6 8.6 12 17.1 6 8.6 10 14.3 4 5.7 3 2 2.8 1 1.4 4.3 100.0 - zz - 49. Ago at which club work was begun 8 9 10 11 14 15 16 17 :nown Total ' Per c 2.9 2 2.9 10.0 6 8.6 10 14.3 6 8.6 12 16.9 10 14.3 9 12.9 3 4.3 1 1.4 - 70 100.0 50. Number of years in club work 1 3 5 6 7 More than seven Unknown Total Number Per ct 6 8.6 12 17.2 17 11 15.6 7 10.0 4 5.7 7.1 1 70 10( 51. Number of projects completed 1 2 3 4 5 6 re than 6 Total Number Per c 11 15.7 10 14.3 13 18.6 15 21.4 14 20.0 3 4.3 4 70 100.0 52. Way:: ..ich money made on projects was used ^ed Lo bank ool expenses :p Clothfl Books Had good timo Nono made c. Total 12 29 2 3 92 - 34 - 53. Number of members in clubs to whici. belonged 5-10 11 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 25 - : Over 30 Not member of club Unknown Total Number 15 10 5 4 1J 5 70 Per cent 21.4 .7 14.3 7, b 18, 100, . i ,9 G .3 54. Number of offices held in the club during term o. . ^rship None 1 o 3 Total Number 24 33 10 3 70 Per cent 34.3 47.1 14.3 - U3 .0 55. Number of county camps attended None 1 2 3 4 Over 7 Total Number Per cent 23 .9 12 17.2 7 10.0 8 11.4 3 4.3 4 5.7 7 10.0 1 1.4 __5 7.1 70 100.0 56. Number of state camps attended 1 2 3 Ho re than 4 Tc Number Per cent 50 71.4 7 10.0 5 7.1 3 4.3 3 4.3 2 70 2.9 100.0 - 35 - 4-H club members to question honor won in club work meant the most to you Honor mentioned Times m en tion ed ar-H r 25 Trip to Morgantown 12 1-star membersh 10 No honors won 10 Four-H cap 7 .ian name 7 p to Camp Vail 4 Trip to camp 4 Gold medal 3 Silver ring 3 One-H pin 3 Two-H pin 3 Throe-H ; 3 Trip to Springfield 2 Trip to Tr. camp 2 Trip to Lake Geneva 2 Trip to Grottoes 1 Gold ring 1 Presidency of state organization 1 $300 scholarship L_ Total 104 Not*: Id S4 ciik 2 honors »#>r« aentloned ar bolng of equal tsIu* 53. Answers of 70 former 4-H club members to question: What traits in your club leaders impressed you most? Traits mentioned Iil§ k£M5! Honesty 33 Industry 31 Dependability 31 Patience 27 Good judgement 27 Courtesy 26 Ambition 24 Loyalty 23 Fairness 23 Bt 22 .tnoss 21 Eagerness to learn 21 Open-mi: js 20 Modesty 20 Thoughtfulness 18 Originality IS Alertness 18 Self-control 1 ? Thoroughness 15 Resourcefulness I 5 Unselfishness Total no. of traits mentioned - 21 Total no. of B wore mentioned 4 - 3o - 59. Church relationships at present Church members Attend church regularly Active in church work Attend Sunday school regularly Teach or assume other responsibility Number Per cent 58 82.9 49 70.0 39 7 44 62.9 39 55.7 60. Present occupations of these 70 men and women Occupation Number Per cont Stident 22 31.7 Teacher 10 14.3 Farmer 8 11.5 Housekeeper and homemaker 8 11.5 Home demonstration agent 4 5.7 Ccunty club or agricultural agent 3 4.3 Nurse 1 1.4 Assistant librarian 1 1.4 Music teacher 1 1.4 Electrical worker 1 1.4 Town recorder 1 1.4 liotorman 1 1.4 Bookkeeper I 1.4 4-H leader 1 1.4 Construction worker 1 1.4 Eusiness man 1 1.4 Salesman 1 1.4 Assistant cashier in bank 1 1.4 Fruit grower 1 1.4 By-prcducts superintendent in alkali plant 1 1.4 Payroll clerk 1 1.4 Total 70 100.0 61. Answers of 70 former 4-H club members to question: Lid ycu gain anything from club work v.hich has helped ycu in your present occupation? Yes No Unknown Total Number Per cent 43 61.4 21 30.0 6 8.6 70 100.0 - 37 - of 70 former 4-H club memb- Did ir 4-H experience influence your choice of a permanent occupation? Number Per cent 28 40.0 No 33 47 . 1 Unknown __? 12.9 Total 70 100.0 63. Answers of 70 former 4-H club members to question: What Be parts of club work had the most influence upon your life? Farts of club work menti onod Times Times Times ranke ranked se' 12 ;ond ranke >d third Conta^. 28 8 . ur-H camps 16 20 6 Club meetings 8 4 8 Project wo. 3 9 8 Keeping records 6 6 7 Personal letters 3 7 Making exhibit 2 4 4 Prizes won 4 2 1 Attending fa 1 5 Four-H suggestions 2 3 Writing booklet 2 2 Circular letters 1 1 Friendships 1 Total 68 66 60 - 38 - Answers of 70 former 4-H club members to question: What three character traits were developed by 4-H club work? .tioned Times Times Ti .. 17 ' nke Self-reliance 5 2 Ambition 16 4 1 Interest in work 6 4 6 Judgement 3 4 4 Initiative 1 6 3 Honesty 1 5 4 Thoroughness 4 2 1 Fairness 2 2 3 Loyalty 3 1 3 Willingness to 1 1 3 3 Adaptability 1 3 2 Patience 1 3 2 Courtesy 3 2 Dependability 1 3 1 Self-control 2 1 2 Industry 2 2 Resourcefulness 2 1 Originality 3 Foresight 1 1 1 Tactfulness 1 1 Alertness 3 Open-^indedness 1 1 1 Ability to meet people 1 1 Cheerfulness 1 Better attitude toward co-workors _1_ Total 63 _ 55 53 Ansxers of 70 former 4-H club members to question: Did your 4-H club experience result in health improvement? Number Per cent Yes 42 60.0 No _28 40.0 Total 70 100.0 - 39 - 66. Answers of 70 former 4-H club members to question: Did your 4-H club experience add to your skill? In use of tools In cooking In sjwing king home conveniences Yes No . caring for live stock Yes Number Per cent Yes 14 20.0 No 56 80.0 Yes 18 25.7 Ko 52 74.3 Yes 27 38.6 No 43 61.4 Yes 10 1.3 No 60 85.7 Yes 19 27.1 No 51 72.9 67. Answers of 70 former 4-H club members to question: Did your 4-H club experience contribute in a definite way to your social development? Number Per cent Yes 59 84.3 No _!i 15.7 Total 70 100.0 Answers of 70 former 4-H club members to question: Did your 4-H club experiences contribute in a definite way T o your moral and spirtual development? Number Per cent Yes 55 73 - 6 No _15 21.4 Total 70 100.0 - 40 - 69. Answers of 70 former 4-H club members to question, criticisms or suggestions have you to offer for tl betterment of 4-H club wo; Suggestions Times mentioned ^ dership - get more carefully trained and selected leaders who have time to devote to the work and are willing to make personal contacts with those who need them most . 12 Ex* - get more boys and girls into the clubs, gc out into mountains and mining camps and isolated rural communities. 7 Projects - ei ze high standards of .vork and completion of all projects 7 r-fold development - always keep before the boys and girls the ideal of individual development in the 4-H way 5 Emphasize fairness in work and avoid partiality 3 Reduce number of records required 2 Give more emphasis to spiritual side Keep in touch with members after age of 18 2 Encourage higher education more 2 Develope more sympathetic parents Encourage faith in rural life r.asize individual responsibil: Avoid over-development of one's strong point -d putting boys and girls in limelight Introduce a project that teaches hospitality - 41 - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA lllllllll Hill 3 1262 08921 5437