Ribbons and newspaper clippings from the 1966 Johnson County fair donated by the Cramer family are part of the display for the 4-H Centennial Historic Reception on March 3. The open house-style event gives people a chance to see artifacts and mementos from 100 years of Johnson County 4-H history.
RYAN TRARES | DAILY JOURNAL
The mementos and memories have come from all corners of the community.
Ribbons earned at long ago Johnson County fairs are mounted on poster board. Dusty 4-H projects, from crafts to artwork to sewing, serve as reminders of long hours working towards a childhood goal. Black-and-white photographs of fair parades, livestock shows and presentations bring the past to life.
A handwritten journal details, day by day, one of the first years of Johnson County 4-H.
In a place with such deep agricultural roots, 4-H has been a part of countless lives in Johnson County. The organization is in the middle of its centennial year, looking back at the past while preparing to move into the future.
Former 4-Hers, supporters, family members and the general public are invited to celebrate 100 years of history during a special event on March 3. The 4-H Centennial Historic Reception will be an opportunity to visually experience the past century of the organization through the members who were a part of it.
“This is a way to bring history back through the years,” said Becky Canary, a volunteer who has helped put the event together.
4-H was founded in Johnson County in 1924, after the county was notified by Purdue University that it would be one of the counties chosen to establish trial clubs. One of the clubs was established in the Hopewell community, which in the first year had 23 members.
Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest youth organizations in Johnson County. 4-H today serves more than 1,200 kids each year. The group is active all over the county, and with the inclusion of Mini 4-H, reaches kindergarten to 12th grade.
With so many people being a part of the organization, either as a member, a parent of a member, a group leader or just a supporter, 4-Hers share a bond that connects generations of county residents.
That’s made the 100-year celebration so much fun, Canary said.
“It’s exciting for me. I was in 4-H in another county, but just looking through and seeing the history of the families. It’s just progressed through the generations and the families,” she said.
Activities and events have been ongoing since last year’s county fair. That includes the creation of the JoCo 100 Club. Open to all current 4-H families, 4-H alumni, businesses, supporters, volunteers or simply anyone who loves 4-H, the club offers people the chance to further support future young people in 4-H.
The Centennial Historic Reception is the second of three major events recognizing the milestone year. As the 4-H program year starts in October, organizers put together a centennial block party in the fall which featured food trucks, live music, bounce houses and more.
A centennial celebration is planned for July 14 during the 2024 fair. On that day, organizers will open a time capsule that is buried in the fairgrounds’ Centennial Park. A new time capsule will replace the old one.
“That will be our big last event for the year,” said Kim Roberts, a volunteer helping with the historic reception.
But the Centennial Historic Reception has been an opportunity for everyone who has been involved in 4-H to contribute, Canary said.
Volunteers put a callout to the community for any artifacts to include in the celebration — projects, photographs, awards, banners, and more from their 4-H experience.
A wealth of mementos have come in so far. One of the most exciting comes from the Dunn family, who have been involved with 4-H for generations. The family offered books and writing from 1925, detailing the earliest years of the county organization.
“There are pictures and all the records on everything — how many times she set the table for events, how many times she made cookies preparing for 4-H. It shows a true 4-H experience,” Roberts said.
The items will be displayed in chronological order in decades around Scott Hall.
Organizers envision the reception as an open house, where people can come at their leisure and reminisce about 4-H. Popcorn and cake will be served.
In addition, three guest speakers with deep 4-H ties are attending the event. Nancy Schuman, a longtime 4-H educator; Norman Long, who grew up in Johnson County and was involved with the state 4-H organization, and Steve Beckman, a former 4-H member who will speak about the 4-H endowment, are all scheduled to speak.
A separate area will be set up where people can share their thoughts on 4-H.
“People can be interviewed and talk about memories, share their stories. Then we’ll put that together and share it at the county fair,” Canary said.
IF YOU GO
4-H Centennial Historic Reception
What: A special community event looking at historic items from Johnson County 4-H’s 100-year history.
When: 2-5 p.m. March 3
Where: Scott Hall, Johnson County fairgrounds, 250 Fairgrounds St., Franklin
Who: The event is open to the public.
Donating items: Historic items are still being collected for the event. People can submit artifacts from 6 to 8 p.m. March 2 at Scott Hall, or from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 3.
