Postcard from the Past: 557 4-H’ers in 11 Community Clubs
Compiled by Dick Perue
For the past 112 years, 4-H has had a strong presence throughout Wyoming, with the apex being in the 1950s-60s.
An article in the Sept. 16, 1964 issue of the Rawlins Daily Times noted there were “557 4-H’ers in 11 community clubs” in the Carbon County area, with a profile of each club.
Encampment is old timer
The Encampment community enjoys the distinction of having one of the oldest beef clubs in Wyoming, established in 1929. One of those early members, Ronald Wolfard, is now a leader in this same club. The Encampment BEVO club has an enrollment of 62 members and 14 leaders. Russell Herring is the community leader.
Rawlins largest in the state
The largest 4-H organization in the state is located in Rawlins. Community Leader Don Neal said his 47 assistants have important and challenging work overseeing 4-H activities of 185 boys and girls carrying 264 projects.
Jim Cronberg council president
Carbon County 4-H Council President Jim Cronberg heads up the 4-H program in Medicine Bow. Although the smallest club in the county, their community projects are worthy of recognition. With good parent and community cooperation this will be a strong club in years to come.
A growing program in Hanna
Hanna Handies 4-H, under the leadership of Mrs. Donald Johnson and 11 other leaders, has steadily grown toward the recognition as a 4-H community. During the past four years, this club has shown considerable improvement in its project work and 4-H attitudes with an enrollment of 49 members.
Savery develops leadership
4-H work provides for community activity in the Little Snake River Valley, which is the home of the Savery Savers. This club is recognized in state 4-H circles for the top quality of 4-H’ers it has turned out in the past 10 years, a goal they are continuing. Community Leader Bill Hays is backed by an able crew of 12 adult leaders.
Rock Creek enrollment raises
The Rock Creek 4-H’ers, with an enrollment increase of 25 percent, are setting a steady pace of improvement with their community-spirited programs and local enthusiasm. Lee McQuay and six other adult leaders work tirelessly in maintaining an industrious program for their membership.
Sinclair club
Home economics projects such as food and clothing hold an attraction for the young girls in Sinclair. Mrs. James Sabin and four other women leaders keep their girls busy sewing garments and preparing meals.
Bairoil and Lamont area
As a youth activity for the boys and girls of this area, 4-H provides a rounded program of recreation and creative project work. This club is fast gaining a reputation for the craft work they exhibit at county fair. Kenny Raymond and other leaders work long, hard hours with club members.
Twenty-five years in Elk Mountain
Mrs. John Orton, community leader at Elk Mountain, will soon lead her club into the 25th year of 4-H work. Mrs. Paul Wick assists in carrying out a program which provides 4-H experiences to the second generation of boys and girls in this community.
Saratoga feature in national magazine
Eighty-nine energetic young men and women make up the 4-H organization for the Saratoga area. Their most sought-after goal of 100 percent completion has been reached three years running. On an enrollment of this size, this is an outstanding accomplishment which has earned recognition from National 4-H News. Eighteen adult leaders, spearheaded by Mrs. James Grooman, keep the 4-H program humming.
Wamsutter is newcomer
Wamsutter, a newcomer to the Carbon County 4-H family, is finding 4-H an interesting and educational activity for its 34 members. Mrs. Manuel Gonzales is the community leader.
