Late 1890's
As the century turned, young people were moving to cities, drawn by the potential for jobs. They saw no future in laboring behind a plow. The atmosphere of economic prosperity was darkened by the nagging concern for the future generation of rural children.
O. J. Kerns, Winnebago County, Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station, founded Farmers' Institutes to introduce farm and home topics and comparative classes for rural youth.
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A study of urban 4-H was undertaken with support of the Ford Foundation in 100 metropolitan areas where 4-H was organized. Illinois’ urban programs had begun in Chicago in 1955, with the help of a grant from the Coats & Clark Company.
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It used to be that 4-H served young people between 10 and 21 years of age. Since 1965, youngsters between 9 and 19 years of age have been eligible to take part in 4-H.
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A highly successful 4-H television series, Mulligan Stew, was premiered by the Extension Service in 1972 and that began the exploration for new 4-H delivery methods. Many of those new initiatives continue today.
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The National 4-H Pledge was written by Otis Hall, Kansas State 4-H leader. The first and only change from the original wording added “and my world” at the close of the statement in 1973.
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Launched the first 4-H Day on the University of Illinois campus. 4500 Illinois 4-H members and their families watched the Fighting Illini take on Syracuse University in the home opener game. At half time, the Marching Illini presented a spectacular show complete with 4-H flags and a huge 4-leaf clover.
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Illinois launched the Illinois 4-H Cloverbuds Program for youth ages 5-7 years old.
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Illinois launched the 4-H Can Make A Difference Food Drive Campaign, collecting over 2.3 million pounds of food and contributed more than 2.1 million hours of volunteer service at food banks, pantries, shelters, and meal programs throughout the state.
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Illinois launched the Operation Military Kids Program to support deployed National Guard, Army Reserve and Active Duty Soldiers children.
