Everett Theobald, 1st generation, Ray’s father, was one of the first leaders of the Buffalo Hart Boy’s Ag Club. They are not sure of the number of years he served as a leader, but Ray and his three brothers were all 4-H members. The Buffalo Hart Ag Club was organized in 1927 and was one of the longest active clubs in Sangamon County until 2010 or 2011.
Ray and Myrabel Theobald, 2nd generation 4-H members, supported Jerry and his brother and sister, Jim and Janice, in their endeavors at local 4-H club activities, county shows and state fair. They were leaders of the Boy’s 4-H club. Jerry’s mother, Myrabel, was a 4-H leader of the girl’s club and a dedicated helper when her daughter, Janis and her granddaughters, Joelle, Joy, Heather and Hyla took clothing.
Joan (Stillens) Theobald’s parents, Harry and Mary Stillens, were not 4-Hers, but made sure Joan and her brother were enrolled in 4-H. They provided registered Southdown sheep for her brother’s projects, took them both to club meetings, 4-H Federation, achievement nights, and to exhibit at state fair. Mrs. Stillens bought a Singer sewing machine so Joan could take clothing her first year in 4-H. Her gathered skirt and fringed scarf are still in her cedar chest today!
Each of the five 3rd generation family members were active in local clubs as officers, committee chairmen, junior leaders, 4-H Federation, state leadership conference, worked at the food stand at the county show, exhibited at state fair, and enjoyed “share the fun” skits and the myriad of workshops, field trips, and friendships gained. Some of those friendships remain today -- some 50-60 years later! The family also includes Key Club Award and Alumni Award recipients too. Some of their memories include camp songs and the grace before meals.
When the six granddaughters of Ray and Myrabel, the 4th generation, became old enough for 4-H, it was never a question of “do I have to”, but “how many projects can I take and when can I start”? These girls, plus Jason Tompkins, experienced many of the same activities and projects, but added their own memories. This generation remembers photography, leather tooling, ceramics, cake decorating, yeast breads, pastry and citizenship. They LOVED the Citizenship Washington Focus trips, serving as camp counselors, leadership conferences, working in the food stand and participating in federation.
Now that the 5th generation are members, they are able to join Spin Clubs for robotics, archery and rocketry. They can take fun projects like beekeeping, food science, photography, health, “choice expressive art”, and cooking. They continue with chickens, rabbits, cat care and dog care/obedience as other family members have in the past. 4-H Memorial Camp is also a favorite!
Most all of the family career choices were influenced by their 4-H membership and projects—farming, Family and Consumer Science teacher, two dieticians, child development specialist, social worker serving older adults with their health concerns, ag econ, and business owners. Avocations include cake decorating, visual arts, crafts, music and drama. All of the adults strive to provide a positive, healthy learning environment for other children and adults. Leadership, citizenship, public speaking skills, responsibility, accountability, money management, and community service all began with 4-H.
What the youngest generation will choose to do and become, they do not know. One thing is certain—4-H will always be a valuable, meaningful and cherished part of the Theobald family!
