My 4-H story began during spring quarter at Iowa State University (ISU) in 1951. I needed a summer job in my area of study of teaching high school vocational agriculture; however, there were no summer jobs. My advisor suggested the Cooperative Extension Service had jobs working with 4-H. The only thing I knew about 4-H was a program for rural kids and there were Boys 4-H Clubs and Girls 4-H Clubs whose members exhibited projects at the county fair. I was surprised when they hired me as the Summer 4-H Youth Assistant at the Extension Office in Anamosa, Iowa. The summer went fast, and I learned about 4-H and working with young people and adults. As I returned to college, I was convinced I wanted to be a permanent staff member in Jones County.
After a brief period in the U.S. Navy, I returned to Iowa to find a job that would use my talents and skills. I stopped at the Jones County Office to see if there was any possibility of a job. I learned there was, and I had an interview with the administrators at ISU. I was quickly offered a job but was told they would review the open positions and contact me when they had a specific job for me. I indicated, in a firm manner, I only wanted to work in Jones County. Within a few days an interview was set up for me in Anamosa and I was hired as Jones County’s first permanent youth staff member.
On March 1, 1954 I began my 34-year professional career with the Cooperative Extension Service and 4-H. Little did I know I would work with 4-H in three states, in 7 Iowa counties, work on the Iowa State staff three different times, and lead national 4-H workshops.
