Nat T. Frame

Nat T. Frame was an innovative county agent in two W.Va. counties and Louisville, Ky. He was also a W.Va. state agent before becoming the visionary director of the West Virginia University (WVU) Extension Service (1914-1933). Mr. Frame laid a solid foundation for much of Extension’s ongoing work in agriculture, home economics and youth programs. He was particularly dedicated to youths and the 4-H program. He provided the initiative, guidance, and fiscal accounting that led to the establishment of the internationally known WVU State 4-H Camp, Jackson’s Mill (where he taught leadership to the youths), as well as regional cultural centers such as Oglebay Institute in Wheeling, W.Va., which he directed (1937-1939). Jackson’s Mill opened In June 1922 as the first training camp for youths in the United States and has served hundreds of thousands of youths and adults. After buying a 500-acre farm in Berkeley County, W.Va., in the 1920s, Mr. Frame and his wife donated 43 acres of it to build a 4-H camp. Over its 97-year history, Camp Frame has generated well over $1M through capital improvements, fundraisers, rentals, and caretaker salaries. Three contiguous W.Va. counties use the camp, which has served thousands of 4-H members, other youths, and adults.