Organization celebrates its first century

The 4-H organization, officially named in 1912, aims to provide young people hands-on skills through agricultural and home economics projects.

In Montana, 4-H first began in 1912 in the eastern part of the state. The first club project was a corn contest, according to Tammy Walker, Montana State University 4-H and Youth Development agent for Flathead County.

The first club in Flathead County was the Creston Go Getters, organized in 1917 by Reu Carr. Carr’s great-great grandson, Eric Schmidt, and his mother, Sue, still are active in Flathead 4-H, Walker said.

“The original goal of 4-H was to provide American families tools to better their living conditions through youth education,” Walker said. “Clubs were centered around growing potatoes and corn, livestock management and home canning. Throughout the history of 4-H, youth camps and competitive events have been primary activities. Today, we still facilitate youth camps, including summer camp, Cloverbud camp and horse camp.”  

Clubs sprouted around the state through the decades to become one of the largest organizations for youth.

“4-H is a youth development program fostering an innovative ‘learn by doing’ approach. The goal is to instill youth a sense of responsibility, a healthy lifestyle, leadership skills, community awareness, and ethical decision-making abilities,” Walker said.