by Kristine Schmucker, HCHM Curator
There is a wealth of information in the Archives at the Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives in Newton, Ks. As the repository for Harvey County, records from various agencies and eventually find their way to us. One collection contains the Annual Reports from the Harvey County Extension Office from 1913 to 1968.
The Reports begin in 1913 and include statistics, descriptions and photographs related to farming in Harvey County. Many of the reports feature the activities of the Harvey County 4-H Clubs.
John Whitlock, photo curator, has been working his way through a collection scanning the photographs that were often included.
Front Cover of the 1920 Harvey County Extension Annual Report.
These are just a few.
“An Enthusiastic 4-H Girl”
“Helen Sharits, an enthusiastic 4-H girl, who has the ambition of becoming a leader. She attended the 4-H round-up and has attended a number of community meetings since her return, helping entertain with games and recreation. She was also one of the leaders of the 4-H stand at the Wheat Festival, August 6th. At the reorganization meeting she was elected secretary of the Newton 4-H club.”
Helen Sharits, 1928.
“Helen Sharits and Irene Wantland . . . both are good leaders and very enthusiastic over the work.”
Helen Sharits & Irene Wantland, 1928.
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“These Women are Interested in Remodeling Woolen Garments”
IV Unit of Clothing, 1929.
“Miss Loretta McElmurry holds her IV Unit of clothing with her clothing leaders in the Chamber of Commerce assembly room. These women are interested in remodeling woolen garments.”
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Millinery Class, November 1927.
“A group of women wearing fall hats made a s a result of the training school held at Newton, Kansas by Miss Maude Deely, Millinery specialist of K.S.A.C., the early fall of 1927. This picture was taken at the Farm Bureau Women’s Annual Picnic held at Halstead, November 9, 1927. Miss Deely is standing to the extreme right of the group.”
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Household Management, 1929.
“Miss Harper, Household Management specialist and her leaders rest long enough to have their picture taken. They are making ‘Whatnots’ and hooked rugs.”
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Carmen Gillmore, Walton Club, 1934.
“Carmen Gillmore, Walton Club, with her blue ribbon Shropshire ewe.”
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Margaret & Lois Spangler, 1935.
Margaret and Lois Spangler, State Representatives at National Dairy Show.”
These are just a few of the photos related to activities of women and girls as reported by the Harvey County Extension Office during the 1920s and 30s. As John works through the collection, we will share more photos and activities that give a glimpse into life in Harvey County.
Sources:
- Harvey County Extension Collection, 1913-1968, Harvey County Local Government, HCHM Archives, HCHM, Newton Kansas.