University Archives & Historical Collections

Michigan State University and 4-H have been intrinsically linked since 4-H clubs were developed in Michigan in 1908. As the years have gone by and the world has changed significantly, 4-H and Michigan State University have developed and changed along with the shifting culture and expectations. 4-H programs began in the United States as a response to young people and their need for better agricultural education. The first 4-H Clubs began in Iowa and Ohio, where in 1902 local school educators connected with their respective agricultural colleges to start a program to teach rural children the basics of home and farm management. In the 1930s, expansion of 4-H projects for girls included clothing, home management and improvement, food and nutrition, and other home economics projects. Additional topics for boys included soil conservation, tractor maintenance, engineering, electricity and agricultural production projects. Today, 4-H's presence continues to be felt on Michigan State University's campus each summer when over 3,000 youth and adult volunteers come and enjoy 4-H Exploration Days. In addition, Michigan State University Extension continues to operate in Agriculture Hall, and with the move to the new stadium in 2006, the Michigan 4-H Foundation continues to link 4-H to Michigan State University.

The Michigan Association of Extension 4-H Youth Staff is and organization for 4-H staff in Michigan. They promote youth development and provide a resource for 4-H staff to network as well as support 4-H on a state and national level. This collection includes two photograph albums from the National Conference of 1996 and one album of 4-H Staff for the period 1952 – 1976; hundreds of photographic prints, negatives, and positives of 4-H staff, members, visitors and their activities; general office working papers; and peripheral materials of the association.  The photographic material is predominantly covers the period of 1920 – 1970 and includes many individuals and groups involved with farm animals, exhibits, demonstrations, activities, games, and period equipment.

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The Michigan 4-H Foundation was founded in 1952 by Arne G. Kettunen on the 50th Anniversary of 4-H. It promotes youth leadership at the county and state levels. The Foundation also maintains the Kettunen Center in Tustin, Michigan. The Michigan 4-H Foundation collection contains administrative records as well as material about the Kettunen Center. Included are Board of Trustee meeting minutes from 1957-1982, annual reports from 1995-1997, as well as bylaws of the organization. There is also a history of the Victor 4-H Club. Photographs include Arne Kettunen, his wife Ruth as well as W.H Krohn, 4-H music group, and USDA service award.

Established in 1914; also known as Farmers' Institutes, Special Extension Workers, and Farm Management Extension. The records include annual reports, 1915-1970; project and county reports, 1913-1969; Administrative files, 1924-1955; Agriculture, Family Living, 4-H Youth, and Music Extension Program files, 1930-1976; and Publications, 1914-1985. These files are arranged alphabetically by county, project title, and program title.

The Ludell Cheney collection contains materials about 4-H. The papers include newspaper clippings about Cheney and a 4-H booklet called "Fun at the Meeting Place." There is also sheet music for two pieces called "A Plowing Song- 4-H Song for Boys" and "Dreaming- 4-H Song for Girls." Also included is a scrapbook Cheney created to submit for a 4-H Alumni Award in 1954. It includes descriptions of his time in the club, outline of demonstration, radio talk, speech, as well as newspaper clippings and photographs. There is also a panoramic photograph of 4-H members, including Cheney, on the White House lawn.

In 1962 Jean Stewart, of Burt Lake, Michigan, traveled to Turkey along with 4-H club members from five other states, as part of the national 4-H club Foundation's International Farm Youth Exchange Program. Her papers consist of the group's reports of their experiences, and include descriptions of the life and culture in Turkey, particularly in the rural areas.

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The collection consists of the poem "The 25th Anniversary of 4-H Clubs" written in 1940 by Plumb and newspaper and magazine articles from 1940, 1942, 1961, and 1983 about her being judged best in a contest and winning an REO touring car.

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PDF Article about Florine Folks Plumb

The collection consists of various materials concerning stock breeding and related interests of the Clapp family in Southeastern Michigan. Materials in the collection relating to the stock breeding activities of Nathan A. Clapp on his farm near Wixon in Oakland County reflect the early development in Michigan of an interest in purebred stock during the last two decades of the nineteenth century. Also included are the papers of James W. Clapp, including correspondence with stock breeders around the world.

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The papers of Keats Vining consist of nine scrapbooks containing magazine articles concerning agriculture, many of which were written by Vining.

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