4-H: Then and Now
History of Hughson, California: The People, the Places, the Traditions of a Small Town
Amidst an array of display boards in the Hughson Historical Society showcasing the 4-H sewing project, meat goat project, rabbit project, arts and crafts, primary group and more, retired junior high PE teacher Ardie Feucht presented on the history of 4-H to the Hughson Historical Society, the story of her 27 years with the organization, and introduced three current 4-H members.
4-H began in Hughson in 1931. The organization was founded by A.B. Graham in 1902 in Clark County, Ohio, as a learning experience for children. In 1914, Congress declared 4-H a national organization through the Smith-Lever Act. It included children ages 9 to 19. It expanded to have a primary program, with children as young as 6 doing primary division.
In 1927, 4-H adopted the 4-H pledge: I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my family, my club, my community, my country and my world. Every monthly community meeting, after reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag, children recite the 4-H pledge. In 1931, the logo was established “to make the best better.”
Feucht participated in 4-H in Contra Costa County, where her mother was the sewing leader.
Her two sons joined Hughson 4-H in 1995. Feucht shared that Alan was born with a type of dwarfism and “was in a wheelchair for most of his younger life between surgeries and things.” She said he was completely included in every kind of activity and involvement he was able to show rabbits at the fair.
Feucht’s husband, a woodworking teacher at Turlock Junior High School, volunteered as a woodshop leader. He led the woodshop project for ten years until the boys aged out.
For many students on the college prep course, their courseloads were too full to take agriculture classes or woodshop classes. 4-H offered these students an opportunity they might not otherwise have.
Feucht told the story of Bobby Ehrmann, who was involved in woodworking throughout his years in 4-H. Ehrmann, now Dr. Robert Ehrmann, an aeronautical engineer, participated in a building competition for an aerodynamic vehicle during his time at Texas A&M, competing against colleges throughout the United States. His group won top honors. Ehrmann later told Feucht, “I have to give you credit for a lot of my success because, as a youngster, you taught me how to measure, how to build things, how to put things together correctly and how to sand and sand and sand and how to put the bright, smooth finish on things.”
Feucht said the other students could put the design together and make it work, but “they looked to Bobby for how to finish this. It made my husband cry.”
When Alan Feucht was the only child to sign up for the rabbit project, Ardie Feucht became the rabbit leader. “What’s a mom going to do?” she said. “I didn’t know about rabbits, but I learned.”
Alan continued to show rabbits throughout high school and even in college. He continued as an assistant leader, guiding members in showmanship. He has continued to volunteer for 17 years. The project grew and, in some years, saw over 60 rabbits.
After teaching archery at junior high school, Feucht added archery to their offerings as 4-H leaders. That program continued for 9 years, co-leading with her son Thomas. “My own kids still wanted to be part of it as adults and give back to the community,” she said. “It’s been kind of a family affair for me. We’ve really enjoyed being part of this community.”
Feucht said her children learned public speaking and record keeping. Through the record books, members track their expenses, seek sponsorships to offset costs and sell their animals at the Stanislaus County Fair. “This project is so important because we have the kids track costs so they understand the concept of a budget as they approach and enter high school,” Feucht explained.
The emerald project completed by her son and his peers, creating a Resource Guide for Ornamental Horticulture, is still used by the fair to this day for judging.
Peyton Silveira, Makayla Silveira, and Janet Hill presented. Peyton has been in 4-H for six years, has participated in the goat, lamb, and sewing groups, and is now the communications officer. Makayla has been a member for nine years and has shown rabbits, chickens, goats, and lambs.
When asked what skills they have learned from 4-H that apply to other areas of their lives, Makayla said that learning to take a business mindset to selling and raising animals. Makayla explained, with business-like composure, that she did not sell her two lambs last year. Instead, a wild dog attacked them, but she plans to raise lambs and try again.
Janet Hill is in her fourth year of 4-H. She is now a youth leader for the rabbit group and went from owning one market rabbit part of the year to raising seven breeding rabbits year-round. As youth leader, she helps at primary and youth meetings, passes out papers and helps younger members with their showmanship routines. Her work with 4-H helped her go from a shy, quiet participant to a leader. Hill explained the responsibilities members take on, from rising at 6:30 a.m. to feeding animals before school to exercising them to feeding them dinner before eating dinner oneself.
Children seek sponsorships to help offset the costs of their animal projects. Hill creates a presentation and goes to potential sponsors with a gift basket in hand. She tells them about herself and her animal and asks them to consider supporting her project.
4-H is open to any child in Stanislaus County. Those who plan to attend Hughson High School and want to raise animals but lack the space at home to do so have access to the school farm.
4-H members meet at least twice a month, once for a community meeting in the Hughson Elementary School Cafeteria and again for their specific project, the time and place depending on the project and leader. Members participate in parades, the Hughson Fruit and Nut Festival petting zoo, and Ag Day at Hughson Elementary School. They can also attend Camp Sylvester.
Hughson, with 115 members, is the largest 4-H club in Stanislaus County. The Stanislaus County Fair has more animal entries than even the California State Fair; Feucht said, “If you do well at Stanislaus County Fair, know that you made it.”
Originally published in the Hughson Chronicle & Denair Dispatch on April 9, 2024. The Hughson Chronicle & Denair Dispatch is part of MidValley Publications and is committed to the power of the positive press. Reprinted with Permission.
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