4h@orst.edu541-737-2421All about Oregon 4-H: vision, mission, statistics, and historyWhat's New?
Bringing the University to Youth, Oregon State University 4-H Youth Development Education

People
Join 4-H
Volunteers
Hall of Fame
Staff
Programs
Kids Page
Calendar
Events
4-H Projects
School Programs
Recognition
Scholarships
Collegiate 4-H
Oregon Outreach
School-Aged Care
Resources
Newsletter
Printed Materials
Evaluation
Judges
4-H Foundation
4-H Center
Related Links
Staff Use Only


4-H Adventures
Project WILD

Oregon 4-H Hall of Fame

Inductees A-H


L. H. Alderman, State 4-H Office

As the School Superintendent for Yamhill County, L. H. Alderman started the first boy's industrial club in 1904. This was the beginning of what we now call 4-H, and it is very fitting that he be our first Hall of Fame inductee. When Alderman became State Superintendent of Public Instruction, he asked the State Bankers Association and the Union Stock Yards to help fund two paid "agents" to support club work, thus began paid positions to support boys and girls club work in Oregon. Thank you Mr. Alderman, for getting Oregon 4-H started!

 

L. J. "Doc" Allen, State 4-H Office

L. J. Doc Allen was State 4-H Program Leader from 1947 to 1952. But more importantly he was part of the trio of state 4-H staff that really created the Oregon 4-H Program. He served on the state staff from 1915 through 1952 with Harry Seymour and Helen Cowgill. Together they created many successful programs including 4-H Summer School at OSU, which included as many as 2,000 students at one time.

 

 

 

Lee Allen, Benton County

Lee Allen co-chaired the Youth Auction Committee in Benton County for 30 years. He secured buyers, did promotion, was in charge of all the paper work, and supported the overall organization of the auction. He worked with community businesses to recruit funds for an auction pool to keep prices fair for all 4-H & FFA members. Lee served on the selection committee for the 4-H Extension Agent position in 1983, and was on the advisory board for the Youth Employment program for 15 years.

 

Linda Allen, Multnomah County

Linda Allen's love of 4-H began as a 10 year 4-H member in Tillamook County. She became a leader in Multnomah County 27 years ago. She has been active in the Multnomah County Leaders' Association and was President for at least 5 years. She was also a member of county, metro, and state advisory committees, and is on the 4-H Board of Trustees. Linda can always be counted on to do any special projects whenever a volunteer is needed.

 

Wilbert Lowell "Andy" Anderson

Andy joined the Extension staff as 4-H agent in Douglas County in 1950. One of his first accomplishments was developing a 4-H Community Leader program to assist in the recruitment and training of 4-H leaders. The county was divided into five small community fairs and with the assistance of other groups Andy took the lead in establishing the Douglas County Fair in Roseburg. Andy farmed for four years at Elkton in Douglas County and led a 4-H Livestock Club. He served as 4-H and Livestock agent in Curry County from 1956 to 1966. He increased 4-H enrollment by 25% his first full year in Curry. He also developed several innovative programs including a Dads and Lads archery program, a 4-H horse trail ride program that later became a statewide program, a school 4-H marketing program and tour to the South Coast marketing center of Coos Bay, developed a Youth Employment Service to provide supervised work experience for at risk high school students, organized a County Youth Council, and as a result of the latter he and the chair of the Curry Committee were selected to take part in President Eisenhower’s Children and Youth Conference in Washington, DC. Andy served as an Extension Advisor in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969 working with farmers and 4-H youth clubs to improve agricultural production. Up to his retirement he taught Extension classes at OSU. Andy served as an Infantry weapons squad leader during WW II and was awarded a Silver Star.

 

Ken Austin, 4-H Foundation

Ken Austin was elected as a Trustee of the 4-H Foundation in 1980, and was President from 1983-1985. He continued as a Trustee until 1995. Mr. Austin provided leadership in two areas - marketing 4-H and the 4-H Foundation. He helped develop a fund raising strategy and led the effort by providing funding for a number of challenge campaigns which helped put the Oregon 4-H Foudnation on solid financial footing. Mr. Austin was a 4-H member in Oregon and was recognized with the National 4-H Alumni Award.

 

 

 

Gladys Barclay, Lincoln County

The name Gladys Barclay is synonymous with 4-H in Lincoln County. Gladys was a 54 year 4-H leader with as many as three generations of 4-H members to her credit. Many of these members and former Extension Agent, Gray Thompson, were attendees at the 4-H Leaders' Banquet that honored Gladys and her husband, Everett at the celebration of her 50th year as a 4-H leader.

 

 

Bill Bigham, Jackson County

J. William "Bill" Bigham was one of the pioneer leaders in Jackson County. He believed whole heartedly in the 4-H program and gave his all to his community and the county. He was a leader, fair manager and friend to the 4-H program. Because of him Jackson county is still one of the strongest 4-H successes in the Oregon!

 

 

 

James Bishop, OSUEA/4-H

James Bishop represented Oregon at many of the NAE4-HA events in its early years. He worked in Coos, Umatilla and Marion counties. In the mid 1950s, he was working in the state 4-H office on special assignments. He served on the organizational committee of NAE4-HA in 1946. James was the torch bearer of our state organization and was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame for his contributions to NAE4-HA.

 

Harold Black, Clackamas County

As the County 4-H Agent he often had 400 kids at camp and 100 at 4-H Summer School, with as many as 300 of those on some type of scholarship. Harold Black was instrumental in helping the committee that formed the 4-H Agent Association. In 1974, he returned for a national training program and urged the group to form a state association. He saw how a state organization could help 4-H agents professionally. He was a supportive leader in getting the state association formed in 1975. Harold was the first full time 4-H agent to become a county staff chair.

 

John and Edyth Bohnert, Jackson County

John and Edyth Bohnert were involved in 4-H for a good part of their lives. They both were members of
4-H as youth, and both became involved as leaders in Jackson County (John in 1945, Edyth in 1949). As parents of two very involved 4-H members, John and Edyth saw to it that their children made it to their meetings and helped haul animals for them. John also hauled other members' livestock to the State Fair, the Pacific International Show, and to the Cow Palace. John was a swine leader and superintendent for the Jackson County Fair. He served on the County Fair Board for ten years. Edyth was a leader in both Home Economics and Forestry. She served on the Executive Board at both the county and state levels, in addition to serving on the Board of Trustees of the Oregon 4-H Foundation. After becoming grandparents, Edyth and John were very supportive of their grandchildren, continuing their involvement in 4-H.

 

Jerry Brog, OSUEA/4-H

Jerry Brog, Frank von Borstel, and Norbert Vandehey were the active committee members who helped establish the OSUEA 4-H Affiliate in 1974. The group spent a year developing rules of operation and bylaws with a set of proposed goal and objectives. They presented the proposal to the 4-H agents training in 1975. In the fall of 1975 the 4-H association became a reality at the Extension Staff Conference, and at the spring conference in 1976 the association became official. Gerry worked in Coos, Gilliam and Jackson counties.

 

Evelyn Brookhyser

Evelyn Brookhyser’s influence and impact on 4-H has been profound and long lasting. Over the years she has always looked for new and innovative ways to reach youth through grant projects and by involving them in activities that would enrich their characters and teach them life skills. Evelyn has been involved with OSU Extension for 36 years, and with 4-H for a good portion of that time. She was hired in 1966 at the Yamhill County Extension office as a 4-H agent, and became administrator for the Lincoln County Extension office in 1974. In 1995 she assumed the leadership of the county 4-H program as well. Throughout her years with 4-H, Evelyn has always asked the youth to stretch themselves by becoming more involved, to try new things, and to go beyond the county activities. Youth realized their own potential when Evelyn would nominate them for State Ambassador or the State Leader’s Association. She always looked for the leader potential in youth, and helped them realize it. Evelyn knew how to involve the adult volunteer community, by finding new volunteer leaders and keeping them returning every year. Evelyn has been active in community service organizations and has been recognized over the years by receiving numerous awards and recognitions.

 

Joy Brougher Brown, OSUEA/4-H

Joy Brougher Brown was another one of the early leaders in the effort to create the 4-H Agents professional association. Records show that she was the one that went to the administration several times to gain approval for the concept of creating the 4-H Affiliate for the Oregon State University Extension Association. The Association was eventually established in 1975.

 

Dale Buck, Tillamook County

"I think 4-H is very important because it provides role models for youth as evidenced in my own children and grandchildren. I feel that very few 4-H youth are delinquent because 4-H gives them something to do that they feel good about, and that the 4-H youth become the leaders in their community."
This statement by Dale Buck illustrates his commitment to and support of the 4-H program within Tillamook County and throughout Oregon. Dale lives what he states. He was a 4-H member in Scotts Mills in the 1940s with a roan heifer for his project. His contributions to the Tillamook community, the 4-H program, OSU Extension, his church and the public service arenas exemplify his concern and interest in the welfare of others. He is a positive role model for our youth today. Dale is a facilitator, negotiator, mediator, counselor and true human being.

"Mr. Dependable," as one dairy farmer called Dale, can be depended on to give of himself, his time and his knowledge to better our community. Honesty, integrity and altruism are adjectives that have earned Dale the right to be called a leader, and above all, one who has served this community. Dale is held in the highest respect and surely upholds the 4-H Motto: "To Make the Best Better."


Phyllis Caldwell, Jackson County

Phyllis Caldwell has been a "temporary leader" in Jackson County for 44 years. In 1960 she received a phone call two weeks before the fair, and was asked to be the leader for a rabbit club. When she said she didn't know one breed from another, she was told that wasn't a problem, and she has been the leader ever since. She has also served as a member of the 4-H Executive Committee for at least 15 years, and has managed several barbeques for at least 30 years.

 

 

Leonard Calvert, Extension Service

Len Calvert worked for 35 years as the 4-H editor in the agriculture communications department at OSU. Even though he did not always enjoy the fair, he spent years covering all of the important news coming out of the 4-H division of the Oregon State Fair. It would be hard to estimate the number of new releases that he has written in support of 4-H. Even in retirement he has continued to write news releases for special events and for the 4-H Foundation.

 

 

Bob and Bobby Cornford, Union County

The Cornfords have been outstanding supporters of the Oregon 4-H Program since they moved to Union County in 1973. The Cornfords, as a team, have been the foundation for countless projects and events for over 30 years. They most often work as a team for countless projects and event in our 4-H program for over 30 years. Bob and Bobby have played active roles in programs such as the 4-H radio auction, the Blue Mountain 4-H Center, the Union County Fair Board, and the 4-H/FFA Blue Ribbon Auction

 

Jean Correa, Umatilla County

Jean Correa was a dedicated 4-H volunteer in the Oregon 4-H Program for over 28 years.  Her 4-H career began as a club leader for Home Economics, Expressive Arts and Leadership clubs in Umatilla County.  Recognized for her subject matter expertise, Jean was sought out as a judge at numerous county and state fair events for over 25 years.  Her wisdom and leadership were highly respected.  Jean served as a member of the State Fair Board, State Home Economics Advisory Board, Umatilla County 4-H Advisory Board,  as an instructor at area-wide leader trainings and in multiple other leadership roles.

 Jean has been recognized for her service and dedication at the national and local levels, including having a flag flown in her honor over the US Capitol by Congressman Greg Walden.  She was also selected as Umatilla County Fair Grand Marshall and City of Echo Grand Marshall.

 

Joanna Corson, Harney County

Joanna Corson has been a 4-H dog project leader for more than 30 years in Harney County. She has also been an active leader in the county 4-H Leaders' Council. If you imagine you're in the community center building with 35 to 40 kids, a dozen adults and a number of yipping and barking dogs, you're probably with Joanna for one of her dog project meetings. Imagine doing this for 900 consecutive Tuesday evenings. Add all of that up and you will find that Joanna Corson has dealt with 3600 youth and over 4000 dogs!

 

 

Katherine Cory, Douglas County

Katherine Cory was a beloved individual who served as a Douglas County 4-H leader for over 50 years. She started her first 4-H club in 1927, teaching a small group of children to sew. During her 4-H career, she also taught cooking, forestry, livestock, health and safety, and horticulture projects. One of her most memorable clubs was Health and Safety. This club was responsible for several stop signs and cross walks installed in Dillard and Winston.

 

Helen Cowgill, State 4-H Office

Helen Cowgill was Assistant State 4-H Leader for girls from 1914 to 1947. She was part of the team with H. C. Seymour and Doc Allen. Together they ran the Oregon 4-H Program as a team for more than 30 years. As such, they created the foundation for everything that 4-H is today.

 

Joe Cox, Extension Service

Joe Cox served as the Washington County 4-H agent for several years beginning in 1945, before going on to become agriculture program leader and the State Extension Director. He was responsible for developing a systematic volunteer recruitment and training system for new leaders. The program he developed in Washington County was eventually used by many other agents in Oregon. Joe was also a great supporter of the 4-H Foundation and the 4-H Conference and Education Center.

 

Jean Davenport, Coos County

Jean started the Twin Oaks 4-H Livestock Club in 1947. Jean has been active in the 4-H Leaders' Association, serving as secretary for many years. Jean and her husband Lloyd ("Duke") were very involved in obtaining donations and working on the Coos County 4-H building at the fairgrounds in 1952 and 1953. This building was named the "Davenport Building" on August 11, 1993 in honor of Duke's 35 plus years of service to the fair.

 

 

Ron and Gloria Davis, Gilliam County

Ron and Gloria Davis made a powerful leadership team. For a combined total of over 83 years, this team used 4-H as a tool to interest the kids so they could teach them citizenship and social responsibility. The Oregon Trail Livestock Club met close to the road traveled by the pioneers and many of the club's community service projects centered on preserving landmarks in the area. Gloria passed away in 1997. Ron continues to share his expertise with the Gilliam County 4-H program.

 

Marjorie Edwards, Lane County

For over twenty years, Marjorie Edwards was a “major player” in both the Lane County and statewide 4-H programs.  She was a dominant factor in the County 4-H Leader’s Association and the 4-H Home Economics program.
 
Between 1970 and 1973, Marge served on the Oregon 4-H Advisory Council/Oregon 4-H Leaders’ Association Executive Council.  She was not only a member of these groups, but served as Secretary, President-elect, and President.  Between 1977 and 1990, she served as a member of the Oregon 4-H Foundation.  This was a growth time for the rather new  4-H Foundation and Marge was a valuable asset in providing the latest information on youth development and needs for the future.

Marge was not a flashy person, but had a great sense of humor, wonderful attitude, and was always happy.  She was an instrumental person in the early 1970s when state leader forums were established—with one of the first ones being held in Lane County.  In 1981, she was on the planning committee when Oregon hosted the Western Regional 4-H Leaders Forum in Portland.  She was also the co-chair for the 1992 Oregon 4-H Leaders Forum at Sun River.  Her tireless efforts in many phases of both the Lane County 4-H program and the statewide 4-H program definitely benefited all involved.

 

Morris Elverud

In the Spring of 2005 Morris Elverud said, “I was an old man when I started this Wagon Train, and now it’s almost 25 years later…what does that make me now?” Morris nearly made it to his 91st birthday, but passed away peacefully on May 18, 2005.
Many difficult years of working his farm in South Dakota with teams of horses prepared Morris Elverud for the rigors of life as a modern-day pioneer on the Oregon Trail. Morris and Babe left the farm behind 56 years ago, and moved their family to a small spread near Cornelius, Oregon. In 1980 Morris and his good friend Geroge Spiesschaert came up with the idea of incorporating a 4-H youth leadership program in Washington County with the pioneer experience of a Wagon Train adventure. Morris knew of a Wagon Train for at-risk youth, and asked, “Why wait until these kids get into trouble?” He was 66 years old, and had retired from the Forest Grove School District. Every year since, Morris has traveled with his team of Percherson Draft Horses, over 100 modern day pioneers, averaging 100 miles, for an eight-day adventure over scenic Oregon Trails.
4-H Wagon Train is a unique 4-H club, meeting monthly for educational preparation, follow-up, and a fall reunion. Over the years, many of Morris’ nine children, and 26 grandchildren have traveled the trail with him, including his three daughters, Molly Hall, Judy Brook, and Sharry Koffel. The contributions made by this amazing 4-H Pioneer are too many to count. 2005-2006 Wagonmaster, Jeanne Plummer, considers herself part of the “Elverud Family” and call Morris “Grandpa.” When asked how the Wagon Train had impacted her life she said,”My life was a wreck, and becoming part of the Wagon Train and the Elverud Family saved me. It really did save my life!”
Washinton County’s 4-H Wagon Train is unique as it is the only program of its kind in the U.S. The 2006 Trek to the Ochoco Mountain area of Central Oregon, is the 25th Anniversary Wagon Train and it’s dedicated to the memory of Morris Elverud.

 

Linda Erickson, Clackamas County/NAE4-HA

Linda Erickson is a wonderful example of a dedicated 4-H agent. She served Clackamas County for over 20 years, building up leadership opportunities for youth and empowering volunteers to run their own program. She raised nearly a half million dollars in grants to support her program. Linda's career was also marked by service to the profession; she was president of four professional societies, including the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents.

 

Delores Fanning, Polk County

Delores Fanning has demonstrated a strong work ethic and exceptional devotion to youth through her 46 years of involvement in the 4-H Program. She served as an active club leader for over 30 years in the Ballston community. Delores motivated her 4-H youth to participate in a wide variety of community service activities. Delores has served on many state and county 4-H committees, and continues to this day as a presentation judge at the Oregon State Fair.

 

 

Bill Farrell, Grant County

Bill Farrell served as the Grant County Extension Agent from the 40s to 1982. Bill was "Mr. 4-H" in Grant County. He was devoted to Youth Education and Natural Resources. Bill enjoyed making things grow - people as well as animals and crops. Bill made sure 4-H members made it to various 4-H, including state fair, Pacific International, Eastern Oregon Livestock Show, and the Tygh Valley Livestock Show. Bill was also the leading force in establishing the Grant County 4-H and Extension Service District in 1986.

 

 

Rudy Fenk, Tillamook County

Rudy Fenk was a Tillamook County 4-H member and leader in the 4-H Dairy project. Rudy was the first Tillamook County 4-H member to attend 4-H Summer School in Corvallis. He served for many years as a 4-H leader and as 4-H Dairy Superintendent at the County fair for over 20 years. He was also instrumental in the creation of the 4-H and Extension Service District for Tillamook County. Current 4-H families recognize Rudy as a strong supporter of 4-H.

 

 

 

Gene Fisher, 4-H Foundation

Gene Fisher became a 4-H Foundation Trustee in 1987 and is presently a Trustee Emeritus. He was always an actively involved Trustee attending all of the Trustee meetings and serving on the Fund Development Committee. His interest in 4-H programming is youth leadership development. He donated funds that established an endowment for regional youth leadership retreats. Gene became interested in the 4-H program when he served on the Douglas County Extension Advisory Committee.

 

Roger Fletcher, Extension Service

An original member of the association in 1975, Roger provided leadership for the continued refinement of association goals as President in 1982. He worked closely with the co-chairs of the 1983 NAE4-HA Conference that was hosted by Oregon. Roger was an agent in several counties, and ended his career as an Associate Director for Counties. In all of his roles, he was always a strong supporter of 4-H

 

 

Bud Forrester, 4-H Foundation

Bud Forrester was elected to the 4-H Foundatoin Board in 1970 and was elected President in 1974. Under his leadership, the 4-H Foundation merged with the OSU Foundation. The merger allowed the 4-H Foundation to maintain its individual identity, with the OSU Foundation providing many essential services. During his years as a Trustee and President, the Foundation completed the 4-H Center Dining Hall, hired a Center Manager, and began logging timber as well as developing programs to support the total 4-H program.

 

Lee Foster, Hood River County

With a lifetime of living by 4-H ideals, it was only natural for Lee Foster to be an Extension Agent involved in 4-H. During his career, Lee's name was synonymous with 4-H. He started his career in Washington State in 1936, moved to Milton-Freewater, Oregon in 1947, and then, moved to Hood River in 1949, where he retired 24 years later, in 1973, as county 4-H Agent. Lee received many awards during his career including Hood River County Citizen of the Year, the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, and The Diamond Pioneer Registry at OSU. Lee was a strong promoter of 4-H, and contributed to the 4-H Livestock Auction at County Fair, as well as the 4-H Foundation and the 4-H Conference and Education Center.

 

H. Clayton Fox, Union County/4-H Foundation

Clayton had a long history with Oregon 4-H and the Oregon 4-H Foundation. He was a 4-H member in the 1930s and attended the National 4-H Congress as one of the top four members in the nation. Clayton became a Foundation Trustee in 1991 and served in that capacity until he passed away in 2007. He was a faithful supporter of the State 4-H Center, the Blue Mountain 4-H Center and the National 4-H Congress trip. At the State 4-H Center he provided support for a new cottage, the new education building, and numerous other projects. The Fox Cottage at the 4-H Center recognizes his significant financial support.

 

Dale Friedemann, OSUEA/4-H

Dale Friedemann served as the second president. He served two terms 1977-1979. He provided leadership to refine our organizational goals and committees to align with the NAE4-HA structure. Dale motivated people to be proud of the youth profession and led by example as he ran for Western Regional Director and served in the capacity for two years. In 1983 he co-chaired the NAE4-HA National Conference which was held in Portland.

 

 

Winnifred Fulmer, State 4-H Office

Winnifred was employed by the Oregon State University Extension Service for 33 years. During part of that time she worked as a State Specialist in Home Economics, but one of her biggest contributions to Extension and the 4-H program was helping to establish, and find funding for the Oregon International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) Program. This program provided an in-depth-experience for persons ages 19 - 30 to live with families from countries in all areas of the world. The first exchange student from Oregon was Glenn Klein, who was inducted into the Oregon 4-H Hall of Fame last year. Glenn went to New Zealand and Russell Stalker came to the United States from New Zealand. Winnifred placed Russell on various farms throughout Oregon. Mr. Stalker continues to live on a dairy farm in New Zealand, and calls Winnifred every year on her birthday. She is 96 years young this year, and still keeps in touch with former students from other corners of the world including England and India.

 

Mary Anne Greenlund, OSUEA/4-H

Mary Anne Greenlund was an original member of the association in 1975. She was chair of various committees in the association during her tenure in Oregon. She was a leader behind the scenes, so to speak. She was one of the key leaders to help Dale Friedemann and Roy Hamilton with the national conference in 1983. Her organizational skills were utilized to make events and activities run smoothly. She started her Extension career in Coos County in 1956.

 

Rich Guerber, Benton County

Rich Guerber has supported the Benton County 4-H program in many ways. He was a 4-H leader from 1964 to 1975, receiving the Agriculture Leader of the Year Award in 1972. For 45 years he co-chaired the Youth Auction Committee, serving as ringman, setting up the auction ring, and hauling animals to the auction yards. Rich was on the Benton County Fair Board for 19 years and was a founder of the Fair Foundation. In both these roles Rich always supported the 4-H program.

 

Roy Hamilton, OSUEA/4-H

Roy Hamilton served as the co-chair of the NAE4-HA National Conference held in Portland in 1983. He was one of the 25 original members of the new affiliate in 1975. In 1986-87, Roy served as a national committee chair of the Professional Improvement committee. He motivated agents to actively participate and get involved in the association. It was hard to say "no" to Roy when he asked someone to provide leadership.

 

N. John Hansen, 4-H Foundation

John Hansen is a strong supporter of the Oregon 4-H Conference and Education Center. He was involved in the 4-H Foundation's decision to purchase Ivan Stewart's property for the 4-H Center. He and his wife have volunteered on work parties at the 4-H Center. John and Ruth Hansen have established endowments and annuities to be used for maintenance and development of the Center. John Hansen was the county chairman for OSU Extension in Polk County

 

 

Blanche Harper, Crook County

Blanche has been an active leader and supporter of the 4-H program for 45 years. She started 4-H at the age of nine, showing all kinds of market steers and has been involved ever since. She has been an active 4-H leader, superintendent and judge for the 4-H program . As a 4-H Foundation Trustee she is always looking for people to introduce to the foundation and faithfully attends meetings wherever they are held. She is always willing to do whatever is necessary to support 4-H youth.

 

Ralph Hart, Union County

After 11 years as 4-H and Ag Agent in Idaho, Ralph Hart served as Union County Agent from 1969 to 1989 for a total of 32 years in Extension. He devoted many hours to facilitating field days, livestock shows, judging contests for 4-H, FFA and adults. What makes Ralph unique is his continued involvement with youth. Since his retirement, he has continued to be very active in assisting with local judging contests, livestock show and fairs. He continues to be an active supporter of the Blue Mountain 4-H Center and the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show.

 

Grace Harvey, Umatilla County

Grace Harvey is considered a foundation member of the Umatilla County 4-H program. She was active in the 4-H Home Economics as a member and went on to dedicate her life to 4-H volunteer work as a club leader, Leaders' Council member, chaperone to Summer Conference and 4-H Camp. "Grandma Grace" has taught hundreds of youth how to fish while at 4-H camp and blazed trails for thousands of 4-H campers. Grace continues to provide financial support for 4-H travel scholarships and County Fair Awards.

 

E. M. "Curly Hauser, Malheur County

E. M. "Curly" Hauser began his career in Umatilla and Klamath Counties in 1930. In 1933, Curly was appointed Assistant County Agent to work with the
4-H Club program in Malheur County. He continued in this position until his retirement in 1966. Curly was the first full time 4-H agent in Malheur County and was instrumental in building a very solid club program. His work continues to have great influence on the present 4-H program.

 

 

Hildah Highbe, Washington County

Hildah Highbe's love and devotion for children led her to becoming a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in North Dakota and Wyoming. She also became a 4-H leader and continued in that role when she moved to Oregon. For 72 years, she cared for and treated 4-H members as unique individuals, working to make each feel special. She was a donor, solicitor, and organizer for all static exhibits throughout her years as Fair Superintendent and Washington County Leaders Association Treasurer.

 

 

Jeri Hitchcock, Benton County

Jeri Hitchcock is in her 39th year of 4-H Leadership in Benton County, and she has used every moment of that time to help others. She has done everything possible in the 4-H Home Economics and Arts program, from leading 4-H clubs to supporting 4-H school programs and judging. Jeri has been a mentor to new leaders through the Benton County "buddy system" for many years, visiting clubs, sharing information, and answering questions about exhibits, contests and club activities. She has been a volunteer judge many times for the county Favorite Foods contest. Jeri secures awards from businesses for Fashion Revue, Favorite Foods and Food Preparation contests and County Fair participants. Jeri served on the State Development committee for five years and judges at State Fair and many county fairs.

In 1998, Jeri started the Benton County Hitchcock Scholarship to honor her late husband Sam. There are now up to two $500 scholarships each year, sponsored by Jeri Hitchcock. Wherever Jeri sees a need, she finds a way to fill that need. Many times when she is judging a county fair, she will donate awards at the fair and also use all her judge's pay for her scholarship endowment. We are fortunate to have Jeri Hitchcock in Benton County and Oregon 4-H!


Dick Hoppes, Crook County

Dick Hoppes was not in 4-H himself, but his three daughters were all in the horse and cooking projects, and he became a leader. He was involved in the horse program at county and state level for over 25 years. He has judged a lot of county fairs and horse shows. Hoppes was one of the instigators of the statewide horse judges' seminars that have evolved into regional training programs that draw judges from the whole northwest. As a former County Judge, he will gladly tell you that 4-H is having a positive impact on the young people of his community and state.

 

James Huber, Union County

Jim Huber was employed as a County Agent working with 4-H youth programs in 1947, following service in the U.S. Army. Mr. Huber spent his entire 36 year career in Union County, retiring in 1983. During his tenure as county agent he attained the rank of Full Professor with Oregon State University. It is estimated that he served over 35,000 youth and 7500 volunteer 4-H leaders. Among his many accomplishments was the construction of the Blue Mountain 4-H Center located near Mt. Emily in Union County.

 

Jackie Hurl, Yamhill County

Jackie's heart has always been wrapped around 4-H. Her many years as a 4-H leader and advocate for 4-H, both at the county and state committee level have helped create a sound 4-H horse program across the State. Her voice and support have also been felt by Oregon 4-H'ers during her tenure on the 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees. She has been a very strong financial supporter of the 4-H horse program for many years.

 

 

Kathleen Huston, Lane County

Kathleen Huston first began her involvement in Extension programming back in the late 1940’s as a 4-H member in the North Coburg Gang.  She served as a 4-H club leader for nearly forty years and still serves as a resource leader today.  In addition, she has been involved with the county-wide 4-H Leaders Council, Home Ec and Camp committees and other event planning committees. 

Lane County 4-H Camp has been an area close to Kathleen’s heart.  She served on the   4-H Camp Committee for many years.  The Home Ec project areas have been the focus for Kathleen.  She has served on the Home Ec project committee, coordinated many Foods Contests and Fashion Reviews over the years.  She was a collaborator on the development of a curriculum that is used in foods and nutrition projects for Washington, Oregon and Idaho.  In addition, she served on state project development committees, helped with project trainings, served as a 4-H fair superintendent, and helped with the state 4-H fair. 

Kathleen is regularly sought as one of the favorite all purpose static judges for 4-H and open class fairs across the state.  She has assisted with statewide 4-H judges training, and became a 4-H judge approximately 20 years ago, judging food contests, food preservation, food of all kinds and presentations.  Kathleen teaches youth through her role as a judge in Foods - whether through an interview or as they serve as clerks at fairs.

 

Burton Hutton, State 4-H Office

Burton Hutton did not spend his whole life in the 4-H Program. He joined the 4-H staff in 1948 and became State 4-H Program Leader in 1952, serving until 1970. Hutton was the Program Leader responsible for organizing the committee that eventually selected the current site for the Oregon 4-H Conference and Education Center near Salem. The Oregon 4-H Foundation was created in 1957 while Hutton was program leader. Hutton oversaw the post-war expansion of 4-H Programs and led 4-H into the modern era.

 

view Hall of Fame I - P

view Hall of Fame Q - Z