Waushara County Fair. Photo by Jerry Apps
In the midst of the polio epidemic (1945-1955), with the help of County Agent. Henry Haferbecker, we organized a 4-H Club in my home community west of Wild Rose. About a dozen of us became members. The year was 1946 and one of the strong recruitment strategies Mr. Haferbecker used was telling us that 4-H members exhibited their 4-H projects at the fair, and if we chose the dairy project—all of us were from dairy farms—we could stay overnight at the fair. What kid could say no to that opportunity?
We had heard that some fairs were canceling because of polio, but that did not deter us from working hard with our 4-H calves starting as soon as spring arrived, and continuing on into summer. Any free time we used to teach our calves to lead—not an especially easy task. We took special care of them all summer. Thankfully, the Waushara County Fair did not cancel and we all exhibited our projects.
Today, because of the COVID-19 epidemic, which has swept the state, nation, and around the world, many of Wisconsin’s County Fairs and the Wisconsin State Fair are canceled, along with 4-H member’s hopes of attending and exhibiting their 4-H projects. It is very disappointing for 4-H members. Concerns for health must take first place. And as my dad always said when things looked bleak and I was disappointed about something, “Next year will be a better year.”
THE OLD TIMER SAYS: Life has its stormy weather, but eventually the sun will shine again.
WHERE TO BUY MY BOOKS AND DVDS.
My books.are available at your local bookstore or from the Friends of the Patterson Memorial Library in Wild Rose—a fundraiser for them. Phone: 920-622-3835 for prices and ordering.
Patterson Memorial Library
500 Division Street
Wild Rose, WI 54984
barnard@wildroselibrary.
www.wildroselibrary.org
If you live in the western part of the state, stop at Ruth’s home town, Westby and visit Dregne’s.. They have a great selection of my books for sale, or order a book by calling them at 1-877-634-4414.
1 comment:
Having been a 4-H member in Waushara Co. back in the day I can feel for the members not being able to exhibit . Springwater 4-H Club was started by us kids in and around the township of Springwater. Town of Rose kids like myself broke away from the Wild Rose in town club to form our club. Next year will be better a true farmer saying.
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