Springfield in Clark County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

A. B. Graham

Founder of 4-H

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 28, 2008

1. A. B. Graham Marker

Inscription. On January 15, 1902, Mr. Albert B. Graham called to order the first meeting of a “Boys' and Girls' Agriculture Experiment Club”. Before growing season 85 children from 10 to 15 years of age had already volunteered to join. One hundred years later, 286,000 Ohio youth join children from the other 49 States and 86 foreign countries in 4-H membership.

Mike Major has sculpted a youthful Graham with two of his early club members as they present their projects.

Funding provided by: Turner Foundation, Jane P. Hollenbeck, Carleton and Ruth Davidson Trust, Della Selsor Trust, Clark County 4-H and Clark County Commissioners John Detrick, James E. Sheehan and Roger D. Tackett.

Sculpture Committee members are James J. Campbell, Mark Chepp, David C. Martin, Michael G. Morris and Thomas T. Taylor.

Presented to Clark County, August 12, 2004

Erected 2004 by Clark County 4-H and Clark County Commissioners.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education. In addition, it is included in the 4-H Youth Program series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 15, 1902.

Location. 39° 55.524′ N,

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83° 48.509′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Ohio, in Clark County. It is on Limestone Street, on the left when traveling north. Markers are at entrance to 4-H Park, adjacent to south side of A. B. Graham Building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31 N Limestone Street, Springfield OH 45502, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Dayton Metro

and in the Miami Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The A. B. Graham Building (here, next to this marker); Members of the Original Boys and Girls Agricultural Club (here, next to this marker); The Birthplace of 4-H (within shouting distance of this marker); Dedicated to the Veterans of Clark County (within shouting

Sculpture Information Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 28, 2008

2. Sculpture Information Marker

distance of this marker); DeMint Memorial Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Purple Heart Memorial (about 400 feet away); Floral Center Of The World (about 400 feet away); H. A. "Harry" Toulmin Sr. (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

4-H Park with A. B. Graham Sculpture image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 28, 2008

3. 4-H Park with A. B. Graham Sculpture

A. B. Graham Sculpture image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 28, 2008

4. A. B. Graham Sculpture

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 28, 2008

5. 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 club, my community,
my country, and my world.

The National 4-H Creed image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 28, 2008

6. The National 4-H Creed

I believe in 4-H Club work for the opportunity it will give me to become a useful citizen.

4-H Creed - Training of my Head image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 28, 2008

7. 4-H Creed - Training of my Head

I believe in the training of my HEAD for the power it will give me to think, to plan and to reason.

4-H Creed - Training of my Heart image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 28, 2008

8. 4-H Creed - Training of my Heart

I believe in the training of my HEART for the nobleness it will give me to become kind, sympathetic and true.

4-H Creed - Training of my Hands image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 28, 2008

9. 4-H Creed - Training of my Hands

I believe in the training of my HANDS for the ability it will give me to be helpful, useful and skillful.

4-H Creed - Training of my Health image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 28, 2008

10. 4-H Creed - Training of my Health

I believe in the training of my HEALTH for the strength it will give me to enjoy life, to resist disease, and to work efficiently.

4-H Creed - My Responsibility image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 28, 2008

11. 4-H Creed - My Responsibility

I believe in my country, my state, and my community, and in my responsibility for their development.

Photographed by Craig Doda, May 13, 2022

12. A. B. Graham Marker

On the ground under each of the three archways.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,366 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on November 1, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 12. submitted on January 22, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.