Pickaway in Monroe County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

First Corn Club

Photographed By Helen Graves, August 26, 2009

1. First Corn Club Marker

Inscription. West Virginia’s first Corn Club was organized at Pickaway School on idea of county superintendent C.A. Keadle, with support from WVU Agricultural Dean T.C. Atkenson. WVU Extension Dept. provided 71 schoolchildren with tested seed in 1908 and 46 entered crop in corn show at courthouse in Union in November. Corn Clubs, later known as Agricultural Clubs, paved the way for today’s 4-H Clubs.

Erected by West Virginia Department of Culture and History. (Marker Number ME 1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 37° 38.239′ N, 80° 30.446′ W. Marker is in Pickaway, West Virginia, in Monroe County. Marker is on U.S. 219, ¼ mile south of West Virginia Route WV 3, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sinks Grove WV 24976, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Confederate Postal Service (approx. 3.1 miles away); Rehoboth (approx. 3.3 miles away); Rehoboth Church (approx. 3.4 miles away); Union, Western Virginia

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(approx. 3½ miles away); Civil War Monument (approx. 3½ miles away); Allen T. Caperton (approx. 3½ miles away); Union Presbyterian Church (approx. 3½ miles away); Gen. John Echols House (approx. 3.6 miles away).

More about this marker. Events leading to the beginning of Corn Clubs in Monroe County was started when the state Board of Agriculture, on June 13, 1907, completed arrangements to hold Farmers Institutes in Monroe County at Lindside, Greenville, and Pickaway. Those conducting the Farmers Institutes from West Virginia University arranged a plan of cooperation with the public spirited farmers of the community. One hundred grains of seed was to be provided by the Extension Department of the University to each of 71 boys; the farmers were to conduct the contest. The purpose of the contest was to improve the yield of corn per acre in the county by planting improved varieties of corn.

On Saturday, November 7th, 46 of the contestants presented their crops; the remaining 25 apparently failing to produce a crop. The 46 crops exhibited were far beyond expectations and an honor to the county. The Committee was present and placed the corn on exhibition in the Courthouse in Union.

Pickaway Schoolhouse Today image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Helen Graves, August 26, 2009

2. Pickaway Schoolhouse Today

The schoolhouse has been moved from the original location which was about 100 yards north of the present location. The marker is immediately to the front of this schoolhouse.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2009, by Helen Graves of Union, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,285 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 2, 2009, by Helen Graves of Union, West Virginia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.

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