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

The Birthplace of 4-H

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

1. The Birthplace of 4-H Marker

Inscription. A. B. Graham, superintendent of Springfield Township Rural schools in Clark County, established the "Boys and Girls Agricultural Experiment Club," which revolutionized agricultural education and non-formal youth development methods. The first meeting of the club, said to be the nation's first farm club for young people, was held at this site on January 15, 1902 in the basement of the Clark County Courthouse. This was the start of what would be called a "4-H Club" a few years later. Through the years, the overall objective of A.B. Graham and 4-H has remained the same; the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens.

Erected 2003 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Ohio State University Extension/4-H Youth Development Program, Springfield-Clark County Chamber of Commerce, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 3-12.)

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, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 15, 1902.

Location. 39° 55.54′ N, 83° 48.506′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Ohio, in Clark County. Marker

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is at the intersection of Limestone Street and Columbia Street, on the left when traveling north on Limestone Street. Next to flagpoles at southwest corner of the intersection. Next to the A. B. Graham Building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Springfield OH 45502, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The A. B. Graham Building (within shouting distance of this marker); A. B. Graham (within shouting distance of this marker); Members of the Original Boys and Girls Agricultural Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Dedicated to the Veterans of Clark County (within shouting distance of this marker); DeMint Memorial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Purple Heart Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Floral Center Of The World (about 500 feet away); Site of Springfield's First Church (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Regarding The Birthplace of 4-H. Albert Belmont Graham.

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

2. The Birthplace of 4-H Marker

Clark County Courthouse in background.

Photographed By Craig Doda, May 13, 2022

3. The Birthplace of 4-H Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,956 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 1, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on January 22, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.