4-H work, as we know it, began around 1900 as a means of reaching parents with improved farm and home practices.  American farmers had experienced poor economic times for 30 years.  It was risky business for them to try a new recommended farm practice.  In 1902, a few midwestern schoolteachers developed some crop demonstrations with their students who in turn shared their successes with their parents.

            These school projects developed into small groups concerned with a single interest such as beef, corn, gardening, and canning.  The Smith-Lever Act, passed in 1914, provided the financial support for the Cooperative Extension Service in which 4-H would become the youth education program.  The first Wisconsin State 4-H Leader was hired in 1914.

            The first three Ozaukee clubs, established between 1928-1929, are still in existence with a large and active membership.  They are Lindenwood 4-H Club, Waubeka 4-H Club and Grafton 4-H Club, which later merged with the present-day Grafton Falls 4-H Club.  They all began as project clubs devoted to cooking, canning, sewing or calf raising, and later developed into community clubs, offering a number of 4-H projects.  By 1931, 4-H clubs were active in every township in the county. 

            Even though 4-H was established in 1914 as a rural youth group, you don't need to live on a farm to join 4-H.  In Ozaukee County, about 80% of the members live in cities, villages or in rural, non-farm homes.  The variety of projects has grown since that time and offers something for everyone.