Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum
In 1917, “the advancement in agricultural education since the Smith – Hughes Act has bettered the quality of life not just for America’s rural and farm families but for everyone across the globe who is fed and clothed by the American Farmer. As with every great journey, it started with that first step.”
In 1925, a statewide organization was formed from Virginia Tech. The organization was established as Future Farmers of Virgina. In just three short years, it was a national organization.
“The National Future Farmers of America is a youth leadership organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education. FFA functions within the three-circle model of agricultural education as a student leadership organization that complements a student’s classroom/laboratory instruction and supervised agricultural experience program.”
The students often participate in livestock shows. “FFA livestock shows are a central part of the FFA experience, allowing members to showcase their skills and learn valuable lessons.”
But before students could participate and before the national organization was established, veteran farmers learned their trade and taught their skills in city, county, and state clubs.
One of the first farmer organizations was the Poultry Club Association.
This week in Sapulpa history, Sapulpa joined the Creek County Poultry Raisers Association. On September 21, 1911, “the many chicken raisers of Creek County have decided to form a permanent organization and the Creek County Poultry Association was formed.”
It was formed with C.W. Hegberg as president, F.L. Updike as vice president, Dr. C.A. Mohr as secretary, and Lloyd J. McKibben as treasurer.
“All of these men are raisers of fancy poultry and are prominent in the business world of Sapulpa as well. It is the intention of the organizers to create an interest in fancy chicken raising and by having exhibitions and competition for prizes arouse the spirit of our poultrymen to the extent that chicken raising will be increased and a better grade of fowl generated.”
Even as a new establishment, an exhibit showing was already being planned. “An exhibit in early January and the showmen and poultry raisers on the Southwestern Poultry circuit are to be here.”
Mounds had a poultry showing in 1910, and with its success, the two towns joined forces. Sapulpa and Mounds would be working together to increase interest in fowl raising. “The Mounds breeds of fancy poultry, of whom there are a number, are enthusiastic over the success of their first poultry exhibition of a year ago in December and have planned another exhibit. The second annual meeting will be held in middle of December and is expected to call sharp competition for blue tags as the breeding of fancy poultry is one of the fads of Moundites.”
“There is also going to be a movement towards inducing the farmers to take more of an interest in fowl raising as it is claimed that the climate and soil of Creek County is especially adapted for extensive chicken farming.”
The Poultry Club organization in Sapulpa ran for many years, showcasing all over the state and country. It all began over 100 years ago.
“It is very evident that fancy poultry raising is now the popular thing in Creek Country.”
(Sapulpa Herald, September 21, 1911, March 31, 1916; National Future Farmers of America; Wikipedia)
