Collection Timeline

1903 to 1989

1903
A transcription of the program detailing the proceedings of the first farmer's institute held in Hull, Iowa on February 16, 17, and 18, 1903. Includes the text of the original advertisement for the farmers, titles of lectures and discussions held, schedule for each day of the institute, and activities that were planned. Also included are the minutes of the corresponding meeting of the Sioux County Board of Supervisors.

1904
Short courses 1904-09. M. L. Wilson 2209.
Short course pictures. Perry G. Holden (1902-04?) #95.

1905
Educational Trains. 1905. J. W. Jones speaking. M. L. Mosher helping. Audience in coach listens to a talk on producing better corn. Note the Holden sawdust corn testing box, a method by which 6 kernels of corn from each seed ear could be tested. Audience advised to plant only ears that tested six kernels strong.
U. of Ill. photo lab. M. L. Mosher 1903- I.S.C. 1905.
Martin L. Mosher's diary, kept during the early corn train outings. Contains dates and locations of stops, as well as notes about participation and enthusiasm of participants. Item is a copy from the ISU Archives due to deterioration of the original.
A journal with references to short courses and Perry G. Holden, notes keeping mind of information learned while attending short courses, newspaper clippings documenting personal successes from crop yields, and ribbons from corn shows. Evidence of possible correspondence with Descartes Pascal.
Photograph of Perry Holden walking in a field, a water tower in the background. Taken in 1905.
On back of photograph: An overflow meeting of the corn train 1905.

1908
Early short course in Home Economics, before 1908.
Short Course 1902-1908.
Avoca, January 13-18, 1908;Short course pictures--Perry G. Holden.
Short course pictures. Perry G. Holden (1907-08?) #215.
A plan of work for 1908-1909 that includes ideas for promotion of public school agriculture, subject matter to be taught, preparing teachers, summer school, and correspondence school.
A journal with references to short courses and Perry G. Holden, notes keeping mind of information learned while attending short courses, newspaper clippings documenting personal successes from crop yields, and ribbons from corn shows. Evidence of possible correspondence with Descartes Pascal.

1909
Short courses 1904-09. M. L. Wilson 2209.
Short course pictures. Perry G. Holden (1909-11) #330.
Short Courses.
A report from 1909 regarding the budget, details extension activities, discusses costs and salaries. Also contains several recommendations for expansion of extension activities and promotion.

1910
Snyder speaking soils man.
This photograph shows a short course in session. It is being led by Perry G. Holden, and covering the topic of corn. Short Course, Feb. 1910. Charles City, Iowa.
An answer guide to the eleven question handout from the livestock short course.
A list of questions posed to the farmers after the short course session about livestock. Includes 11 questions, 6 being multi-part, that were intended to be used as a reference guide after completion.
This report details the lectures given by Ralph K. Bliss at farmer's institutes, schedules of short courses he taught, his involvement with Extension organizations, and demonstration farms. Some description of administrative processes and work.
Photograph of a corn train's crew standing in front of the train. Perry Holden stands fifth from the left. Taken in 1910.
Photograph of a Corn Train interior that is facing the instructor, Ralph (R.K.) Bliss. Taken in 1910.
Photograph of a Corn Train interior facing the passengers, taken in 1910.
Photograph of a corn train's exterior, with five of the crew standing beside it. Taken in 1910.
Photograph with a caption that reads: "Sec 1. Lenox Short Course, Hopkinton, Iowa. 1910." A group of men are meeting for the short course.
Photograph taken in 1910 of a Bacon Special Train with its crew standing next to the tracks.

1911
Local Livestock short course, Waukon, Iowa, 1911;Local short course students study cattle, hogs, horses, sheep and their feeding and management.
Short course pictures. Perry G. Holden (1909-11) #330.
Oat Train at Waukon, Iowa in 1911. Overflow of farmers who couldn't get on oat train were lectured by P. C. Taff while he was still a student at ISC.
A guarantee pledge that would have been signed by farmers and businessmen to secure a short course in their area. Discusses the necessary payment and timing of payment.
An outline of work for the second year short course class. Shows the daily and hourly schedule of the course, and includes memos to participants about what to bring to the course and how best to prepare.
A manila envelope containing a diagram of engagements throughout Iowa other than short courses, including a few outside of Iowa. The diagram that non-short course engagements were held largely within major cities, but were not uncommon in more rural areas.
Handwritten notes and material for the short course on judging beef cattle. Includes subject matter such as the points of the body to inspect, the value of breeding, and a general summary. Contains six pages of notes.
Handwritten notes and material for the short course on the care and management of sheep. Includes subject matter such as points of the body to inspect and select for, how to feed and shelter the sheep, the care and fattening of lambs, parasite control, and a general summary. Contains six pages of notes.
Handwritten notes and material for the short course on the care of broodmares, draft foals, and stallions. Includes subject matter such as feed, exercise, shelter, and various other details specific to each type of horse. Contains six pages of notes.
Handwritten notes and material for the short course on the feeding and management of swine. Includes subject matter such as points of the body to inspect and select for, feeding, types of hog houses, and a general summary. Contains six pages of notes.
Handwritten notes and material for the short courses on judging livestock and on horses. The livestock judging material includes subject matter such as qualities of a good stock judge, the need of instruction in stock judging, and how to accurately judge draft horses. The second lecture on horses includes review of previous material, and details an exercise that would have been done during the course. Contains seven pages of notes.

1912
A manila envelope containing a diagram of engagements throughout Iowa other than short courses, including a few outside of Iowa. The diagram that non-short course engagements were held largely within major cities, but were not uncommon in more rural areas.
A report of agricultural work done in Clinton County, Iowa. Details the work that has been done there and activities held, as well as what is planned for the future. This report gives fresh insight into how the extension was helping farmers (see first page--a tradesman in corn hangers reports losing business as farmers' children were learning how to hang the corn with binder twine).
A detailed synopsis of what would have been expected of a county agent (county expert). This includes: grow improved seed on the county farm and distribute this seed to the farmers of the county, conduct demonstrations on the county farm, hold short course schools, help with work in the rural schools, supervise cooperative experiments, plant corn with different numbers of kernels per hill, establish a farmers information bureau, organize dairy test associations, organize granges and clubs, and cooperate with existing agencies. Also includes summaries of what was being done in Clinton County, Iowa, and in other countries and states.

1913
A questionnaire and the results from 31 silo users in Clinton County. Details common silo usage and problems, including general conclusions drawn from the results.
An outline of five lessons in agriculture given at the Clinton County Teachers Institute. Lessons include: Good Seed Corn, Good Seed, Good Soil, Weeds, and Insects of Corn.
Photograph of Iowa State College's (University's) Extension Force in front of Curtiss Hall in 1913.

1914
Paul C. Taff, acting director of extension summer of 1914.

1915
A photograph taken of Green Company on their Excursion Day at Iowa State College (University) in 1915.

1917
A circular regarding the details of the War Emergency Farm Bureau, what the organization does, and how it is structured.

1918
A set of two photographs depicting the harvesting and planting of corn for the corn yield tests. The first photograph shows two men harvesting corn, and the second shows seven men planting corn for the new corn yield test. Text on the page reads: Harvesting corn from corn yield test. Planting corn for corn yield test.
Corn Breeding. In The Crossing Plot. The Remnants Of The Best Mother Ears Of The Ear-to-row Plot Of The Preceding Year Are Crossed And The Progeny From The Best Crosses Selected For Multiplying;ICIA, c. 1918-1920.
This photograph shows the farmers' variety test plot and several individuals examining the rows. The caption on the photograph reads: "Farmers' Variety Test. The Farmers And Their Families Are Reading On The Cards The Name Of The Man Who Furnished The Seed For Each Row And the Yield Which The Corn Made." ICIA. c. 1918-1920.
An advertisement encouraging boys to join the Boys' Working Reserve during World War I.
A statement from Ralph K. Bliss containing information from the War Emergency Food Committee and production goals. Details the campaigns, program of work intended to increase food production, and the results of increased production.

1919
Report covers the state of agricultural organizations in 1919 with several addresses given by prominent individuals involved in extension, including Ralph K. Bliss, and P.C. Taff, among others. Includes an interesting address by Ralph K. Bliss that touches of the inclusion of women in agricultural affairs.
Photograph of farmers out threshing in 1919.

1920
A magazine article detailing an average day during a short course, including general operations and what would have been brought for use during the course.
Three photographs and accompanying personal recollection. Shows and describes the type of clothing county agents wore, and the kinds of cars they would have driven.
A quadrennial report explaining the increase in food production during wartime efforts, and the readjustment period afterward. Includes a statistical summary, agricultural campaign details, Farm Bureau review, demonstration farm work, and other Extension activities.
Photograph of a Corn Club Pageant at the Iowa State Fair in 1920, king and queen present.

1921
Photograph of a Dairy Industry Exhibit by Iowa State College (University) at the Iowa State Fair in 1921.
Photograph of a Zoology and Entomology Exhibit at the Iowa State Fair in 1921.
Photograph of a Agricultural Engineering Exhibit of a privy vs. modern bathroom scene at the Iowa State Fair in 1921.
Photograph of Donald Rhodes in the center with his pig, other boys to the left and right of him with their pigs, all at the Southern Iowa Fair in 1921.

1922
A copy of the minutes outlining procedure of the Women Representatives from each Congressional district. The minutes include decisions reached on issues like statewide organization plans, project work, and future goals.
Photograph of a Nutrition/Home Economics Exhibit at the Iowa State Fair in 1922.
Photograph of a Poultry Department Exhibit at the Iowa State Fair in 1922.

1923
A mail advertisement for the Johnson County farmers' institute and short course selection. Includes information on background history of these activities in the area, a schedule of upcoming programs and course offerings, rules for certain activities (like the Juniors department), and costs.
Photograph of a Dairy Industry Exhibit by Iowa State College (University) at the Iowa State Fair in 1923.

1924
Photograph of a Horticulture Exhibit at the Iowa State Fair in 1924.
Photograph of a cattle show in Greene County in 1924.

1925
Photograph of a Physical Education Booth at the Iowa State Fair in 1925.
Photograph of a Vocational Education, Foods, and Nutrition/Home Economics Booth at the Iowa State Fair in 1925.
Photograph of the Iowa State College Extension Service Insignia, taken in 1925.

1926
Photograph of a Feeder Cattle Exhibit presented by the Extension Service from Iowa State College (University) at the Iowa State Fair in 1926.
A photograph of a Feeder Cattle Exhibit by the Extension Service at Iowa State College (University) at the Iowa State Fair in 1926.
Photograph of a young man showing his hog at the Iowa State Fair in 1926.
Photograph of young children standing with their state pigs at the Iowa State Fair in 1926.

1927
Photograph of a Landscape Architecture Exhibit at the Iowa State Fair in 1927.
Photograph with a caption that reads: "Four children playing on a makeshift playground in the backyard of Professor McDonald's residence." Taken in 1927.

1928
Photograph of a Chemical Engineering Exhibit by Iowa State College (University) at the Iowa State Fair. Taken in 1928.
Photograph of a 4H Pig Club Demonstration done by a team from Jasper County at the Iowa State Fair in 1928.
Photograph of a young boy with his champion club lamb at the Iowa State Fair in 1928.

1929
Photograph of an Animal Husbandry Exhibit by Iowa State College (University) at the Iowa State Fair, taken in 1929.
Photograph of an orchestra made up of a group of children. Taken in 1929.
Photograph of a farmer with his dairy cow, another man to his right, a sign reading "Dairy Cattle Congress: National Belgian Show" on the door behind them. Taken in 1929.
Photograph of a farmer sitting behind four horses and four mules plowing his field. Taken in 1929.

1930
Photograph of an Agricultural Engineering booth presented by Iowa State College (University) at the Iowa State Fair, taken in 1930.
Photograph of three spotted swine in 1930.

1931
Photograph of a Formal Garden Exhibit at the Iowa State Fair in 1931.
Photograph of a Formal Garden Exhibit at the Iowa State Fair in 1931.

1932
Photo of a Legume Exhibit in a train car of the Iowa Lime and Legume Special in 1932.

1934
Director R.K. Bliss, 3/5/34.
Photograph of a group of men at a Corn and Hog Conference in 1934.
Photograph of three men standing among hogs at a Hog Program, taken in 1934.

1935
Collection of six handwritten letters addressed to Arthur Mosher from his father, Martin L. Mosher. The topics of the letters include the five steps in agricultural development, early extension work, Mosher's general philosophy regarding extension work, and personal recollections.
Photograph of a group of women from the Iowa Home Demonstration Agent Association in 1935.

1936
Collection of six handwritten letters addressed to Arthur Mosher from his father, Martin L. Mosher. The topics of the letters include the five steps in agricultural development, early extension work, Mosher's general philosophy regarding extension work, and personal recollections.
Photograph of home decor, focusing on the rugs within a home. Taken in 1936.

1937
Photograph of a man giving a broadcast in 1937.
Group photograph of people during a broadcast.
Photograph of a man standing with his Percheron horse in 1937.

1938
A photograph of an Extension Food and Nutrition booth at the Iowa State Fair, taken in 1938.

1939
Photograph of a Home Grounds exhibit at the Iowa State Fair, taken in 1939.
Two men ironing.
Photograph of a Home Management Exhibit by the Extension Service at the Iowa State Fair in 1939.

1940
Photograph of a Rural Youth Program exhibit in the Armory at Iowa State University in 1940.

1941
A photograph with a caption that reads: "Team fence demonstration done by Lawrence and Howard Studeman of Clinton County at the Iowa State Fair." Taken in 1941.

1942
Photograph of a group of young women observing a dress being measured in 1942.
Photograph of bottles of corn cobs that were tested on, taken in 1942.

1944
A photograph with a caption that reads: "Team Cattle Grub Control Demonstration done by Dean Fleming--Reinbeck (standing) and Dick Strohbehn- Reinbeck (kneeling) at the Iowa State Fair." Taken in 1944.

1948
Photograph of a Louisa County Exhibit at the Iowa State Fair in 1948.
A photograph of a College Exhibit at the Iowa State Fair in 1948.
A map showing the extension directors for each county in Iowa.

1949
Photograph of two women admiring a Home Economics corn carousel in the Great Hall, Memorial Union in 1949.

1952
History of extension work from the point of view of Ralph K. Bliss. Includes description, detail, and personal reflection on short courses, demonstration farms, county agent work, educational trains (Corn Trains), farmer associations and organizations, fairs, farmers' institutes, and extension administration, as well as excerpts from other reports. Some explanation of Extension work from Perry G. Holden.
Photograph with a caption that reads: "Mrs. Flora Garber sewing after watching Make-A-Dress TV." Taken in 1952.

1953
A transcription of a radio talk given by Ralph K. Bliss in 1953 about the 1903 seed corn demonstration farms in Sioux County. Topics covered include an overview of the beginning of county cooperative extension work, the early work of county demonstration farms, and methodology of demonstration farming.
A transcription of a talk given by Ralph K. Bliss. Covers topics such as agricultural education, and the anniversary of Sioux County's agricultural cooperation with the university by recalling benchmarks such as the first mass educational effort in improving seed corn and the first local short course.
Photograph of Greta Bowers and a man discussing with another man in 1953 over Extension business.
Photograph of two men at a dinner table discussing federal programs in 1953.

1954
A transcription of a radio talk given by Ralph K. Bliss in which he reflects on the work of Perry G. Holden and the beginning of extension work. The talk focuses on the birth and service provided by the corn trains.
Photograph of a man and woman at a table having a discussion with a friend.

1956
Photograph with a caption that reads: "Ed Dyas showing Burnett oats under an identifying label somewhere in west Iowa." Taken in 1956.
This video is a short documentary reflecting on the first 50 years of the Extension Service. It was originally released on film, and later digitized and uploaded to YouTube.

1957
Photograph of a family of three and a woman standing in front of a Caravan Exhibit at the Iowa State Fair in 1957.

1958
Photograph of three women standing in front of a Rural Women's Exhibit at the Iowa State Fair in 1958.

1962
Contains a 50th Anniversary of Cooperative Extension Service program from the 1962 celebration and an address of Martin L. Mosher's personal recollections about the extension work in Clinton County, Iowa. Part of the address contains thoughts about what the Extension in Clinton County might be like in 2012.

1966
Photograph of a nurse with a patient in 1966.

1973
Photograph of the original 4-H Emblem. Taken in 1973.

1974
A transcription of an oral history recording as given by Paul C. Taff regarding the early extension work. Includes personal recollection of Paul C. Taff about the extension before and after the war.

1988
Photograph of Ronald Powers taken when the Director of Extension.

1989
Photograph of Elliott as the Dean of Extension.