WALKER COUNTY
      Walker County 4-H history began in 1911 with eight members of the Walker County corn club.  The local 4-H club grew over the years.  In 1931, the first six female members joined and raised money for a 4-H clubhouse.  The clubhouse was dedicated in 1934 with a membership of 39 boys and girls.  
In the 1930’s, livestock projects were popular with the boys.  Highlights include club member Julius Thomas winning a trip to the International Livestock Exposition in Chicago.  Girls enjoyed canning projects.  The demonstration team won first place at district and competed at state in 1935.  In 1937, Lillian Thomas went to National Congress in Chicago with her canning project.  
    In the 1940’s, W.R. Huff, Jr. participated in the dairy project.  In 1948, his heifer boarded a train in Chattanooga and he then drove to Columbus, Ohio to meet her for the National Dairy Show.
    The foundation for the Walker County 4-H club was formed during those early years.  In 1954, Walker County sent its first group to Fontana for the TVA Conference.  In 1955 a county council was organized.
    In the 1960’s 4-H’ers competed at county, district, and state levels with project demonstrations.  Tena Wright participated in the Fashion Revue project and modeled in a fashion show at State Congress.
    In the 1970’s and 1980’s, 4-H’ers continued to compete in their project areas and some even ran for district offices.  In 1987, the first lamb show was held in Walker County hosted by county agents Mike Bunn and Ray Burden.  Also in 1987, J.C. Rogers won at State Congress in the forestry project.
    In the 1990’s, Walker County 4-H’er Kenny Wood served on district and state boards and as a camp counselor.  Today 4-H’ers stay busy with livestock projects, shooting sports, camps and other events.  Graduating seniors compete for a county scholarship named in memory of Jane Greene, former program assistant.

From 4-H History Project 1997

	Walker1—Walker County 4-H Corn Club members:  Roy Bomar, Tom Crowder, Gordon Lee, Gordon Hasty, Mance Allison, Ben Leath, Duke Madaris, and Joe Bomar.  Walker County Fair, 1911.
	Walker2—Walker County 4-H community club members at Rea’s Lake in 1927:  front—Frank Bomar, Dewey Yother, Boyd Dewitt, George Young, John Hunt, Burl Scoggins.  Middle—Clare Millican, Bernice Millican, Martha Neal, Martha Young, Clara Mae Baton, Robbie Ponder.  Back—Reece Scoggins, Josephine Yother, Reece Neal, unidentified and Russell Ponder.  Photo courtesy of Martha Dennis.
	Walker3—The 1955 Walker County 4-H Council:  Richard Wilbanks, Lorene White, Steve Shattuck, Jimmie Ann Young, Wanda Carver, Emily Roberson, Linda Daniel, Edith Pickard, Ray Kingsley, Billy Pruett, Donald Neal, Martha Cobb, Nancy Gilreath, Joe Swanson, Larry Weaver and others.
	Walker4—Walker County 4-H District Project Winners 1972:  Joyce Smith, Mike Cleghorn, Ted Clark, and Alethia Young.  From Walker County Messenger