While an undergraduate at UD in the early 1970s, I took U.S. history from a great professor, Dr. James Curtis. One of his lectures concentrated on the cultural and educational influence of the Sears Roebuck catalogue on American culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These yearly publications introduced new products and cheaper products, thereby raising expectations. New information would follow these products, generating an unparalleled marketing force and a thirst for newer, easier, more productive and cheaper ways to get things done. The effectiveness of merchant Richard W. Sears had a profound impact on rural America.
Communication also has to be person to person.
Dick Fowler, our retired Extension director at UD, liked to share the legend of Floyd Bucher, the first county agent in Lancaster County, Pa., back in 1914. So Bucher fired up his motorcycle and sped up, down and all around Lancaster County, zipping right by farms and farmers as they worked in their fields. Curiosity became the catalyst. I was fortunate to have begun my Extension career with Dave Woodward in the Kent County office. Woodward advised, ACall back as quickly as you can.