The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1917-01-30

.
Utah Agricultural College has ex.
since its organization most rapid
growth. This is noticeable in Ave
directions; first, in the organization
of farm and home demonstration
work under State law. in cooperation
with the Federal Department of
Agriculture and under federal law;
second, in the marked development
of farmers and housekeepers'
schools and conventions; third, in
, the growth of boys and girls club
work in agriculture and home eco
Monies; fourth. in the organization
of women's associations for the
study and solution of local and
home economic problems; and
9fth, In. the increased interest in
correspondence studies.
Extension work was first official
~ recognized by the State in 1896,
through the passage of the first
farmers institute law (approved
March 2S, 1880 appropriating
$1,000 year for he holding of
Farmers, and housekeepers' insti-
tutes in each county in the State.
Immediately following the passage
of this law the first party was sent
out from the Institution in 1896.
Two horses and rig were purchas-
ed and President J. NJ. Tanner, and
Professor l.. b. Linfield made a trip
to the central and southern parts
of the State. discussing mainly the
relation of the College to the people
and advertising the Institution. The
next year another party was sent
out, consisting of Professor John
A. Widtsoe and Professor Joseph
Jensen. This trip constituted the
first real farmers institute work
Meetings were held in Emery, Piute
Wayne, Garfield. Kane. Washing.
ton, Iron, Beaver, Willard and Juah
, counties, the party finally reaching
Mona, in Juab county, on their re,
turn trip. Two and a half months
were consumed in this trip. II
may be regarded as being the initial
attempt on the part of the educators
of the State to extend their influence
in a directly serviceable way be
yond the campus of the Institution
Mrs. belinda Cotey, Professor OF
Home Economics at the College
held several meetings in 1899
1900 and 1902.
The first farmers School Ga school
being distinguished from an insti
tute by the fact that it is held two
or more days, and constitutes 6
more or less organized course Of
study was held in 1908, in Eph
rain, Sanpete county, and Mon
roe, Sewer county. At these meet
ings various members of the faculty
appeared and gave connected dis
cussions of their work
The first domestic science schcoo
was held at Monroe, in 1902, will
Mrs. L. d. Widtsoe in charge. Thii
first women's school, beginning will
very meager attendance, at III
concluding session was forced t.
hold an overflow meeting.
In 1901 the first farmers insti
tute committee was appointed, con
sisting of Professors Widtsoe, Lin
field, Swcndsen, Close and Merrill
The Extension Division was created
in 1907, with Professor Lewis A
Merrill In charge. Under Professor
Merrlll's direction, the Extension
Division developed from 8impl,
farmers institute organization to al
organized division giving extended
courses in agriculture and home &c
onomics throughout the state. II
1909 the work was further recogniz
ed by the State by the passage o
the present Farmers Institute law
which repealed the law of 1897, anC
which appropriated $4,000 a yea,
for the work. This law was amend
ed in 1911 by increasing the annua
appropriation to $4,000. In 1913
the Farm and Home Demonstration
law was passed appropriating 5000
the first year (1913), which amour
automatically increases at the rat
of $4,000 a year until $4,000
year is reached, This law direct
1.-The College to place farm and HON
demonstrators in the counties of tn