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(HHHH) 4-H long-term membership badge (1980’s / 1990’s)

4-H originated around the end of the 19th century in the US as a rural youth development movement to encourage an appreciation of rural life and opportunities in progressive farming developments. 4-H after-school youth clubs were established in Ohio in 1902 with the aim to extend agricultural education and home economics (good house keeping & cookery) with an emphasis on a ‘hands-on’ or learning through experience. In 1912 the name 4-H was adopted.

 

Today, 4-H is still a youth development program with the emphasis on hands-on activities and practical learning in areas of science, citizenship and personal development and healthy living. They have approximately 90,000 clubs worldwide, mainly in the US catering for young people aged 5 to 21 years.

 

The first 4-H emblem was a three-leaf clover designed c.1907 by Oscar H Benson. The first emblem took the form of a three-leaf clover with the letter H in each leaf section and the County name represented by the club. The 4-H emblem underwent three further stages of development leading to the current four-leaf clover design, as per this badge. The four H letters on the emblem represent the 4-H pledge of Head (clearer thinking & communication skills), Heart (loyalty, better relationships building, respecting others), Hands (service and hands-on learning) and Health (healthy living and self-improvement).

 

I understand this may be an award badge for long-term membership but if anyone can confirm this, I’d be grateful to hear from you.

 

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References:

 

www.4-h.org/ (4-H website)

 

www.4-h.org/youth-development-programs/ (Youth development programs – what 4-H does).

 

www.4-h.org/about/4-h-history/ (History of 4-H including video).

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4-H

 

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Enamels: 2 (green & black).

Finish: Rolled gold layer.

Material: Gold-filled onto a base metal (brass?)

Fixer: Rollbar pin.

Size: 9/16” x 9/16” (13mm x 13mm).

Process: Die stamped.

Imprint: No maker’s imprint except for text denoting metal quality V26 10K G.F.

 

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Uploaded on October 6, 2013