We have been able to locate copies of several early 4-H project books. Traditionally, a project book gives step by step instructions and information which the member uses to learn about a particular subject or make a specific product. Learning to “keep records” of work done and information/skills learned was a major part of 4-H involvement until the mid to late 1990’s. Some counties continue to emphasize learning record keeping skills in 2010. Typically, the project book included hints on how to keep records at the end of the book. Take a look at these early project books produced by Kentucky Cooperative Extension.

(Note: All Extension publications were numbered in series no matter whether they were directed at youth or adult audiences. Thus the gaps in numbering do not necessarily indicate that some 4-H publications are missing. It also appears that when an early publication was updated, the original pub number remained on the revised pub. )

Circular No. 82 Corn Project—this is a revision of an earlier booklet. The revision was probably completed sometime in the 1930’s. The original version would have been written in 1921 or earlier.

Circular No. 84 Sow and Litter Project—this is a revision of an earlier booklet. The revision is not dated.

Circular No. 87 Sweet Clover Project—February 1921. Note that the name Junior Agricultural Clubs is used. This predated the use of the name 4-H.

Circular No. 88 Ewe and Lamb Project—this is a revision of an earlier booklet. The revision is not dated.

Circular No. 91 Hints on Programs for Junior Ag Clubs—March 1921. This 63 page guide outlines the purpose of 4-H work and provides tips on how the club functions. Hints of the early club proceedings can still be seen in today’s 4-H clubs.

Circular No. 93 Alfalfa Project—this appears to be an original version of the project. No date is indicated but the number sequence would indicate a publication date of 1921.

Circular No. 94 Soybean Project—this is the second revision of the earlier booklet. No date of the revision is indicated but note that the name 4-H is used in the revision.

Circular No. 98 Small Fruit Project—this is a revision of an earlier project. Date on the revision is July 1934.

Circular No. 99 Swine Breeding Project—this appears to be an original version of the project. No date is indicated but the number sequence would indicate a publication date of 1921.

Circular No. 100 Potato Project—this is a revision of an earlier project. No date of the revision is indicated.

Circular No. 103 Swine Fattening Project—May 1921; This is an original version of the project.

Circular No. 106 Baby Beef Project—May 1921; This appears to be an original version of the project.

Circular No. 110 Hatching and Raising Chicks—this is the sixth edition of the original publication. No date is indicated.

Circular No. 112 Beginning Clothing Project—this is an original publication dated December 1921. It includes a wide range of general information about sewing. This pub includes instructions for making a 4-H apron. Aprons were commonly one of the first items made in the sewing project. It’s debatable whether this apron would be considered the “original” Kentucky 4-H apron.

Circular No. 113 Annual Report of Extension—December 1921; This report describes the youth work completed during the period of July 1, 1920 – June 30, 1921.

Circular No. 114 Beef Breeding Project—this is an original version of the project dated January 1922.

Circular No. 116 Elementary Clothing Project—January 1922. Youth made undergarments in the elementary clothing project.

Circular No. 117 A Manual on Junior Agricultural Clubs—January 1922. This 123 page publication is a comprehensive guide to club work. It includes a copy of the charter, membership card, and certificate of merit. Ideas are given for each club meeting throughout the year. A camp agenda and guidelines for competitive events are outlined.

Circular No. 119 Dairy Heifer and Calf Project—this appears to be an original version of the project. No date is indicated but the number sequence would indicate a publication date of 1922.

Circular No. 121 Butter Making Project—this is an original version of the project. No date is indicated but the number sequence would indicate a publication date of 1922.

Circular No. 124 Wood Working Merit Course—this is an original version of the project. It includes a wide variety of simple woodworking projects—among the most interesting are flower trellis, fly trap, step ladder, ironing board, and fireless cooker. No date is indicated but the number sequence would indicate a publication date of 1922.

Circular No. 153 Boys’ Corn Clubs and Improved Methods of Corn Growing—this appears to be an original version of the project. No date is indicated but the number sequence would indicate a publication date around 1922 to 1924. On the last two pages, note that some of the references mentioned were from 1888.

Circular No. 158 Wife Saving Kitchens—this was not a youth publication but it does have an interesting title. This pub was primarily written for use by adults and was likely written around 1922-1924.