From a collection of 1930s-1970s materials related to the Ulster County, New York 4-H Club

Many of the materials are related to the estate of Edmund R. "Pop" Bower. Edmund R. "Pop" Bower was born circa 1897. He served in the Navy during World War I. In 1937 he became the 4-H agent for Ulster County, New York, a position he would hold for at least the next 25 years.

Bower's 4-H program proved popular, and many graduates who had passed the nineteen-year-old age limit for 4-H members wanted to stay involved with the program, so they informally organized themselves as the "Older Group" and kept in touch for social events and during the county and New York State fairs.

During World War II, many members of the Older Group were sent overseas to fight. To improve morale and keep his correspondents informed of happenings in Ulster County, Bowen compiled and distributed a newsletter, "About Us," in which he wrote about hometown news and the wartime activities of Older Group members.

In 1962, Bower celebrated his 25th year of service as the county 4-H agent. He died in 1987 at the age of 90.

FREE SHIPPING ON ADDITIONAL ITEMS available for items IN THE SAME CART

This is an authentic original black-and-white photograph, not a reproduction. 

Check out my eBay store for a curated selection of collectible vernacular photography!