Development of Community

What is Community in Knox County? Community has long played an important role in Knox County farming. Neighboring farmers may help each other by lending person-power, machinery or helpful hints. Auctions, like the one pictured to the left have been an occasion trading and social gathering for many years. Community Organizations There are a number of community organizations in Knox County through which farmers and farm families meet to share their ideas, concerns and the rewards of being farmers. Organizations and events like 4-H, FFA, the Grange, the Farm Bureau, Ohio State University Extension, the Heart of Ohio Tour, the Knox County Fair and the all help to continue a long tradition of farming in Ohio and especially Knox County.

Photo by Ben Shahn

Click on the words in blue above to go to other sites and learn more about them. But be sure to click back to the FarmSchool site once you have read them.

	1846 The first agricultural Club is founded in Knox County
	1867 The Grange is founded
	1902 4-H is founded
	1920 Knox County Farm Bureau is founded

Show Your Stuff! Community, county and state fairs are another traditional means of agricultural display and sharing. With the support of organizations like 4-H and FFA, many young individuals are given the opportunity to develop their own agriculture-related projects and have them viewed publicly at these yearly events. For example, the two girls in the picture at the right are showing their sheep at the 1994 Knox County Fair, as are the girls in the picture below. The Knox County Fair is usually held in July, and serves as a showplace for agricultural and non-agricultural business alike.

Photo by Howard Sacks

Photo by Howard Sacks

As you explore the 4-H, FFA, Knox County Fair and other links, and learn more about community in Knox County and central Ohio, consider your own involvement in your community!

• Are you involved in any volunteer organizations?
• What does your organization do?
• How does your involvement make a difference?
• Give an oral presentation in class to introduce your classmates and teacher to the organization to which you belong. Explain your role in the organization. Try using visual aides to help explain what you and your organization do. Maybe you can have a classmate come with you to your next meeting. Or perhaps your organization leader would like to come in and talk with your class. Have fun showing your friends who you are!

Take me back in time!