Posted on July 24, 2012 at 11:01 AM by Global Reach
Loyd and Lois Martin are both 4-H alumni. They began working as a team when Loyd was the 4-H boys county president and Lois was the 4-H girls county president. They served their terms from 1945-1946 and became engaged during their year in office. “I pledge my heart to greater loyalty”--many times they repeated that pledge together as presidents. They made it a bit stronger when they pledged “love, honor and obey” when they married January 26, 1947.
They both jumped back into 4-H by becoming 4-H leaders—Loyd for the Alburnett Happy Workers and Lois for Linn’s Best. She continued until their second child was born and Loyd continued until their oldest son started 4-H, by then having five children on their team. Lois started back as leader for Linn’s Best and then Indian Creekettes after the first club outgrew itself. Between them, they have over 36 years of being 4-H leaders.
In 1957, they opened their home to their first 4-H international (IFYE) student and that was the beginning of many that came to their farm from all over the world. Students from England, Japan, New Zealand, Finland, Germany, Laos, Uganda, France and many other countries have come to the Martin farm to learn about agriculture and animal husbandry. This number doesn’t even count the thousands of local school children who came to their farm for tours.
Loyd and Lois have been involved in the Iowa Pork Industry, Dairy Promotion board and Farm Bureau. They both continue to unselfishly give of themselves helping youth and adults with their gardening, baking, sewing, animal husbandry and woodworking skills. They have both been Sunday School teachers and Lois continues to teach. They are mission minded and are always helping those in need. They are in the 4th generation of family to become 4-H leaders and have had four generations exhibiting in 4-H at the Iowa State Fair.
They live out the 4-H pledge and always strive to make the best better.
Categories: Linn
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