Posted on August 24, 2017 at 9:06 PM by Emily Saveraid
Larry and Sandy Swanson are honored to be recipients of the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame recognition. They have long been supporters of 4-H and appreciate the life-skills taught by this organization. Larry grew up in rural Delaware County and has fond memories of his years in the Delaware Hustlers 4-H Club giving presentations on tractor maintenance, showing heifers at the fair, learning skills in public speaking, record keeping, animal husbandry and Roberts Rules of Order. He looked up to his leaders, Wilbur Kehrli and George Mickens, who led by example and were knowledgeable in the latest farming practices.
Sandy grew up in Hamilton County where her earliest memories include her dad being a 4-H leader and going to the fair to watch members of his club show animals. She was an active member of the Williams Hustling Homemakers 4-H Club and partnered with a friend as junior leader for the younger members. There are many happy memories of presentations given at the county fair, workshops at homes of her leaders, and the Chicago Award trip. Her leaders, Edith Ruby, Hazel Thorson, and Ruth Dickson, were major influences in her life, and she still makes lap back pillow covers, one of her first projects.
Larry and Sandy met while students at Iowa State University where he majored in Ag Business and she majored in Home Economics Education. After their marriage, they made their home on a farm north of Manchester. Sandy spent many summer days judging at local clubs’ achievement shows and some judging at county fairs in the area. Larry has vivid memories of helping with the parades of champion animals held at the fair years ago. Sandy served as a leader of the Cheerful Workers 4-H Club and for many years enjoyed being part of judging day at the local fair. Larry could usually be found assisting the judges in the Agronomy show. They enjoyed leadership roles with extension serving on youth committee and extension council.
The Swanson’s children, Amy of Manchester and Jordan of Madison, WI were both active members of their 4-H clubs, Cheerful Workers and Elk Chargers. Sunday afternoons before judging day were busy days of finishing exhibits and writing up reports. Both children were part of the dog obedience training project which was a family affair. Sandy was the chauffeur for Wednesday night training sessions and Larry did his part in creating an on the farm obstacle course for the dogs to practice.
Larry and Sandy have utmost respect and support for 4-H, the skills learned, the relationships formed, to the 4-Hers themselves, and those who continue to volunteer their time in this organization. They remain active in the community and are proud to be part of Delaware County 4-H.
