Posted on August 22, 2024 at 5:00 PM by Emily Saveraid
Clarence and Jean Rouse both began their 4-H experiences early in life on farms in northeast Iowa, near Independence. Their enjoyment of 4-H was passed on to their children: Dan, Robbie, and Sherry. 4-H was a family experience, as they helped teach their kids the skills needed for baking, gardening, presentations, working exhibits, and especially horses.
Clarence and Jean were instrumental in repairing the horse arena that was shared with the Buchanan County Fairgrounds and the Northeast Iowa Quarter Horse Association. For most horse shows at the arena, Clarence helped set up shows and helped the 4-H youth by providing advice and guidance on the proper technique of showing a horse in the ring. Clarence was also instrumental in developing a 4-H horse judging team to compete at the Kirkwood Community College Equine Center.
Jean has a teaching degree in home economics from Iowa State Teachers College, now UNI, and helped her kids in the kitchen and with 4-H presentations and working exhibits. Jean also judged 4-H presentations at the local and county level. Dan, Robbie, and Sherry were all selected to exhibit at the Iowa State Fair with 4-H presentations and working exhibits. They each also took a carrot cake recipe from their mom to the Iowa State Fair.
Gardening was one area where the entire family worked together. Clarence and Jean enjoyed sharing their experiences growing up on the farm and having extensive gardens. Dan, Robbie, and Sherry are thankful for the many 4-H memories with their parents over the years.
