Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:41 PM by Global Reach
Fannie Buchanan - Writer of 4-H Songs
4-H Efforts: Fannie Buchanan became involved in the 4-H music program in the 1920's. She wrote five 4-H songs, including "The Plowing Song" dedicated to farm boys and "Dreaming" for 4-H girls. Both were introduced at the National 4-H Club Camp in 1927. In 1930 she joined the Iowa State College Extension Staff.
4-H Honors: Buchanan received a citation for distinguished service at the 1941 National 4-H Club Camp and recognition at the closing assembly of the 1944 National 4-H Club Congress.
Fannie Buchanan earned a degree in music from Grinnell College, Iowa. During World War I, she organized music and recreation activities with War Camp Community Service. Eventually she joined the Victor Talking Machine Company as a Rural Specialist. As she traveled, she came in more contact with 4-H members and leaders and became involved in the 4-H music program. She wrote the words to five 4-H songs, set to music by her college friend Rena Parish, including “The Plowing Song” dedicated to farm boys and “Dreaming” that captured the daydreams of 4-H girls that she met during her cross country travels.
These songs were introduced at the National 4-H Club Camp in 1927. The members of the Federal Extension Service and National Committee on Boys and Girls Club Work helped to carry her songs throughout the country and encouraged their singing by 4-H clubs. In 1930, Buchanan joined the Iowa State College extension staff. She received a citation for distinguished service at the 1941 National 4-H Club Camp and was recognized at the closing assembly of the 1944 National 4-H Club Congress.
