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Mary
Elsie Border
"Clovia
was organized just before I came in to the state 4-H office and was still
an agent in Johnson County.
When
M. H. Coe came to the county to talk to me about joining the state staff
he spoke at length of his dreams for a women's 4-H house and what part I
might play in its development. This was perhaps because I knew Ellen Blair
Welsch very well and had worked with her on a summer's canning program.
When
I moved to Manhattan, Mable Smith was Clovia advisor but we all worked with
the girls as the need arose. When Mable took a job elsewhere I became advisor
and handled their finances. Early in that period we became incorporated
and bought a house.
I
remember trying to attend every Wednesday night house meeting when I was
not on the road. Perhaps I added little except moral support as we went
through an identity crisis. There was indeed a push to make Clovia a sorority.
This was not the original concept and the conservative elements finally
prevailed.
One
of the features that impressed me constantly was the nice and mature decisions
made by the girls at the house meetings. Another was the loyalty within
the group which I am sure was supported by a strong alumni.
Clovia
has a rich history and tradition. Many of its members have made a real contribution
to our society. I am proud to be associated with the organization and wish
them continued growth in enriching the lives of their members and indeed
making a positive impact on lives they touch."
J.
Harold Johnson
"The
present Clovia house at K-State is a beautiful, utilitarian home for deserving
4-H girls. But even more, it is an edifice to 4-H ideals — a continuing
"learn by doing" educational experience upon which this nation's
greatest youth program was started in the early 20th century.
The
very foundation of Clovia was built by many generations of 4-H youth and
their dedicated volunteer 4-H leaders. Would it not be correct to say that
Clovia became a reality as a result of their work? I believe the high regard
for Clovia today is at least partially due to the sound philosophy of the
early pioneers in establishing boys and girls club work, and to the fact
that each generation thereafter stood on the shoulders of those who came
before.
Memories
bring back many examples: 1. The girls and their "thirst" for
an education us. the grip of the great depression of the late 20's and early
30's. Those were the days when summers were spent gardening and canning,
the winters far from home at KSAC surviving on those same victuals. They
rented a house on Laramie St. and did their own cooking and housekeeping.
Was this the prelude to progress in helping 4-H girls to a better life through
Clovia? I believe it was. 2. The prestige to the 4-H program of Kansas as
a result of such facilities as Clovia at K-State and Hays, Rock Springs
Ranch, and others.
My
hat is off to all those pioneers upon who's strong shoulders Clovia now
stands so tall. All of you, too, are to be congratulated. May God bless
you and keep Clovia ever on the high ideals of womanhood and of service
to Him."
J.
Harold Johnson was the Executive Director of the Kansas 4-H Foundation at
the time Clovia was making financial arrangements to build the new house.
His help in behalf of the Foundation's in the planning and negotiation enabled
Clovia to finance the present house.
Maynard
H. Coe
Maynard
H. Coe, the advisor who helped get Clovia off to a good start, now resides
at 126 North Lark Lane, Carbondale, Illinois. Of Clovia he stated "The
charter group of Clovia was composed of a lot of wonderful girls and I know
that has always been true. I look back on what efforts I made in their behalf
with great satisfaction. Clovia deserves the best."
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Alpha of Clovia 