A Brief History of 4H House
The seed which has grown to be the large 4-H House Association was planted in 1934 by Miss Mary A. McKee. Sixteen women joined their efforts in a cooperative house because they needed financial help to get through college during the Depression. The few girls who could afford to come to college did so because of scholarships and by working for room and board at private homes far from campus. The house considerably reduced their living costs. The original house women were accepted based only on need. Founders Day for 4-H House is September 5, and the first house was Campbell Cottage, a University Cooperative.
In 1935, the women rented a slightly large house at 602 S. Matthews, across from the Chemistry Annex. It accommodated eighteen women. By 1936, demand had grown so much that a second house was established at 1202 W. Oregon. The girls realized that their dreams for a permanent, unified 4-H House couldn't come true while they lived in two separate groups, so the search for a larger home began. The purchase of the next house, a large, white-frame colonial on 202 E. Green was made possible by donations from several Home and Farm Bureaus and donations of furniture from the girls themselves.
By 1950, the house at 202 E. Green was beginning to age, so plans began for the present house. Once again, thanks to several Home and Farm Bureaus and fundraising efforts by the alums, the dream became feasible. On June 5, 1960, the ground-breaking ceremony was held at the site of the present 4-H House at 805 W. Ohio. Many dreams of the future were realized in 1961 when the house was completed and 51 women moved in. The house was dedicated on June 10, 1962.
In the fall of 1966, our numbers increased to 56 when space for 5 women was provided in the house at 801 W. Ohio (4-H House Annex), owned by one of the original Sixteen Pearls, Caroline Hendrich. These women were later able to move back into the house when four rooms were made into "quads," making the house capacity 55 women.
The Early 50's
In early 1950, Mother L had to retire because of ill health and moved to Denver where her son and daughter-in-law lived. A temporary chaperone, Mrs. Thomas, took her place for the rest of the school year, and in the fall of 1950, Mrs. Byrd Kelley became our housemother. She was currently at Northwestern University but had previously been a chaperone at the Alpha Delta Pi house in Urbana for six years, as well as serving at other independent houses on the U of I campus.
Mother Kelley was famous for her hat making and – as with all our chaperones – made her special contribution to the House. She initially found it hard to accept our independence at meal planning and operating the House since that had been her responsibility in previous assignments. When she realized that we were accustomed to and very capable of managing this aspect of the House, she fully enjoyed her role. She had many friends on campus and considered herself very lucky to be dealing with girls of 4-H House caliber. Mother Kelley retired to Evanston in 1957 and passed away in 1969 at the age of 87.
In early 1949, the House actives took the first concrete step toward a new house. The rent which Barbie and Glen Rubenking paid for their basement apartment was put into a separate fund and two $500 Series G bonds were purchased. They were used in late 1954 when we bought the Ohio Street lots.
In 1952, the House bill was raised to $50/month and $2/month was put into a building fund. An interesting sidelight of this money is that it was deposited in another bank, to avoid confusion with our regular accounts. Somewhere along the line, these funds were forgotten and did not surface until legislation requiring banks to find the owners of inactive accounts was passed. By this time, the original account and interest had built to a tidy sum, which happened to come at a time when money was badly needed for some House repairs!
Building Plans Begin!
At Homecoming in 1952, talk of a new house began in earnest and a Building Investigation Committee was appointed. This group had little hope of building a new house but asked Glen Rubenking to draw up a rough sketch which we could take to contractors to get some idea of costs. Glen arrived at Homecoming in 1953 with a set of blueprints and an estimate of $105,000 to $125,000 to build – far less than we had anticipated. While the eventual cost was much higher, this was the spark which lighted the fire. From that point on, a new house became one of our options. A Building Committee was appointed and began work. That first committee was divided into three Task Forces: Lot, Finance, and Building, each composed of actives, parents, and alums.
Building Committee – Appointed at Homecoming, 1953
Lot:
Rosemary Archibald
Nancy Moore Gossett
Redus Tate
Caryl Towsley Moy
William Johnson
Betsy Kindred Nicholson
Finance:
Ada Allen File
Judy Konneker Hilst
Leonard Springer
Jessie Finley Klocke
Darlene Guderjan Montz
Robert Firch
Lila Jean Athey Eichelberger
Eleanor Icenogle Markwell
Building:
Helen Bitterman Francis
Joyce Bolton Mattson
Mrs. C.T. Bayles
Caroline Farrar Heinrichs
Marilyn Morine Brown
Mrs. Ken Nelson
Barbie Kindred Rubenking
Association President: Jane Bartel Hubbell
Attorney: Norman Krauz
Attention was focused on finding a lot, although we continued to look at existing houses as they became available. In April 1954, the Lot Committee met to look at the Phi Gamma Delta house, which was for sale. As luck would have it, one of the cars got lost and happened to find the lots at 805 W. Ohio. After much negotiating with the owner, a somewhat eccentric widow, the lots were finally purchased in late 1954.
On June 12, 1954, 4-H House marked its 20th Anniversary with a banquet and program at the Illini Union. On Sunday morning those alums who lived in the House before 1938 brought white dresses and were officially initiated.
The 20th Anniversary was also a stimulus for building plans. The project and various options were discussed and alums were encouraged to see the lots that were under consideration.
In July 1954, the Finance Committee met and raised the rent to the girls to $17/month. The Association's financial arrangement is that the actives pay rent to 4-H House Association to cover mortgage payments, taxes, and major house repairs and improvements. The actives' house bill must pay for this rent plus food, utilities, and day-to-day repairs. The problem was that we had not established a building fund much sooner, so that we had a nest egg with which to start. The bathroom loan had been paid off in 1953 but we were now beginning from almost ground zero and this 1954 increase was to begin to accumulate some reserves. The actives, in turn, raised the house bill to $53/month.
While we paid off the lots over a four year period, planning for the new House went on in earnest. Rosemary Archibald, Mary Ann Elson, and Glen and Barbie Rubenking spent many weekends at the Rubenking's Arlington Heights home, drawing and re-drawing the plans and discussing the materials and features of the house. By the fall of 1957, final drawings were presented and alum groups were set up all over the state to review the plans and make suggestions or criticisms.
The Fund Raising Years - The Heritage Fund Story - Part 1
In 1956, Ada File moved and Marguerite Rietveldt assumed chairmanship of the Finance Committee. Initially, we had hoped to build the new house by issuing bonds but current costs and other factors made this unfeasible. It was obvious that we would have to solicit donations, and in May 1959, the 4-H House Heritage Fund was launched. At Sunday noon of the 25th Anniversary weekend, a chicken barbeque kick-off dinner was held at 202 E. Green for dignitaries from the College of Agriculture, other U of I faculty, media, parents, friends, alumnae, and actives.
The Heritage Fund goal was $120,000 – an average of $300 each from our 400 alums. The state was divided into 27 areas, each with a chairman who worked closely with the Heritage Fund chairmen. These area chairmen were responsible for contacting all alums, parents, friends and home economics/agriculture-related organizations and businesses in their area, for coordinating all fund-raising efforts in those counties and generating publicity for the Heritage Fund.
By August of 1959, $4,200 had been pledged. The Building Committee then appointed DiAnne Mathre Johnson (Thomas) and Cindy Traughber Eustice to oversee all business contacts throughout the state. This was the necessary stimulus and by October 9, 1959, there were pledges of $16,400. At that point, Marguerite decided that the Finance Chairman should be someone who was free to travel the state and Cindy and Mary Linn Hogan Sonnemaker were appointed to co-chairman of the Heritage Fund campaign. From that point, fund raising activities centered in Champaign-Urbana.
Business contacts continued and alum groups throughout the state were conducting rummage sales, style shows, and raffles. They were selling candy, flower/weed arrangements, dolls with hand-made wardrobes, magazines, wooden baby cribs, Avon products, and anything else that would bring in money. Clareta Walker – a good friend of the House and one of our Faculty Advisors – had given each active $1 and they were busy making it grow in ways as ingenious as the alum efforts.
But the most successful effort of all was a catering project set up by the Champaign-Urbana alums, under the capable direction of Caroline Heinrichs, who was also now the Building Committee Chairman. Other Building Committee members were:
Shirley Erickson Walker
Catherine Siemen McClelland
Carol Hatland Heaton
DiAnne Mathre Johnson (Thomas)
The Active President (ex officio)
Esther Siemen, Association President (ex officio)
Caroline directed catering efforts, making menus, ordering, preparing, etc. at her place of employment, Newman Hall. The group usually catered two parties per week and demand for their services was so great that they accepted only parties of 100 or more for catering assignments. Not only did they provide the food, but also servers, dishwashers, hostesses, or anything else required. The active chapter also helped.
The catering proved to be very lucrative and brought in monies when needed. Over $10,000 was raised over a 12 month period. To limit the demand, the minimum number was eventually raised to 500 people but bookings didn't stop. However, it was a lot of hard work and husbands began to grumble and threatened to file for divorce naming 4-H House as correspondent! When Caroline retired from Newman Hall in 1978, the catering officially ended, except for the State 4-H Conference barbecue every June. By 1967, over $20,000 had been raised by the Champaign-Urbana catering group.
When the group was disbanded, many Champaign-Urbana hostesses were distraught. We had become the premier caterers of the area and established an image for doing things well —good public relations which were a happy side benefit of a successful fund raising effort.
The Fund Raising Years - The Heritage Fund Story - Part 2
By late '59, pledges were coming in but not fast enough. Cindy, Mary Linn, and DiAnne each devoted almost their full time for a year, canvassing the state. Marty Bland Stewart also helped – she was one of the few alums with two cars! There was small recompense for mileage and expenses but fund raising became truly a family effort. Cindy would take the family car and leave her husband with a bicycle for transportation – to take their three year old to a sitter and then to get to school and work. Reports were sent to area chairmen weekly, with monthly reports to alums, actives, and parents, to keep the momentum going. One report notes the ultimate in dedication: "Mary Linn worked on 4-H House material until 9:00pm, had a 9-pound girl at midnight February 4th, was up answering mail on February 5th, and by February 9th was mimeographing material for a class contest!" Many others also devoted countless time to the effort and when the Heritage Fund was closed on May 1, 1961, almost $80,000 had been collected from these groups:
Parents: About 1/3 of the 4-H House parents gave an average $6,600
of approximately $50 each
Alums: Roughly 70% of all alums donated an average $99. $23,400
While this may not seem a large amount, you must
remember that our alums were generally young and at
a time in their lives when their family expenses were
very high and income quite limited. Many of the business
donations were also generated through alum efforts.
Projects – Champaign Area: The Champaign alums and house $12,800
girls worked for several years on catering and other projects.
Illinois Home Bureau Federation: This group once again came $10,350
to our aid with invaluable support – as they had for the first
4-H House at 202. As thanks for many outstanding contributions
from 4-H House girls throughout the years, the Illinois Home
Bureau made the largest single donation, which they earmarked
for the new house kitchen. We had many Alums in leadership
positions in extension throughout the State, which was an
immense help in this major effort. Our 4-H House Association
president, Esther Siemen, was also on the State Extension Staff
and worked tirelessly, making contacts for us.
Business: Virtually every agriculture/home economics related $26,000
business in the state was contacted personally. This group
donated slightly more than our alums. Here again, the
major selling point was the contributions that 4-H House
girls had made to their communities throughout the years
and the promise of continuing return on this investment.
_______
Total Heritage Fund contributions $79,150
This was short of our original goal but far more than some dire prognosticators had predicted. It was also a campaign of small donations. There was the Home Bureau gift, two contributions of $1200 and $1500 and eight $500 pledges. The balance of the money was raised in smaller amounts – no easy task!
The Fund Raising Years - The Heritage Fund Story - Part 3
There were many financial crises along the way. The first was getting a mortgage commitment. We became expert at accepting refusals, since many mortgaging companies have a general policy against issuing mortgages to groups like ours – fraternity or sorority-type groups have not always been good risks! But, with the fund raising going fairly well and through the efforts of a Mr. Lee Summers, who had become a friend of the House through Norm Krauz, our attorney, Lafayette Life Insurance was willing to loan us $85,000 for 20 years at 6% interest. However, they required that we provide co-signers. Caroline contacted those who indicated they might be willing to guarantee various amounts up to $5,000 and over 30 people co-signed. In retrospect, this probably represented an act of blind faith, since many of the co-signers would no doubt have found it difficult or impossible to produce the funds they had guaranteed if the project had failed!
There were some letters of discord and concern that we were borrowing too heavily and at too high an interest rate but we had gone too far to be daunted. Interestingly, the interest rate on 202 E. Green and the house at 805 W. Ohio were the same, indicating that some financial credibility had been achieved. In 1938, 6% must have been an exorbitant rate of interest but a 3 year old group which had to borrow its down payment would not have been a very attractive risk!
A second continual crisis was cash flow. Periodic appeals to prepay pledges and send cash were made and subcontractors frequently had to be put on hold until we got more money. Carol Hatland Heaton was the Alum Treasurer and kept meticulous count of every penny so we knew how much money we had to work with on a daily basis. Somehow we scraped through until we faced what seemed an insurmountable problem. We had cut costs everywhere we could but had to maintain a certain standard to get the building inspectors to approve the House for occupancy. When the final toll came in, the House construction was $29,000 higher than budget – although we were able to skimp on furnishings and reduce the overrun to $17,000.
We had hoped to get $50,000 for the old House, but it had to be sold in 1960 for occupancy in June 1961. This eliminated some buyers but we wanted cash at the time of sale and obviously needed a place for the girls to live while the new house was being built. We eventually sold 202 E. Green for $45,000 to a group which wanted to build a Dog & Suds restaurant on the location. Here again, a friend helped. Norman Krauz had been the House attorney for several years and was also a partner in the Dog & Suds franchise. Through his efforts, we were able to negotiate the sale terms we needed.
We then had the money from the old House, the lots were paid for and we had accumulated savings of $13,000. The Heritage Fund had brought in $79,000 and we had a mortgage for $85,000. However, the final cost for the House and lots was now $262,000. Any way we added the figures, we were $20,000 short and we literally had only a few days to raise the money, if we were to be able to occupy the house as scheduled in September 1961.
Caroline and Kay Siemen McClelland, complete with a hastily prepared financial statement and proposal, approached Father Duncan of Newman Foundation. He had confidence in our group – or at least in Caroline – and the interest rate was attractive. The next day we had his commitment for a $20,000 loan for 5 years at 6%. That was the last of the financial hurdles for a few years but it left many of the Building Committee members with many more gray hairs!
Bricks & Mortar - The Building Process
While the fund raising was taking place, the plans for the House were finalized. Alums had had a chance to comment and the drawings had been changed, refined, and updated. Glen had been gathering bids for the House from his office in Arlington Heights. As soon as the girls left the House in June 1960, he moved to 202 E. Green to begin overseeing construction. We broke ground on July 11, 1960 and construction continued as fast as our funds permitted. In the fall of 1960, Barbie and Glen relocated permanently to the Champaign area so that Glen could continue supervising construction.
The sage of the actual building is yet another tale but we would be remiss if we did not recognize the superb contractors who helped us build the house. They too became part of the grand effort and were unstintingly cooperative and helpful, through the inevitable changes in plans and our financial starts and stops. Many of them had – and have – served us over the years but new and old alike quickly became our friends, as well as our vendors. With their help, the new House at 805 W. Ohio was ready for occupancy by 51 girls in September 1961. It was officially dedicated on June 10, 1962 with a Donors Day on the preceding day.
One footnote, the Champaign-Urbana alums adopted retirement of Father Duncan's loan as their special project. Thanks to their continued catering efforts, this loan was paid off a year early – somewhat to Father Duncan's consternation, since he was pleased with the interest rate on his investment!
The Other Side of the 60's
Raising money for and building the new House was obviously the major focus of the late 50's and early 60's but an active House life went on in the meantime.
This period brought a change in chaperones. Mrs. Helen Stahly had replaced Mrs. Kelley in the fall of 1957. She left the house in 1962, retired to South Bend, Indiana, and passed away in June 1967. An innovation of the 60's was the June Barbeque. Champaign-Urbana alums, actives, and friends annually help to serve a complete barbeque meal to 4-H members attending State 4-H Conference at the University of Illinois. At one time, there were 2,000 or more at this event. The proceeds were used for items for the House – a "reach-in" refrigerator, furniture, mattresses for the dorms, dishes, silverware, and other needs.
The 60's also saw increased emphasis on the international scene. Both actives and alums began serving in the Peace Corps, as International Farm Youth Exchange delegates, or studying or traveling abroad. Of course, international affairs have always been a House interest and we had been privileged to host a Latvian displaced person for a semester in 1952.
The 30th Anniversary Celebration on June 6-7, 1964 was a Hawaiian luau, with a banquet program honoring the international experiences of 4-H House women. Gerry Anderson Mies, Caroline Heinrichs, and Helen Johnson Ogilvie were in charge, aided by the other "pearls." The meat was roasted just south of the House and was served in the living and dining rooms. Rose Brewer Pickering sent flowers and table decorations from Hawaii to complete the scene.
But the happiest event of the 30th year celebration was the presence of Miss McKee. After her intense involvement in the early years of the House, there had been a period of estrangement when she had little contact with it. At some point, there was controversy over the selection of girls and Miss McKee had felt that there was inadequate attention to 4-H records as a criteria for selection. Through the intervention of some of the older alums, Miss McKee attended the 30th reunion and relationships were repaired. She continued to remain a friend of the House until her death on September 26, 1967.
Without question, Mary McKee was the single moving force without which 4-H House would never have come to be. Many extension personnel opposed or discouraged creation of the House but Miss McKee's unquenchable spirit prevailed and helped the House to survive countless early crises – any one of which might have meant its demise. She always gave generously of herself and her possessions and did much to shape what 4-H House is today. Many others have made great contributions but Mary McKee was truly the keystone for 4-H House.
In the fall of 1962, Mrs. Mary Thatcher replaced Mrs. Stahly as housemother. She served the House for 26 years until her passing in 1988. She has been "Mom T" to far more house girls than any previous housemother and is another special part of our history.
There were other changes in the 60's. In 1965, the annual newsletter expanded to three issues. The alums also voted to replace the traditional annual picnic with special gatherings to be held every five years, on special House anniversary years. And, for the first time, in the fall of 1966, senior women were allowed to have their own keys and, after signing out, were not required to be home at any specified hour. The University administration had given up its responsibility to be "parent" and a changed era was underway.
4-H House continued to make outstanding contributions on campus and to win many awards but it will be tough to top the fall of 1963 when they won a Triple Crown of: WISA Activities Award, the Scholarship Trophy, and the Scholarship Improvement plaques. All this plus managing their House duties and often another job! The spring of 1970 was another high point when the House average was 4.275, with all classes over a 4.0 average.
Through the years, the House has also had its share of cheerleaders, band members, Queens or attendants, etc. There was also the memorable stretch when the Plow Boy Prom Queen was a House girl three years in a row. In combination with numerous exchange dinners and participation in all kinds of campus events, the House is well-known on campus and House girls have been and are pillars of countless campus organizations and activities. Our talent for getting things done is well-recognized!
In the fall of 1966, we once again became a two-house family. Our first 4-H House alumnae, Caroline Heinrichs, purchased a home at 801 W. Ohio, immediately adjacent to the House. Since we continually had far more applicants than we could accept, this became the House Annex and brought our total membership capacity to 56.
The Saga of the 70's
The 1970's brought further extension of House privileges, as University rules and customs changed. All girls now had keys to the House – no more hours to keep. The House stayed open past 10:30 PM. Sunday through Thursday, men could be in the House until midnight. Friday and Saturday closing was 1:00 AM, with the House opened to men at 9:00 AM. Members of Executive Board "locked" the House each night.
During the mid-70's, visitation hours in the rooms were extended. Men could be taken to the rooms at these times.
Saturday – after lunch until 1:00 AM
Sunday – after lunch until midnight
Monday thru Thursday – 5:30 PM until midnight
Friday – 5:30 PM until 1:00 AM
While older alums may shake their heads at such license, this was all part of the new code and the University's attitude that college women are mature enough to assume responsibility for themselves.
Private room phones were also installed during the 70's. Prior to this, we had a buzzer system to summon girls.
Homecoming 1972 marked the 10th Anniversary of 805 West Ohio. Special honors were given to Kay McClelland and Caroline Heinrichs for the love, time, energy, and thought they had given to make 4-H House great. Kay was given a House pin; Caroline received a 4-H House silver tray. The following poem was read that evening:
4-H House
We've worked together through the years
Shared each other's joys and tears.
We've come a long way since the house on Green
Now 805 is our home scene.
The heritage we share should remind anew
This is always a home to me and you.
House girls have always shown concern for the less fortunate and this attitude continues. In spring 1972, we co-sponsored the Mick McDevitt Memorial Bike Race Against Cancer with Sigma Tau Gamma, which raised about $3,000 for the American Cancer Society.
As a service project during the fall of '75, we tutored English to six Vietnamese children who were living across the street. They also came to our House Christmas party.
The fall of 1973 found us back in school in August, as the University changed its schedule. We are now "privileged" to finish final exams before the Christmas holidays but those August school days in CU can be like a steam bath!
To improve our musical abilities, we bought a used baby grand piano in 1973 and, thanks to some generous memorials, in 1978 we were able to trade it in on a new one – probably the first new piano 4-H House has ever owned!
In 1975, the office of House President became a one-semester – rather than a one-year-term. This gives more girls a chance for leadership and makes it possible for girls who may be spending a semester away from campus teaching or studying abroad a chance to serve as House President. Other House officers had been serving only one semester since the early 70's.
Semester break in 1976 was also pretty memorable. The furnace had gone off during the vacation period and we returned to no heat and broken water pipes. Those who arrived the first day had no choice but to find other accommodations. And when the heat came back on and pipes thawed, waterfalls appeared everywhere. The scene for days was of mops, buckets, ruined ceilings, and repairmen everywhere. Needless to say, continual checking of the House during vacation periods is now mandatory.
During the fall of 1979, a fairly momentous change began for the House. The women's independent organization had collapsed and we were asked to join Panhellenic Council. The reasons for joining were that we could continue to operate just as we were and could benefit from this leadership opportunity. The Board asked for a year of study, with a vote to be taken at Homecoming in 1980. There were a series of meetings all over the state to discuss the pros and cons. At Homecoming in 1980, Association members voted yes.
The Post-war Years
In 1946, the influx of single and married ex-GI's going to school on the GI bill began. Housing was very scarce and it was at that point that we began to rent a makeshift basement apartment at 202 to Barbara Kindred Rubenking and her husband Glen, who was in Architecture school. He was eventually to be the architect for the Ohio Street House and their rent money later became the beginnings of the new house building fund.
In 1946 we also made the first serious investigation of joining Clovia – a 4-H sorority with chapters in Kansas and Minnesota. Betsy Kindred Nicholson, Jean Whitcomb, and Esther Siemen McKellar went to Clovia's annual meeting in the summer of '46 to investigate. Then, as in 1953 when a similar proposal was made, 4-H House decided not to join with Clovia. While we have much in common with those groups, when we came face to face with giving up our name, pin, and other traditions we have elected to remain independent.
When the mortgage was paid off in June of '48, we could begin thinking about major house repairs which were badly needed. The usual exterior and interior painting had been done, along with routine repairs necessary for a 50 year old house. Supports for the ground floor were added to be sure that we wouldn't all drop through to the basement. The bathrooms were all badly in need of renovation and were completely re-done over the summer of 1949. This required that we again go into debt and we re-discovered once more the difficulty of getting loans for associations. We had a small reserve fund but, unfortunately, were not looking very far into our financial future.
During the 40's, the House bill had been raised to $40/month and by 1952 it was $45/month but this was still roughly half that of conventional houses on campus. As one alum remarked, "living at 4-H House was a scholarship." Our lower cost of living was the equivalent of the dollars involved in many scholarships and who knows how many girls could never have come to the University were it not for living at 4-H House.
The War Years
There was lots of counseling needed, for Mother L's first years were the war years when the arrival of the mailman was often the high point of the day. Weddings with receptions at the House were common and some girls married and stayed on at the House to finish school while their husbands were overseas. Carrying on social events was particularly hard. A January 1946 report includes mention of a "revival meeting" held by the Executive Council to "spur us on to getting dates for the informal house dance in spite of the man shortage." One technique which was used was to invite servicemen from Rantoul who were "shared." One girl would enjoy the first half of the dance and would then be replaced by his "second half" date! Many fraternities closed down for the duration – which presented a special problem when boyfriends came home on furlough, since there were few places on campus for them to stay.
The Beginning of the House
In 1933, few 4-H girls could afford to come to the University of Illinois. Those who did subsisted on scholarships and often worked for room and board at private homes far from campus. One of the few opportunities to make friends during Freshman Week was a tea for 4-H girls given at the home of Miss Mary Annette McKee, the State 4-H Leader. In September 1933, the girls enjoyed this social contract so much that they scheduled a second tea for the Saturday before Thanksgiving at the university-owned cooperative house where two of the girls were living. The girls at that house did their own cooking and housekeeping to reduce expenses. Discussion at the second tea led to comparisons of living situations. The girls who had light housekeeping arrangements were amazed to learn that living costs at the cooperative – close to campus, with well-balanced meals and much more social life – were not much higher than their living expenses.
The girls and Miss McKee decided that there was real need for a cooperative house for 4-H girls at the University of Illinois and obtained the support of Maria Leonard, the Dean of Women. In April 1934, she suggested that the group live in Campbell Cottage, a university-owned cooperative which would be vacant the next fall.
Seventeen girls met to discuss this possibility but only four submitted applications to the Dean's Office to live in this cooperative at 1210 W. Springfield in Urbana. Since it was university housing, there could be no selection of girls but the agreement was that the first fifteen 4-H girls who applied would be assigned to live there. During the summer, Mildred Read '34, a loyal 4-H member who had been a leading supporter of the organization effort, wrote 46 prospective members. She outlined the general organization and plans for the House and urged them to apply.
The First Year - Campbell Cottage
Four girls had signed up in the spring and the remaining vacancies filled up quickly. In the fall of 1934, 16 girls moved into Campbell Cottage – the first 4-H House, although it could not be called so officially since it was university housing. Fixed expenses had been estimated at $6/month for utilities and heat, plus $6/month for food.
The first year was not all bliss. Most of the group were freshmen and the upperclassmen were untrained for the responsibilities of cooperative house organization and for being officers. The housemother, Mrs. Ethel Lehmann, also had no experience and was not used to cooperative living or to the tempo of life at a large university. She was shocked at the late closing hours and independence.
In part because the organizers had forgotten to budget for the housemother's salary, fixed expenses proved to be $9/month for a total of $15/month. But everyone survived and was determined to make 4-H House continue.
We also had to secure approval to use the name "4-H House." With persuasion from Miss McKee, permission was sought and granted from the head of the College of Agriculture, Dean Herbert W. Mumford, from the head of Home Economics, Miss Ruth A. Wardall, and from national 4-H leaders in Washington, D.C. With this right comes the responsibility for all 4-H House women to maintain high standards of conduct in order to prevent any negative reflection on state or national
4-H programs. Through the years House members have taken this responsibility seriously and it must always remain on of the basic House tenets.
Year Two - At 602 S. Matthews
In 1935-36, the girls rented a slightly larger house at 602 S. Matthews from Mrs. Lawson, rather than continuing to live in university housing. This made it possible to select their new members, with the help and approval of Miss McKee.
The House also enjoyed its first national publicity with a very favorable article in Successful Farming. As a result of this and other publicity, more and more girls applied to live at 4-H House. In March of 1936, Mrs. Kerr, a relative of Mrs. Lawson, approached the girls about renting her house only two blocks away, at 1202 W. Oregon.
The Year There Were Two 4-H Houses
For 1936-37, there was room for 35 girls in the two houses. Twenty lived at 602 Matthews and 14 lived at 1202 Oregon. We were becoming a real group. For the first time, 4-H House was represented in the Illio. It was also the year that Miss McKee presented three rings to recognize individual members for scholarship, leadership, and service each semester.
Everyone recognized the problem of maintaining unity with two houses. Five residents of 602 agreed to move to the new house, house officers were split between the two groups, house meetings were alternated and many other efforts were made to be sure divisions did not arise. However, it was obvious that two houses were not a desirable situation and, by December 1936, the search for one larger house was underway. A committee contacted real estate agents to find out what houses were for rent and checked out the various possibilities.
A large white frame colonial house on the corner of 202 East Green Street in Champaign was the best prospect. It had been built in 1904 by Phi Delta Theta, sold to Delta Upsilon in 1921, and sold to Tau Delta Tau in 1926. The depression took a severe toll on fraternities and sororities and in 1935 Fidelity Investment and Building Association took the property back in lieu of foreclosing. The house was used as a day nursery for a time and was then rented to the Chi Omegas for 1936-37 while their house was being remodeled.
The building had been allowed to run down during the depression but it seemed ideal for our purposes. Fidelity agreed to make certain repairs and the lease was signed in May 1937 for $1500/year. This was far less for the 40 occupants than their current rental rate of $10/month. Then we were faced with the major problem of furnishing the house. Miss McKee, Miss Dorothy Iwig, State Extension Specialist and other Home Economics staff and extension personnel were invaluable
Moving Into 202 East Green
In the fall of 1937, 24 girls from the two former houses and 16 new members moved into 202 E. Green. The girls made draperies, boyfriends helped clean the yard and the basement, and fathers pitched in to do the many "odd jobs" which were needed. The dorm, living room, and dining room furniture and kitchen equipment had been purchased, thank to donations and the anonymous loan. The special dishes – white with the border and "4-H House" in green – had not arrived but Lewis's store loaned another set to use in the meantime. Each girl was responsible for providing her own study room furniture.
Through a lucky circumstance we even had a grand piano. Congregational House had been disbanded, and Miss Louise Pickens, who had taught many of the House home economics majors, was in charge of disposing of the furnishings. With her help, we were able to purchase the piano we had enjoyed for the two years we lived at 602 S. Matthews.
But it was not all easy. There was a large lawn to be mowed, a coal furnace to be stoked, and new carpets to be kept clean with only a broom. Thankfully, at the summer reunion in 1938, the House mothers donated a vacuum cleaner!
Even with all the added work, the new House was still a vast improvement over previous accommodations. More organization and traditions were introduced:
~ In February 1938, there was the first formal recognition of
members. The new pin was explained and the rings donated by Miss McKee were awarded for the first time for the second semester.
~ A "House Council" was formed to discipline, settle any difficulties and make suggestions for improving standards.
~ A Constitution and Bylaws and more definite membership requirements were developed.
~ Lucile Heiser wrote the words for "4-H House Loyalty", the girls sang it publicly for the first time at the Women's Group System Spring Sing in March 1938 and took 1st place.
~ In June 1938, "Illinois 4-H House Association" was officially incorporated
~ For the first time, applicants to live in the House for 1938-39 had personal interviews.
Buying 202 East Green
The cloud on the horizon was that the building owner wanted to sell 202 and began pressuring the girls to purchase it instead of renting. Miss McKee favored purchase and, as always, was there with support and advice. The alternative was to face continual moving from house to house but there was no money and few institutions were willing to issue mortgages to such groups – especially to a new and unproven one. Fidelity offered to sell us the house for $15,000. The down payment was $1500. After much negotiating, Fidelity agreed to loan us both the $13,500 and all but $250 of the down payment at an interest rate of 6%.
* One alum recalls that the budget for decorations for the Christmas formal was a measly $2.00! The girls' creative solution was to scour the Christmas tree lots for broken branches – which they got "for free."
The Senate Committee on Student Affairs – which had to approve the contract – did so, with the comment that the budget indicated that the group is operating on a rather narrow margin but that "past record, general support, and future prospects" warranted the approval. And so, one of the first 4-H House miracles and milestones was accomplished – a house which was really our own with a total cash investment of $250.00!
At this juncture, most of the extension staff was sure that Mary McKee was losing her mind and that the house would never be paid off! This opinion was frequently and popularly expressed but Miss McKee was never daunted.
Our First Year as Owners!
Homecoming 1938 was a big occasion. The House was ours – or at least a small piece of it – and for the first time, we had more than 10 alumnae. The first meeting of 4-H House Association was held and the alumnae association was officially formed. Dad's Day was another occasion for celebration, when they announced their donation of the materials and labor to line the dorm with insulation wallboard. All parents were also asked to bring a trunk full of logs whenever they visited the House to keep the fireplace supplied. House girls continued to be active in the University and 4-H activities and monthly formal dinners "just for fun" were introduced. The financial plan was working and the house bill of $25/month was enough to cover the monthly mortgage and loan payments.
Years Five and Six
The usual activities continued in 1939-40. Social highlights were entertaining such notable dinner guests as Dean and Mrs. Rusk, Miss Lita Bane, and Miss Isabel Bevier. The 4-H House Sweetheart song was introduced and Helen Bitterman became the first House member of Mortar Board. The famous "Grapevine" – the news behind the news – also came to the House with Virginia Norris. The class of 1940 donated the silver tea service which has enjoyed so much use. The House also got a new coat of paint and an automatic stoker and water heater.
Milestones of 1940-41 included completing repayment of the furniture loan, ahead of schedule. A new constitution and a new and more impressive and meaningful initiation ceremony were developed. Miss McKee and Miss Scrogin became our first honorary 4-H House members. The seniors presented a pledging ceremony, pledge pins, and a metal die for the House crest to the House at the Senior Breakfast. Campus awards and honors abounded and the House became an established member of the Women's Group System, the organization for independent women's houses.
Following the 1940-41 school year, Miss Scrogin left to open her own cooperative house – La Treinta – at 706 W. Ohio in Urbana. Mrs. Zella Lawrence – "Mother L" to all for the nine years she served the House – took her place. Her trademark was her snow white hair but her outstanding characteristic was her warmth and the gentle counsel she dispensed to her "chilluns" and visitors alike. Many a House girl found herself waiting while her date finished his conversation with Mother L!
On to the 80's
The 20th birthday of 805 West Ohio was celebrated on April 25, 1981 with a luncheon at the Country Inn Restaurant in Champaign. That informal program featured accounts of the fund raising and building years by various alums and was, in many ways, a sort of kick-off for the 50th Anniversary celebration.
Another real highlight of the 80's was the Mortgage Burning ceremony. About 120 alums and friends were at Homecoming in 1981 to celebrate an event that some thought would never take place. There was even a comic note as the smoke alarms (just installed by the Dad's Association) went off as the mortgage went up in smoke.
In the spring of 1982, the House held up an Open House to celebrate Mom T's 20th year as House chaperone. She was a second mother, guide, shoulder-to-cry-on, and good friend to more than 300 4-H House women.