Posted on March 29, 2011 at 11:35 AM by Global Reach
G. Gress Rogers was born and grew up on a farm in East Pottawattamie County. As a farm youth he was active in 4-H and other activities. He graduated from Iowa State University in December 1939 and took a job as youth assistant in Des Moines County. Shortly thereafter, he spent time in the service during World War II. He was in Marion County for a short time before he came to Tama County in 1949 and stayed there until 1972, a period of 32 years.
During that time he guided a staff of 5 to 6 people in various projects including a Tama County Fair Association. Tama County had no fairgrounds when Gress came. He spearheaded the purchase of land near Gladbrook and started the building process. 4-H in Tama County peaked out in those years, both in livestock and girls activities. The people of Tama County thought so much of Gress and his service that they named the first big fair building in his honor.
He guided the extension service from their association with Farm Bureau to an independent county organization affiliated with USDA and Iowa State University. Other activities included being a member of ISU Committee for Ag. Development and being the president for several years.
In retirement, he spent 2 ½ years as Executive Director of the 4-H Camp in Madrid being responsible for fund raising. He was acting Executive Director in Guthrie County for 9 months. Gress is a loyal ISU alumnus who is always ready to turn a helping hand.
Categories: Tama
