2006 Adams County - Earl & Ruth Goldsmith

Earl and Ruth Goldsmith of Corning were role models for hundreds of Adams county 4-H members and their parents in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. Both served as 4-H club leaders for about 15 years.  Earl was leader of the Nodaway Atoms 4-H Club and Ruth was leader of the Loyal Lassies 4-H Club. Both also served as 4-H project leaders and on other extension committees as well. In 1973 Ruth was made an Honorary 4-H member in Adams County and in 1974, the same honor went to Earl.  

As 4-H leaders, both Earl and Ruth chaperoned multiple camps, conferences, hay rides, skating parties and basketball tournaments.  They were always available to help at the Adams County Fair and willing to transport members and their projects to all the various 4-H events.

Many former members of the Loyal Lassies 4-H club remember the annual camping trip to the Lake of Three Fires and the year the watermelon mysteriously disappeared in the middle of the night.  When they think of their leader, Ruth, they remember the year they traveled around the world through the recipes of an international cookbook for their food and nutrition project.  With Ruth’s help, many young girls were able to present demonstrations at the Iowa State Fair where Ruth even spent time in the 4-H dorm sleeping in the bunk beds.  

Past members of the Nodaway Atoms remember Earl as the man with the hammer in his hand, ready to hang the sign or fix the gate so their livestock would not stray during their stay at the fair.  Earl served many years on the Adams County Extension Council and other various committees but undoubtedly what he is most remembered for is his humor.  Few will forget his performances at the county round-up, especially the year he was called from the audience to enter and win a twist contest or the year he was selected to bare his chest for the “Whistlers” trio.

Earl and Ruth believed that achievement in 4-H was for the members, not the parents and emphasized that the 4-Her was responsible for the care or development of the project. Certainly willing to have the parent help, each wanted the member to feel the sense of accomplishing their goals through the fruits of their own labor.  After their own 3 children, Gordon, Helen, and Kathy, were grown, Earl and Ruth continued their interest in the 4-H program and their community. Two of their grandchildren were given their first 4-H calves by Grandpa Earl and Grandma Ruth.

Earl and Ruth Goldsmith have truly lived the 4-H motto to “Make the Best Better”. Their friendly smile and willingness to lend a hand has been encouragement to many Adams County young people.