Posted on August 19, 2011 at 12:40 PM by Global Reach
Frances Hall devoted her life to teaching others. She spent over 20 years as a 4H club leader in Poweshiek County. She served on the Poweshiek County Fairboard for 21 years (1979-2000) and was co-founder of Heritage Park located on the fairgrounds. During her years of service as a 4H leader and fairboard director she was head superintendent of conference judging and open class judging. Frances gave freely of her time and knowledge to educate the youth of Poweshiek County about everything from horticulture to communications.
One of Frances’s many accomplishments was establishing the beautiful flower gardens at the fairgrounds. In 1992 those gardens were dedicated to her by the fairboard. Frances spent countless hours teaching 4H’ers and anyone else who wanted to learn about the secrets of a beautiful garden.
Frances had another passion for teaching that involved history. For many years she organized the Heritage Festival which involved 4H clubs helping to raise money for the park. Frances was able to bring several historical buildings to the park including a one room country school house and the Blue Point Church. Frances spent many hours giving tours of the buildings along with history lessons to 4H’ers and children from area schools.
In 1989 Frances organized a tree planting event at the Poweshiek County Fairgrounds. 75 trees and bushes were planted by 4H’ers to mark the 75th anniversary of Extension. She had a vision of someday having a shady campground for the 4H families to camp in during the county fair.
Frances’s dedication to the 4H program is evident not only by her years of service but by the 4H’ers who’s lives she has touched. As these young people return to the fair as parents of 4H’ers Frances Hall’s donation of time and work is evident throughout the grounds.
Categories: Poweshiek
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