The collection (1925-1942) consists of two 4-H scrapbooks and one 4-H record book created by Elva J. Brown. The record book contained club programs, letters of recommendation, record books for 4-H projects, a list of personal and club activities, her 4-H story, photographs, newspaper clippings, reports on her experiences at the Iowa State Fair and the 4-H Club Congress in Chicago, and souvenirs such as programs, postcards, and certificates. A number of images and clippings removed from book, possibly to be used in a younger sister’s record book as it appears Elva reused some material previously used by her sister Anna.



In 1932, Elva was solicited by the Farm Bureau women of her township to be a cooperator with the county extension agent in that year’s 4-H home furnishings project. As a cooperator she attended a special training school for other cooperators and leaders presented by the county home demonstration agent in the proper methods to complete the project. They were to take what they learned back to their local school district to teach those interested in the methods for refinishing furniture, chair caning, and textile block printing. The second scrapbook contains bulletins, correspondence, programs, and forms related to Brown’s role as cooperator for the home furnishings project.



The third item in the collection is a large scrapbook containing 4-H souvenirs and memorabilia Brown accumulated during her time in 4-H. Materials include her name badge for the National 4-H Congress (1932) along with programs and clippings related to the trip; Iowa Farm Bureau Federation women’s luncheon program (1933) and button/name badge; state girls’ convention programs (1931-1942); a 4-H Club News newsletter; and news clippings.