[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5716]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF EXTENSION HOME ECONOMICS IN 
                                ALABAMA

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                          HON. SPENCER BACHUS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 8, 2011

  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to commemorate the 100th 
Anniversary of Extension Home Economics in the State of Alabama and the 
important educational role played by home demonstration and county 
agents throughout our state. Generations of families in Alabama have 
led better and more self-sufficient lives as a result of home economics 
programs, which are based on a foundation of teaching consumer and 
decision making skills that last a lifetime.
  The roots of Extension home economics education in Alabama can be 
traced to the founding of the first Girls' Tomato Clubs in Pike and 
Walker counties in 1911. The spread of similar clubs demonstrated the 
great need for homemaker education. Those modest beginnings provided 
fertile soil for the creation of a statewide Alabama Cooperative 
Extension Service, which was established as part of the land grant 
college system. The original staff included a state home demonstration 
agent.
  The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service is known for a number of 
impressive firsts, including the development of a model program to 
teach low-income young homemakers and the appointment of the first 
Negro demonstration agent in Alabama in 1915. Extension workers and 
citizens in Alabama participated in the ``food for defense'' program 
during World War II and their memorable mattress campaign resulted in 
the completion of more than 500,000 mattresses and 200,000 comforters 
to support the campaign for liberty.
  A hallmark of home economics education in Alabama has been its 
responsiveness to changing economic and cultural needs. During the 
challenging years of the Great Depression, instruction in conservation 
and wise management of scarce resources helped to tide over many 
families during difficult times. The post-war years brought a new 
emphasis on consumer education and sound decision making as women 
entered the workforce in greater numbers. More recently, lifestyle, 
health, and technology education has assumed heightened importance. In 
our complex society, home economics now encompasses everything from 
health, nutrition, and family life to financial, consumer, and 
employment matters. The end goal remains the same: creating a wise 
consumer, a strong family unit, and productive citizens in our 
communities.
  The State of Alabama is fortunate to have an extensive network of 
cooperative extension agents, university professionals, and elementary 
and secondary educators dedicated to the well-being of our families. 
Working seamlessly together, they provide an unparalleled service to 
the State of Alabama that enhances the quality of family life daily. On 
the occasion of the special celebratory luncheon being held in 
Montgomery on April 19 to salute the mission of home economics, it is a 
pleasure to recognize 100 years of achievement and look forward to a 
second century of service.

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