Helen Cowgill Papers, 1914-1956
Helen Cowgill, 1881-1959
.1 cubic feet
Historical Note
Helen Julia Cowgill was born 1 December 1881 in Springfield, Illinois.
Cowgill came to Oregon in 1890 and graduated in 1913 from Oregon
Agricultural College with a BS degree in Domestic Science and
Art. After teaching Domestic Science and Art at Harney County
(Oregon) High School at Burns for one year, she began her career
at OAS in 1914 as Assistant State 4-H Club Leader. In 1916, she
earned a second BS degree i n Home Economics from OAS. In charge
of the girls' 4-H work, Cowgill wrote many of the 4-H Circulars
used by girls in their 4-H Projects. She became known as the "Mother
of Oregon 4-H." Cowgill took a year's leave of absence to
complete her Masters Degree, which she received from the University
of Washington in 1931. She was a member of Phi Kappa Chi and the
Epsilon Sigma Phi, serving as treasurer of the latter organization
in 1943. Cowgill retired from Oregon State College in 1947 and
was awarded Emeritus Status. In 1954 Cowgill was selected as a
"Woman of Achievement" by Theta Sigma Phi, and the 1957
4-H Summer School publication 4-H Absolutely was dedicated to
her. Cowgill died in Corvallis on 15 May 1959. In 1965 a tree
and bench on the University Campus were dedicated to her memory.
Related Materials
The Extension
Service Records (RG 111 Subgroup 4) contain 4-H related materials.
Several photograph collections also contain related materials:
Harriet's Collection #155; Extension
Service Photograph Collection (P 62); and 4-H Photograph Collection
(P 146). Related manuscript collections (MSS) include the Esther
Taskerud Papers, Arthur S. King Papers,
and OSU Collegiate 4-H Club Records.
Several Memorabilia Files also contain related materials: MC 4-H
Summer School, 1925-1938; MC 4-H - Absolutely; MC 4-H Club
Leaders Conference; and MC 4-H Benches and Tree.
Location
SR 5/6/05/33
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