Discover Tennessee 4-H Roundup By the Decade

Discover the history of the 4-H Roundup event that impacted the lives of millions of young people across Tennessee.

Since its beginning in 1923, Tennessee 4-H Roundup has touched the lives of millions of young people across the state. Commemorating the 100th anniversary, 4-H’ers from Tennessee’s 95 counties came together to preserve the rich history of Tennessee 4-H Roundup and honored those who have been part of the event’s past.

“Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Roundup recognized the thousands of Tennessee young people who have been a part of the experience as we honored their achievements as both 4-H members and as continuing contributing members of society,” says Martha Jo Tolley, Roundup Centennial Celebration Committee co-chair.

Head, Heart, Hands and Health have made up the four H’s in 4-H, and for a century, Roundup attendees have gained knowledge, developed life skills and received guidance on intelligent career choices by attending the exciting annual event. Alternating between the University of Tennessee Knoxville and Martin campuses, the event recognizes 4-H members for their outstanding project work and leadership accomplishments.

“4-H is the best youth development organization out there,” says Ryan Hensley, executive director of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation and Roundup Centennial Celebration Committee co-chair. “There have been generations of Tennesseans who have learned citizenship, leadership and life skills through our program and each summer during Roundup.”

1920s

Tennessee 4-H Roundup started as a State Club Camp in 1923 and was called a good vacation for rural boys and girls where attendees exercised and participated in classes. Attendees went to chapel services each afternoon and then played sports and games. Movie pictures were shown in the evening with snacks, campfires and club song contests.

In 1929, the first competition occurred at State Camp when each district presented a lecture demonstration. District III won the competition with their demonstration on insect control.

1930s

State 4-H Club Camp was not held in the 1930s due to the Great Depression, until 1939, when it was reinstated as a 4-H Club Short Course.

1940s

The first 4-H State Council was elected in 1944, and Lynell Styke from Greene County was elected President. A 1944 Short Course was introduced as a special training session in food production, conservation, leadership and wartime activities. In 1947, the first Vol State Awards were presented, with 35 4-H’ers receiving recognition. In 1949, the name changed o the State 4-H Club Roundup.

1950s

A focus on competitive individual demonstrations took place in the 1950s when neatly uniformed 4-H’ers presented project demonstrations in 20 different project areas.

1960s

Roundup was shortened in the 1960s from six to five days. In 1962, Tennessee’s first girls canning club member (1911), Mrs. Mertie Hardin Smith of Benton County, was presented an honorary Vol State Award at Roundup. The 1960s brought record numbers of 4-H members to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus for Roundup. In 1964, 665 members attended general sessions, special interest groups, tours, parties and dinners.

The first integrated event took place in 1965. Before that, Black members participated in the Short Course at Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial College.

1970s

The 50th anniversary of the Tennessee 4-H Roundup was celebrated in 1973.

The Roundup location changed to the University of Tennessee Martin in 1979, and since then, it has alternated between UT Martin and UT Knoxville. Demonstrations were changed to interviews for older 4-H members to accentuate workforce preparation skills. Unforms were phased out in the 1970s.

1980s

4-H Roundup delegates attended the World’s Fair in Knoxville. The State All Star Conference became an official aspect of Roundup.

In 1981, the first Lee Medallions were awarded to state winners at Roundup due to a gift from Mrs. R. H. Lee to the Tennessee 4-H Foundation. The tradition of the awarding of Lee Medallions continues today.

1990s

In 1994, several 4-H skill activities were retired, including Compact Tractor Driving and Automotive Driving.

2000s

In the early 2000s, the State Council adopted the green jackets as their uniform.

2010s

4-H project portfolios moved from printed books to an online media in 2019. Each year, Dr. James Byford performs his original song “4-H Green” at the All Star Campfire.

2020s

Roundup was held online in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 Roundup theme was “The Great Comeback.” The 100th anniversary of the first state event was celebrated during the 2023 Roundup. Two new projects – Entrepreneurship and Outdoor Recreation/Shooting Sports – were added.