MYRTLE POINT, Ore. — Purple ribbons, scrapbook photos and the scent of celebratory cake filled the 4-H building at the Coos County Fair & Rodeo, where past and present members of the Twin Oaks 4-H livestock club gathered to celebrate its 80th anniversary.
Hanging from the ceiling were black-and-white photos from decades past. Along the walls, displays of 4-H’ers’ crafts and artwork framed the space. Guests pinned tags like “member,” “showmanship,” or “purple cow” under a button featuring a Jersey cattle head, proudly declaring their connection to one of the oldest 4-H clubs in Coos County — and perhaps one of the oldest in Oregon.
Founded in 1945 by George and Iva Hall and a group of local families, Twin Oaks began as a dairy cattle club and grew to involve nine species, including rabbits, chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, pigs, llamas and beef cattle.
“I always ask the kids, ‘What do you want to learn this year?’ I’m not going to force anything on them. If you want to learn how to tie knots when tying your animal, let’s do that.”
For many families, involvement in Twin Oaks has become a tradition, passed down through generations. Duke and Jean Davenport, their granddaughter Rhonda Fischer and great granddaughter April Fischer, have been the main leaders in the club going all the way back to 1947.
Angela Broer, a 4-H parent volunteer, was one of the main organizers of this event. Her mother and aunts were members in the 1950s. Her brothers and many cousins were members in the 1970s and 1980s. Her aunt Peggy Shirtcliff was the sheep co-leader for 25 years. Now, her children, Ben and Mary Beth, a senior and a sophomore, are carrying on the legacy.
Besides Broer, the club is operated by several co-leaders who specialize in different animal species and help the kids with their projects. Karen Jernstedt and her daughter Erin Knapp are among them, leading beef and sheep/meat goat. Knapp, also a veterinarian, teaches kids how to properly care for their animals, prevent sickness and prepare for auctions.
“I am so grateful for all of the knowledge that Karen and Erin have shared with my kids and many other kids,” Broer said. “They are so generous. They offer help to kids no matter what 4-H club they are in.”
For Broer, Twin Oaks has always been about more than animals. The club challenges youth to present project reports at meetings, helping them build confidence and public speaking skills, even if they’re initially terrified.
“We had one girl in tears this year, afraid to talk,” she said. “Her sister stood up with her, and she shared pictures of her rabbits. She made it through, and she smiled afterward and said, ‘I had more I could’ve said.’ That’s the growth we love to see.”
Growth mindset
That growth mindset defines the culture of Twin Oaks, said Mary Ludington, the club’s current main leader. Ludington didn’t grow up in the club, but her grandmother and mother were longtime 4-H leaders. She’s now been leading in 4-H for more than 40 years, encouraging kids to set the direction of their learning.
“I always ask the kids, ‘What do you want to learn this year?’” Ludington said. “I’m not going to force anything on them. If you want to learn how to tie knots when tying your animal, let’s do that.”
One recent project grew out of a member’s desire to show llamas. Though only one boy, Cameron, was raising a llama this year, older members — including Broer’s son, Ben — joined a fun contest to learn llama showmanship together.
Helping one another has become second nature, even across different animal divisions. Broer recalled how her daughter once suggested making the sheep barn displays more inviting, and soon, youths from various project areas joined forces to improve decorations for all.
Hailey Speakman, a newer member from North Bend, joined Twin Oaks two years ago after following her sister into the club. She’s now the secretary.
“I used to struggle with public speaking and social skills,” she said. “Being part of this club and interacting with people made me feel more confident… knowing that this is such a big club and people love it at this celebration makes me feel happy and proud.”
Shaping the lives of alumni
For many alumni, Twin Oaks shaped their lives long after they left.
David Larsen was born the year Twin Oaks was founded. He joined the club in 1952 at age seven, raised Jersey heifers and later became a veterinarian. He still blogs about his 4-H days, including stories about Queenie, his first “scramble calf.”
Michael Lund, a 1985 alumnus who showed sheep, returned for the celebration after seeing it on Facebook.
“4-H was a big part of my life growing up,” he said. “My favorite part of Twin Oaks is definitely the friendships with the people I have met over the years. So, it’s great seeing some people here I haven’t seen in a number of years.”
Though the club has just 15 members and two Cloverbuds today, it once had as many as 50. As Twin Oaks enters its ninth decade, the focus remains on building confidence, skills and community among youth in Coos County.
“It’s really cool hearing my grandma’s memories and all the efforts that my great- great-aunt and uncle have put into this club, and now I get to be part of it,” said Mary Beth Broer, the club’s current president. “I’d love just to continue and share my love for 4-H and continue growing this club.”
For those who are interested in joining or learning more about Coos County 4-H, please visit its website or contact the county OSU Extension office at [email protected] or 541-572-5263.
