Farming
families were not only concerned with their own back
forty: they also established many organizations promoting
the well-being of the entire community. Farm
organizations did much, for instance, to promote
agricultural awareness within society. The Farmer's
Institute directed their energies toward lobbying and
educating the public about the importance of farming.
Women's Institutes dealt with important issues of farm
and family health, as well as organizing countless
charitable activities within the community.
Farm children became
members of the 4-H movement, whose name stands for the
principles of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health that go into
successful farming. The group taught youth about good
farming practices, as well as traditional craft methods
and life skills. Kensington had a 4-H group and boys and
girls from outlying communities also joined the club. In
4-H, members worked on a year-long project-- anything
from raising livestock to traditional woodworking-- and
their efforts were displayed and judged at the end of the
season. One of the most popular and instructive projects
was the care and maintenance of a young dairy calf.
During the 
summer,
members would show their calves at agricultural fairs
across the Island, and receive recognition-- and even
prize money-- for their efforts. By learning the value of
responsibility and hard work, 4-H members prepared
themselves well to become the next farming generation.
