We came across this photo today (X2011.003.0021) with a handwritten note from Mary Eyre describing it. We thought it was particularly appropriate for the start of fair season here in the valley.
In her words:
Mr. George W. Eyre of Salem with members of U.S. Nat’l Bank Boys and Girls Pig Club at a picnic held at State Fair grounds.
Mr. Eyre had raised hogs in Illinois and felt that many more should be produced inthe Willamette Valley. He visited rural schools, talked to children about raising a pig. They would visit bank which loaned them money to buy pig. Mr. Eyre would visit and counsel them and finally buy the hog to ship to Portland Stockyards.
Mr. Eyre consulted extension Department of O.A.C. and they ultimately absorbed the clubs into the 4-H movement.
One of the big events for the club was a trip, via Southern Pacific, to the Portland Stockyards. I think it was financed by his brokers, Bodine and Clark.
I do not have a record of the dates, but I guess at about 1915-1920.
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