People & The Land
A
Chronological History of the 1890 Land-Grant College in Georgia:
Emphasis on Agriculture and Home Economics
PREFACE
This document is prepared for the opening ceremony of "A Celebration of Fifty Years of Service in Agriculture and Home Economics as a Land-Grant Institution." The contents of these pages trace the Land-Grant College in Georgia for African Americans from Atlanta University in 1874 to the Fort Valley State College in 1949. Growth of the Land-Grant Program, commonly referred to today as The 1890 Land-Grant Program, " at The Fort Valley State College from 1949 to 1998 is also tracked. Information presented here provides the framework for, the writing of a complete history of 'The 1890 Land-Grant College in Georgia over the next eighteen months. Your input is invited as the effort is made to make this a complete history.
Preparation of this document has truly been an enlightening and enjoyable experience. Seeing the pages of history unfold has been rewarding, and has engendered unparalleled respect and admiration for the men and women who have worked untiringly to sustain the Land-Grant College" through the years. You, too, will be filled with excitement and awe as you read from these pages.
The one thing that has left a lasting impression is the consistency of the emphasis on 'people" in mission statements for The Fort Valley-State College through the years. The mission statement for 1939 reads:
"The primary objective of the Fort Valley State College is to give Negro children of the State of Georgia a better chance in life. Wherever the college can, through its graduates, touch the lives of these children in their homes in town, on their farms in the countryside, in their schools scattered throughout the Rural regions and urban areas of the State-it proposes to do what can be done to give children a better chance..."
While the mix of clientele and the, scope and depth of programs at the Institution have changed significantly since 1939, the mission has remained that of enhancing the quality of life of people as envisioned by the mission statement for Fort Valley State University.
"Fort Valley State University is a public, comprehensive, 1890 Land-Grant Institution serving Georgia and the nation. Founded in 1895 as an institution to serve primarily the needs of black students, the University now accepts as its mission the provision of instruction, research, extension, and other public service programs for all segments of the population to achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals. Following the liberal arts and the land-grant traditions, the University provides diversified and challenging programs to meet educational needs resulting from societal changes. The Fort Valley State University provides a learning and living environment that enables its graduates and all who come under its influence to become innovative and critical thinkers, problem solvers, and responsible citizens... "
Agriculture and Home Economics have been at the forefront and have played a major role in promoting the Institution as 'The People's College."
Assistance received from W. S. M. Banks, Donnie Bellamy, John Bentley, Maude D. Black, John Demons, Fred Harrison, Ira Hicks, Daphne Walker Jones, Josiah Phelps, Willis Rountree, Betty Sims, Carol Taylor, and Jeraldine W. Walker is gratefully acknowledged.
Melvin
E. Walker, Jr., Dean
College of Agriculture, Home Economics, and Allied Programs
The
People and the Land
A Chronological History of the 1890 Land-Grant
College in Georgia:
Emphasis on Agriculture and Home Economics
1862 The Congress of The United States of America passed the First Morrill Act, commonly referred to as the Land-Grant Act of 1862, "making it possible for the establishment of a college in each state and territory with a leading aim of teaching agriculture and mechanical arts.
1874 The General Assembly of Georgia passed legislation allocating a portion of the funds appropriated under the Land-Grant Act of 1862 to Atlanta University to provide for the teaching of agriculture and mechanical arts to colored citizens of Georgia. The Land-Grant function remained at Atlanta University until 1887 when it was removed from Atlanta University and remained dormant for a period.
1890 The Congress of The United States of America passed the Second Morrill Act (amended the First Act), commonly referred to as "The Land-Grant Act of 1890," authorizing the establishment of a second institution, in each state desiring such, for the teaching of agriculture and mechanical arts for colored students.
The General Assembly of Georgia authorized the establishment of "Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth" and further authorized the Commission to secure a location for the institution.
1891 A committee of community leaders, from Savannah appealed to the Commission to locate the newly established college in Savannah.
The Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth was officially opened at a temporary site in the Baxter Street School Building in Athens, Georgia as the first State supported college for colored youth. Richard R. Wright, Sr. served as the first president. The College remained at this site for only one summer session.
The Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth was relocated to Thunderbolt, Georgia, near Savannah, and designated the Land-Grant College for Colored Youth in Georgia. The College was later renamed Savannah State College.
1896 In response to an application by eighteen community leaders, the Superior Court of Houston County incorporated an institution which became known as "The Fort Valley Normal and Industrial School". John W. Davison served as the first principal.
1900 The Agricultural and Mechanical School for the teaching of colored youth was established in Forsyth, Georgia. William Merida Hubbard, founder, served as first principal.
1914 Otis O'Neal became Negro County Agent in Houston County.
1916 Otis O'Neal, Houston County Negro Extension Agent, held the first "Ham Show" with thirty-nine hams and seventeen dozen eggs. The Ham Show later became the famous 'Ham and Egg Show. "
1922 By act of Legislature, the Agricultural and Mechanical School was transferred to the State of Georgia.
1926 The first modem barn was built on The Fort Valley Normal and Industrial School farm.
1931 The Agricultural and Mechanical School in Forsyth was renamed The State Teachers and Agricultural College and was included as A Unit of The University System of Georgia.
1937 The Robert W. Patton Home Economics Building was constructed at The Fort Valley Normal and Industrial School. The building contained 17 rooms and housed work in foods, clothing, handicraft. and beauty culture.
1939 The Fort Valley Normal and Industrial School, a private entity, was transferred to the State of Georgia.
The Fort Valley Normal and Industrial School was merged with The State Teachers and Agricultural College at Forsyth to form THE FORT VALLEY STATE COLLEGE, A Unit of The University System of Georgia. Dr. Horace Mann Bond served as the first president.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics was initiated.
Sallie B. Bailey was employed as the first instructor of home economics at The Fort Valley State College.
The Home Making Club was organized. The purpose of this club was to facilitate study in healthful living in the home and the community; in child care and development; and in exploring standards of happy courtship and marriage.
1940 William S. M. Banks was employed as the first instructor of agriculture at The Fort Valley State College.
1942 The first Bachelor of Science degree In Home Economics was awarded from The Fort Valley State College. Nine students received degrees--Ruby Laura Bates, Eddye Queen Brown, Nettie Venora M. Calhoun, Mary Ester Jester, Valerie Lucile Mitchell, Carrie Maurice Webb, Junia M. Jordan, Dorothy L. Robinson, and Mamie 1. Pearson.
1943 The name of the Home Making Club was changed to the Home Economics Club.
The two-year course of study in agriculture was initiated.
1944 A four-year program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with majors in Agronomy, General Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry was added.
1945 The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Home Economics were established at The Fort Valley State College.
Cozy L. Ellison was appointed as the first Director of the Department of Agriculture.
Cornelius V. Troup was appointed the second president of The Fort Valley State College.
1946 The first Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture was awarded from The Fort Valley State College. Three students received degrees--Robert Louis Johnson and Claude Holloway (Spring); Lorria Edgar (Summer).
Mariam J. Gardiner was appointed first director (acting) of the Department of Home Economics.
1947 The Board of Regents adopted a resolution moving the Land-Grant designation from Savannah State College and designating The Fort Valley State College as the Land-Grant College for Negroes in Georgia.
The first agriculture building, a temporary structure, was built at The Fort Valley State College. It contained five offices and five classrooms.
1949 The Georgia General Assembly, in response to the Regents' resolution, officially designated The Fort Valley State College the Land-Grant College for Negroes in Georgia. Cornelius V. Troup was president.
1953 The Home Economics Department's Home Management House was opened.
A General Purpose Barn, Farm Equipment Shed, and Deep Well were constructed for the Department of Agriculture.
1954 The Alva Tabor Agricultural Building was constructed. It was named for Alva Tabor, Sr. who served as "Head Itinerant Trainer for Negroes," and who played a key role in the formation of Negro FFA and the development of Camp John Hope.
1955 The Department of Agriculture became 'The Division of Agriculture. " Cozy L. Ellison was the first chairman.
1965 Myers Hall was constructed to provide modem facilities for the Department of Home Economics. The building is a memorial to Henrietta Walden Myers, long-time teacher of arts and crafts at Fort Valley Normal and Industrial School and The Fort Valley State College.
1966 Waldo W. E. Blanchet became the third president of The Fort Valley State College.
1967 The Cozy L. Ellison Agricultural Mechanics Building was constructed. It was named for Cozy L. Ellison, the first director of the Department of Agriculture, Chairman of the Division and long-time faculty member.
Funding, at the Secretary of Agriculture's discretion, for agricultural research and agricultural extension at 1890 Institutions and Tuskegee Institute was authorized by The United States Congress through passage of Public Law 89-106. Cozy L. Ellison was appointed Research Coordinator.
1970 The Associate of Science degree and Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering Technology were added to degree offerings. The Department of Electronic Engineering Technology was established in the Division of Agriculture.
1972 John A. Demons was appointed assistant director of Cooperative Extension, University of Georgia, for the 1890 Extension Program.
1973 Cleveland W. Pettigrew was selected as the fourth president of The Fort Valley State College.
Dorothy Bums Conteh assumed chairmanship of the Division of Home Economics.
1976 The Associate of Science degree in Animal Health Technology was first offered.
James I. Kirkwood assumed the position of director of the Division of Agriculture.
1977 Annual appropriations for agricultural research were authorized by The United States Congress under Section 1445, Public Law 95-113 of The Food and Agricultural Act of 1977.
Annual appropriations for agricultural extension work were authorized by the United States Congress under Section 1444, Public Law 95-113 of The Food and Agriculture Act of 1977.
1978 Ira Hicks was appointed director of Resident Instruction in Agriculture, The Fort Valley State College.
John A. Demons was appointed Extension Administrator, The Fort Valley State College.
Melvin E. Walker, Jr. was appointed Research Director, The Fort Valley State College.
1979 The O'Neal Veterinary Technology Building was constructed. The building was named for Otis S. O'Neal, county agent, agricultural teacher, and founder of the famous "Ham and Egg Show."
1980 The Fort Valley State College Office of Agricultural Research was officially designated The Fort Valley State College Agricultural Research Station.'
1981 Funding for the enhancement of agricultural research facilities at 1890 Institutions and Tuskegee Institute was authorized by The United States Congress under Section 1433 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1981.
Programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and in Ornamental Horticulture were initiated.
The name of the Division of Agriculture was changed to "the Division of Agriculture and Allied Programs" to accommodate added programs in Electronic Engineering Technology and Veterinary Science.
1982 Walter W. Sullivan, Dean of Academic Affairs at the College, was appointed acting president of The Fort Valley State College.
Fred Harrison, Jr. was named Extension Administrator at The Fort Valley State College.
1983 Luther Burse became the fifth president of The Fort Valley State College.
The Stallworth Agricultural Research Building opened. The building was named in honor of Houston Stallworth, Professor of Horticulture and chairman of the Division of Agriculture.
1985 The Goat Research Complex was completed. The facility was later renamed "The Georgia Small Ruminant Research and Extension Center."
Funding for the enhancement of Agricultural extension facilities at 1890 Institutions and Tuskegee Institute was authorized by The United States Congress under Section 1416 of The Food Security Act of 1895.
The Division of Agriculture and Allied Programs was merged with the Division of Home Economics to form the School of Agriculture, Horne Economics, and Allied Programs. James I. Kirkwood was appointed dean of the School of Agriculture, Home Economics, and Allied Programs.
Ira Hicks was appointed to the position of associate dean for Resident Instruction in Agriculture.
1986 The Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary science was implemented.
1987 The C. W. Pettigrew Farm and Community Life Center was constructed and named in honor of Cleveland W. Pettigrew, Dean of the Graduate Division and fourth president of The Fort Valley State College. The facility houses public service functions, including the Cooperative Extension Program.
Melvin E. Walker, Jr. was appointed dean of the School of Agriculture, Home Economics, and Allied Programs.
1988 The Alva Tabor Agriculture Building was renovated to provide space for the Electronic Engineering Technology Program.
Melvin E. Walker, Jr., Dean of Agriculture at the College. was named acting president of the Fort Valley State College.
1989 The Hendrick Farm was acquired. The farm contains 725 acres and a post-antebellum house and provides support for research and extension activities. The house is being renovated to house the Agricultural Technology Development and Transfer Center.
1990 Oscar L. Prater became the sixth president of The Fort Valley State College.
1991 The Extension Communication Production Center was constructed. The building includes facilities for audio-visual production, production print layout and design, and television production.
1995 The Veterinary Science Laboratory Animal Facility was completed. The facility provides support for the Veterinary Technology Program.
The Dairy Technology Laboratory was added to the Georgia Small Ruminant Research and Extension Complex.
1996 University status was awarded. The Fort Valley State College became "Fort Valley State University."
The name of the School of Agriculture, Home Economics, and Allied Programs was changed to the College of Agriculture. Home Economics, and Allied Programs following the change to University status.
1997 The Meat Technology Laboratory was added to the Georgia Small Ruminant Research and Extension Center.
Renovation of teaching laboratories in the Alva Tabor Agriculture Building was completed.
1998 The opening ceremony of "A Celebration of Fifty Years of Service in Agriculture and Home Economics as a land-Grant Institution" was held.
Agricultural
and Home Economics Leaders
with Affillated Agencies Impacting the 1890 Land-Grant Program in Georgia*
Otis
O'Neal
Negro Extension Agent, Houston/Peach Counties, 1914-1948
Alma
B. Bryant
Counseling Teacher for Home Economics, 1945
Daisy
L. Lewis
Agricultural Education for Negro Schools, 1945-1946
Counseling Teacher of Home Economics Education, 1946-1953
Itinerant Teacher Trainer, Home Making Education, 1953-1968
Alva
Tabor
Agricultural Adjustment Agency and Head Itinerant Teacher Trainer for Negroes,
1945-46
Head Itinerant Teacher Trainer for Negroes. 1946-1952
James
O. Williams
Agricultural Adjustment Agency Contract Representative, 1945-1953
Supervising Teacher Veterans Farm Training Program, 1953-1969
McKinley
Wilson
Supervisor, State N.F.A. Work, 1964-1953
Head Itinerant Teacher for Negro Schools, 1953-1969
Thomas
L. Delton
Soil Conservationist, United States Department of Agriculture, 1953-1963
Samuel
P. Fugate
Itinerant Teacher Trainer for Negro Schools, 1948-1953
Head Itinerant Teacher for Negro Schools, 1953-1954
Josephus
Johnson
Farm Management Supervisor At Large for the Farmers Home Administration,
United States Department of Agriculture, 1953-1964
Electa
Green Shaw
Assistant Supervisor, Georgia School Lunch Program, 1953-1963
Josiah
Phelps
Supervisor, State N.F.A. Work, 1953-1969
Robert
Church
Negro Extension Agent, Peach County. 1948-1967
Associate County Agent, 1967-1969
*Persons listed here were generally employed by The Georgia State Department of Education, The Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, or The United States Department of Agriculture and located on the campus of The Fort Valley State College. Many of them also served as faculty members at the College.
Information
Sheet compiled by Melvin E. Walker, Jr. - Office of the Dean - April 10, 1998
College of Agriculture, Home Economics, and Allied Programs
Fort Valley State University
A State and Land-Grant University - University System of Georgia
