History of Home and Community Education

WOOD COUNTY – As the 250th anniversary of this great nation is celebrated, many have reflected on the fortune of living in the USA.
The country has had some ups and downs. Times were particularly tough for many people in the early 1900s.
Starting around 1917, emergency home demonstration agents taught farm women about wheat, sugar and meat substitutes. These agents were the women who encouraged the expansion of those groups into local “Homemaker Clubs.”
In 1936, rural women assembled in Washington DC to form the organization that would later become the National Association for Family and Community Education.
As time went by, there were multiple name changes. In 1994, Wisconsin adopted the name “Wisconsin Association for Home and Community Education.”

The group has a long wonderful history that continues to be honored. Wood County currently has two clubs in Central Wisconsin. Past and present members are valued.
Lessons on various subjects are hosted throughout the year, including two craft lessons as well as food lessons.
The group is proud to have sponsored the Wisconsin Bookworms project since 1998. At the end of the 2025-26 school year, more than one million books have been given to children in the state. Members first read the book to the children and then each child receives a copy of the book. This greatly encourages early literacy reading.
Local high school graduates are also supported by the awarding of a scholarship each year.
Those interested in joining the club or learning more should contact Denise Mancl at deedeemancl@gmail.com.