From Tomatoes to Triumphs: The Legacy of Cameron’s 4-H Roots

Cameron, Texas, holds a special place in the history of agricultural education and youth leadership programs. What began in 1912 as an initiative to teach young women essential farming and canning skills has grown into the modern-day 4-H program, impacting millions of youth across the nation. At the heart of this story is Edna Westbrook Trigg, a Milam County native and trailblazing educator whose vision and dedication planted the seeds for a movement that continues to flourish today.

The Beginnings of the Girls’ Tomato Club

Edna Westbrook Trigg, born in Milam County in 1868, was an accomplished educator and principal at Liberty Community School. In 1912, she was recruited by the United States Department of Agriculture to lead one of the nation’s first home demonstration programs. Her mission? To organize young women in Cameron, Milano, and Rockdale into Girls’ Tomato Clubs, teaching them how to cultivate tomatoes, can their harvest, and develop practical life skills.

Each club member managed one-tenth of an acre, growing tomatoes and learning the latest canning techniques under Mrs. Trigg’s guidance. The program not only encouraged agricultural proficiency but also instilled financial responsibility; participants sold part of their crops and saved the proceeds. Remarkably, many young women used their earnings to start college funds, creating opportunities for higher education that were rare at the time.

A Movement Grows

The success of these clubs quickly gained attention. The girls exhibited their canned goods at local fairs, the State Fair of Texas, and the prestigious Cotton Palace Exhibition in Waco, earning recognition and prize money. Their achievements demonstrated the transformative power of education, hard work, and community support.

The Girls’ Tomato Clubs in Milam County were soon joined by boys’ Corn Clubs, and together, they became the foundation of the 4-H program. What started as small-scale agricultural projects evolved into a nationwide organization that fosters leadership, skill development, and community engagement among youth. Today, 4-H programs cover a wide range of interests, from agriculture and science to public speaking and civic engagement.

Honoring Edna Trigg’s Legacy

Edna Westbrook Trigg’s contributions to agricultural education and youth development were groundbreaking. In 1916, she became the first female home demonstration agent in Texas, continuing her work in Denton County and later as a faculty member at the College of Industrial Arts (now Texas Woman’s University). Her influence extended far beyond Milam County, but her roots and impact in Cameron remain a point of pride.

Today, her legacy is commemorated with a Texas Historical Marker at the Milam County Old 1895 Jail Museum. Though the marker is easy to miss, it’s a testament to the profound impact one person can have on a community and beyond.

Milam County 4-H: Then and Now

Fast forward more than a century, and Milam County’s 4-H program is still thriving. Local youth continue to excel in a variety of competitions, earning accolades in Consumer Decision Making, Plant Identification, and Agricultural Product Identification. Their achievements are a testament to the enduring spirit of growth, hard work, and community that Edna Westbrook Trigg helped cultivate.

A Story of Growth and Community

Cameron’s role in the origins of 4-H is a story of innovation, resilience, and community collaboration. From the modest beginnings of Girls’ Tomato Clubs to the expansive opportunities offered by today’s 4-H programs, this legacy reminds us that small seeds of opportunity can grow into extraordinary accomplishments. Next time you visit downtown Cameron, take a moment to reflect on this rich history—and don’t forget to stop by the Milam County Old 1895 Jail Museum to see the historical marker honoring Mrs. Trigg and her remarkable contributions.