Delaware County Couple Inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

A Delaware County couple has been inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.

The Delaware County 4-H Youth Committee selected Larry and Jean Gritton as this year’s inductees from the county. 

Larry and Jean Gritton’s 4-H involvement in Delaware County spans over 50 years. Larry was a 7-year 4-H member of the Victory 4-H Club in Johnson County. He enjoyed showing cattle and hogs during his 4-H days. In later years, Larry’s 4-H contribution centered around the Delaware County Fair. His first role was being a member of the Jaycees, a group that policed the fairgrounds and also had a food tent in the early years. He served as the President of the Delaware County Fairboard, along with other officer positions for many years. During his leadership, he was instrumental in the construction of new buildings and renovations for 4-H exhibits at the fair.  Larry took a particular interest in promoting the sheep show and hog show and advocated for a sheep barn to be built to house sheep exhibits during the fair.

Jean was the 4-H leader of the Prairie Clovers 4-H Club while her daughters, Theresa and Pam, were in 4-H. She enjoyed helping 4-H members with their projects and encouraging them to volunteer in community activities. One of her favorite memories as a leader was taking her 4-H members to tour Des Moines. They visited many interesting places for educational purposes, but also had time for some fun. Jean loves how 4-H combines learning and fun for youth. 

Larry and Jean also volunteered in the 4-H Food Stand during fair week – and were known for grilling lamb burgers on Sheep Show Day. 

Larry and Jean continue to support the 4-H program and the Delaware County Fair, with their grandchildren now active in 4-H. Larry and Jean had a teamwork approach when it came to 4-H, the Fair, and life. They continue to support the 4-H program and the Delaware County Fair. Their grandchildren are now active 4-H members and they enjoy watching their grandchildren participate in 4-H activities throughout the year.

The Gritton’s were inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame on the last day of the Iowa State Fair.

photo courtesy of Delaware County 4-H