Florida Cooperative Extension Service

Home Demonstration was administered by the Home Economics Program of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service (originally the Florida Agricultural Extension Service). The Home Demonstration program was originally administered through the Florida State College for Women in conjunction with the College's Department of Home Economics. The purpose of Home Demonstration is to transmit information pertaining to home improvement, gardening, food preservation and preparation, sewing, and related skills, to families. Initially the goals were to increase the earning capacity and then the income of farm families which would then lead to the improvement of home and community life in general. Much of this information was especially relevant during the Great Depression and, later, during World War II. The beginnings of home demonstration work can be seen in the corn clubs for boys and the tomato clubs for girls. Local clubs were formed, then county councils were set up, and ultimately a State Council was formed. In 1923 the Florida Home Demonstration Council was founded.

From the guide to the Florida Cooperative Extension Service Home Demonstration Records, 1912-1986, 1923-1986, (Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida)