Extension services in Texas officially began in 1915 when the Texas Legislature assigned administration of the Texas Agricultural Extension to Texas A&M University, and established the Cooperative Extension Program, administered by Prairie View A&M. The Prairie View A&M land grant college was established in 1890 for the “colored” youth of the state and the work of all Negro Extension agencies was conducted through Prairie View. As part of the Cooperative Extension Program, theTravis County Negro Extension Service served as the communication link between Prairie View A&M and Travis County black residents. The office building for the Travis County Negro Extension Service stood at 1154 Lydia St. in East Austin and is currently (in 2004) being converted into offices for the Austin Revitalization Authority. In the early years of the agency, programming through Prairie View included only Farm and Home Demonstrations. Farm Demonstrations provided information about all aspects of crop and livestock production and marketing. Home Demonstration programs instructed participants in proper canning techniques and home repairs. 4-H Clubs, the youth program of the Extension Service, were established at the turn of the 20th century out of a need to improve life in rural areas by demonstrating to youth the latest in agricultural technology. Although the end of the age of segregation eliminated the need for dual governmental agencies, the two land grant universities, Texas A&M and Prairie View A&M, still administer their respective programs. However, today both agencies are housed in the same building but address clients with different kinds of needs. Prairie View continues to oversee what was the Negro County Extension Service program but the program has been modified to address the needs of customers with limited resources.
From the guide to the Travis County Negro Extension Service Photograph Collection. AR. 2000. 025., 1940-1964., 1948-1964., (Austin History Center, Austin Public Library, 810 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas, 78701.)
