John Bartee Collection

In January 2000, John Bartee donated this collection of Montgomery County Agricultural Extension documents to the Montgomery County Archives. Under the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, the United States Department of Agriculture and the University of Tennessee College of Agriculture set up home demonstration and agricultural extension services throughout Tennessee. Both an agricultural extension county agent and a county home demonstration agent served the Montgomery County area. As part of this service, the agents organized demonstrations in each community to serve as an educational model for others. These community organizations met regularly and also worked together to design exhibits for the county agricultural fair. Specialized clubs operated within each community organization.

Early twentieth-century Montgomery County was a large producer of tobacco, corn, and hay. Livestock, particularly beef cattle and hogs, were raised by county farmers. The agricultural extension county agent sought to improve and diversify both crop and herd production by instructing farmers in methods such as crop rotation and culling. Local dealers also showcased different machinery for farmers. Through community clubs, local children raised their own livestock, including pigs, cattle, and chickens, and crops for profit. In addition to county and state fair competitions, club members participated in rallies, parades, and contests.

In 1912, Montgomery County hired a home economist named Carrie Lurton Johnson to help instruct county residents in matters of domestic science. With the passage of the Smith-Lever Act, Johnson became the official Montgomery County Home Demonstration Agent. Johnson and her successors traveled throughout the county to educate local women and girls on food preparation, canning, sewing, floriculture, gardening, poultry raising, home improvements, and related subjects.