Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

Rance A. Andrews

Rance A. Andrews was involved in Union County 4-H as a boy in corn, swine, poultry and dairy projects. Andrews once raised chicks by the heat of an oil lantern because his family didn’t have electricity. He attended 4-H Camp in 1933 and 1934 when the cost of attending camp was a sack of corn, two chickens or $2. Mr. Andrews served in the United States Army Air Force and then attended the University of Florida on the G.I. bill where he earned a degree in agricultural education. After receiving his degree he worked as a teacher in the Lake County School system, as assistant county extension agent in Lake County and finally as the Hamilton County Agricultural Agent. Upon his arrival in Hamilton County he made an immediate impact by initiating hog, dairy, poultry and corn yield contests. Over the next several years so many activities, projects and competitions were added to this county activity that it became known as “Events Day” in 1971. Andrews was instrumental in keeping the county “Old Road Camp” building from being torn down and talked the County Commission into converting it into a show barn. He was also instrumental in having an arena built for the horse club. He was also a founding member of the Hamilton County Fair Association and the Hamilton County Riding Club. "Knowing that kids are watching you and following your example made me want to be as good an influence as possible, Seeing them grow from children into successful adults is very rewarding.,” Andrews said.