4-H Field Day, New London County, 1936

Film depicts a sheep shearing demonstration and competition, possibly the annual field day of the Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association at Avon Old Farms on May 2, 1936. Three methods of shearing are shown: hand shears (at 1 min. 4 second mark), a hand crank sheep shearing machine (1 min. 8 sec. and 3 min. 52 sec.), and a gas-powered, belt driven sheep shearing machine (5 min. 27 sec.). Fleece is packed and weighed (4 min. 34 sec.). The video also documents horse jumping at 3 min. 28 sec. Researchers will find that this video compliments reports of activities contained in the Cooperative Extension Service Records collection. The film was most likely shot by Wilifred B. Young, then head of the sheep program for the Extension Service and faculty member at Connecticut State College. Total run time 7 min. 36 sec.