Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Macoupin County HCE (Home, Community and Education) will be celebrating their 92nd Anniversary in October.

Since 1924, members of the HCE have been promoting social and economic well-being in Illinois homes and neighborhoods. Originally known as the Home Bureau Federation for farm wives, over the years the organization has continually evolved to meet changing times and needs. Today HCE is an education and community service organization comprised of over 6,000 men and women from 72 associations in 102 counties.

The Illinois Association for Home and Community Education’s mission is to enhance the lives of individuals and families through quality educational programs and experiences encouraging responsible leadership and services to the community. Educational lessons and guidance are provided to units through the University of Illinois Extension.

Each organization has its champion. Bertha O. Eldred was Macoupin County’s champion and founder of Home Bureau. In the early years she traveled miles over roads that were almost impassable to spread the word of Extension and unite the county for a very worthy cause. Following in the footsteps of her father, founder of the 4-H movement, she gathered homemakers together and after two years of hard work saw a dream become a reality. On October 24, 1930, Macoupin County Home Bureau emerged as the only professional organization for homemakers. In October, Macoupin County HCE will be 92 years old. There are currently 10 units throughout the county with 120 members.

If you would like more information on HCE or a unit near you, please contact the U of I Extension Office in Carlinville at 217-854-9604.