Powder River Examiner -

By PR Extension Office

"4-H Sews the Seeds of Success" is the perfect theme for the couple the Powder River County Fair is dedicated to this year, according to MSU Extension Agent Mary Rumph. "Annie is well known for her sewing and growing abilities...it fits her perfectly," said Rumph.

The Fair dates this year are Tuesday thru Friday, July 25th-28th.

Annie and her late husband, Leland, spent a lifetime of commitment to youth and the community. Their five children, Leann, Leal, Camille, Susan and Lynelle were all ten-year 4-H members.

When their kids reached 4-H, their "tour of duty" as 4-H parents began, a job they both took seriously (though always with humor). Annie guided the kids in sewing and foods with Leland helping with livestock projects.

In August, it was the "Brimmer Hillbillies" with "Father Brimmer" at the helm headed to the fair – truck, horse trailer, and suburban, often making more than one trip. Leland served as leader for the Range Riders in leathercraft, beef, horse (saddle and draft), sheep, poultry, and dairy. Many kids learned leathercraft from him. He was skilled at it and had a lot of patience when teaching the kids. He told his children if they stayed with their leather projects their senior year they could make a saddle. All 5 made a saddle. In addition, Susan made a set of draft horse harnesses – it had lots of spots – both Dad and daughter enjoyed that. Their living room became a leather shop come project time.

Leland never served on the fair board – he served in the fair barn. He was always willing to help all the kids and when the dreaded yell "steer loose" sounded, he was instantly in action. His size was a dividend at the end of a halter. When it came time for cleanup and take down they both worked side by side with all the kids until the job was done – very late sometimes.

Annie shared, "one year we finished earlier and stopped for a bite at the Homestead. Some of the chickens got out and were wandering around the parking lot. Picture in your mind embarrassed kids (teenagers); customers' faces lined up looking out the restaurant windows and a big man on hands and knees diving into grasses along the fence in the parking lot. The birds were all gathered, crates reinforced, meal eaten, and life went on."

Leland was always there for the kids, to help and to provide support when outcomes were not always as they should have been. He had a big strong arm to put around their shoulder and taught them how to embrace those times and move ahead.

Leland and Annie chaperoned 4-H and FFA trips, hosted the range tour, hosted 4-H exchange trips, helped with style review, donated calves to the calf scramble, and helped with the livestock judging at the fair. Annie served on the 4-H Council several years and as secretary for many years. The couple also contributed time and effort building the Rocky Point Community Center.

Leland was a member of the Belle Creek Volunteer Fire Department and the Belle Creek School Board (retiring from it twice). He was a member of the High School Board in Broadus for many years. Leland was a member of the Farmer's Union Co-op at Broadus and later on the Farmer's Co-op board of Gillette, WY. He was also a life member of Post 1595 VFW. Leland passed away in March 2003. That year Annie was elected to the Farmer's Co-op board to fill Leland's vacancy and served on the board for 15 years and as secretary for 14 years. She was instrumental in acquiring financial support for the youth at the Fair. Annie taught Home Economics at the Powder River High School for nine years; a position she accepted to keep the program viable at the school. She was also a member of the Busy Hands Ladies Club, serving as president for several years.

Annie is a life member of the VFW Auxiliary and has served as president the last 11 years. Annie has baked and decorated a "lot" of wedding, anniversary, and other special occasion cakes for family and friends. She loves "old time music" and continues to play for family and community gatherings. Annie has nine grandchildren to support on their 4-H journeys.

"I know that Leland, with a twinkle in his eye, would be just plain tickled to have the Fair Book dedicated to him and Annie," said Rumph. "We are so fortunate to have had both Leland and Annie's support throughout their lifetime – there is no greater gift," she concluded.