An Ohio town is recognized for its landmark contribution to FFA history.
A small Ohio village has a big claim to fame: Fredericktown is the birthplace of the FFA jacket.
Agriculture educator J.H. (Gus) Lintner commissioned a jacket for members of the local FFA chapter to wear to the 1933 National FFA Convention in Kansas City, Mo., as part of their FFA band uniform. The iconic blue and gold design was so popular that it was adopted as the Official Dress of FFA members.
In honor of its role in FFA history, Fredericktown was selected by the Ohio Historical Society to receive an Ohio Historical Marker for being home of the FFA jacket. The plaque was unveiled at Fredericktown High School in September. Neil Overly and Linden Scheff, both members of the FFA band who wore the jacket at the 1933 national convention, were in attendance.
“Our town is very proud of the heritage of the FFA jacket,” says Debra Burden, an agriculture educator in Fredericktown. “The historical marker is a respectable way to honor our role in FFA history.”
FFA jackets are built and personalized in Van Wert, Ohio. See how at FFA.org/FFAJacket.
