History

In September of 1936, Agriculture Education became a part of the curriculum at Quarryville High School.  It was through the guidance, support, and perseverance of Mr. George A. Smith, Supervising Principal, that made possible such a program.  For two years prior to 1936, Smith had been encouraging the school board to institute Agriculture into the curriculum.  Since Quarryville was the only four-year high school in the Southern End, Smith saw a need to teach and train boys in the major occupation  of the area.  Although some resistance was encountered by the local County Agent and 4-H Club leader, Smith was convinced there was room for both to work together.  Thus, Agriculture became an integral part of the program in the fall of 1936.

Mr. Paul H. Johnson was hired as the first Teacher of Agriculture.  His duty was to establish a three-year Agriculture Program.  State and Federal assistance under the Smith-Hughes Act provided the financial support for the establishment of the Agricultural Program, even though the area had not escaped the depths of the Great Depression. 

Johnson, a 1935 graduate of Penn State, remained at Quarryville for two years developing the program and forming the FFA Chapter.  Additionally, he coached soccer, swimming, and assisted with the publication of the yearbook.  The Quarryville FFA Chapter received its charter in Harrisburg on January 21, 1937.

The importance of the Agriculture Program was recognized in the 1937 yearbook when it stated:  “With the inserting of the new Agriculture Course into the curriculum this year, Quarryville High School takes another step toward being recognized as a highly rated vocational school.”

The Agriculture Program and FFA continued to thrive through the 1940’s.  As enrollment increased, a second teacher, Mr. Elmer Sealover, was added to the staff in 1948, thus making a multi-teacher department. 

During the same period of time, a school jointure was formed with Quarryville Borough and the eight surrounding townships.  The new district become the SOLANCO (SOuthern LANcaster COunty) School District.

Teaching facilities were not ideal.  There was virtually no mechanics instruction because of lack of facilities.  What little there was had to be shared with Industrial Arts.  Classes were conducted on the stage.  In 1949, a separate Agricultural facility, including classroom and mechanics laboratory, was built. 

As the in-school program continued to expand, so did Adult Farmer education.  Although adult instruction had been occurring on and off since 1937, a need was recognized in 1957 to expand this facet of the Agricultural Program.  A third teacher, Dr. William M. Fredd, was added to the staff to coordinate the Adult Farmer program and to assist with in-school instruction.  The Young Farmer Chapter continued to grow and received its charter as a member of the Pennsylvania Young Farmer Association in November of 1961.

During the 1961-62 school year a new high school, with greatly expanded agricultural facilities, was opened.  The first female graduate from the Agricultural Program was Beverly (Dearolf) Schaeffer in 1971.

On February 12, 1987, the Solanco Agricultural Program was awarded “Exemplary Status” by Governor Robert P. Casey.   The Solanco program, the first in Lancaster County, and one of only three such programs in the state, was designated to serve as a model to be emulated by other schools. 

Another milestone occurred during the 1986-87 school year—the 50th  year of the founding of the department and FFA chapter.   The year long celebration culminated with the annual parent  -member banquet in April.  Joining the 300 plus guests at the banquet were:   Mr. Paul H. Johnson, the first teacher of agriculture, Mr. William Hastings, the first chapter FFA President, a National and State FFA Officer, several charter members of the chapter, former teachers of agriculture at Solanco, and former chapter FFA Presidents, as well as current members, parents, officers, school administration, and Teachers of Agriculture. 

A major curriculum change occurred with the beginning of the 1991-92 school year.  As a result of a community needs assessment survey developed by the Agriculture Department, new courses were added, individual course titles were incorporated, and two advanced courses, one in Animal Science and one in Plant Science were introduced.  Additionally, articulation agreements were made with several colleges and universities, whereby students could earn college credit by taking the advanced courses.   All courses within the department were made available to all students within the high school.  At the middle school level, Agricultural Clubs were incorporated within their activity periods, thus for the first time, providing instruction in and about agriculture.  This was quickly followed by the formation of a Junior FFA at the middle school level. 

As new technology emerged, so did the use of that technology within the department.  During the late 1980’s, computer instruction became part of the instructional process.  This has continued into a more in depth form today, as new advances in technology have emerged.

Major changes occurred to the physical facilities of the department beginning with a two-year school building/renovation program in 1992.  As a result of this project, the department’s physical location in the building moved from the north side to the south end of the building.  New classroom and mechanics facilities were added more than doubling the size of the previous location. 

Land laboratories, the construction of an equipment barn, and the purchase of various pieces of equipment have added to the overall instructional program.

Enrollment increases through the mid 90’s created the need for 3 full time in-school instructors and the hiring of a half-time instructor to handle adult education and the middle school ag club program.

October 7, 1936                         Chapter Room

                                                 Quarryville, PA

Meeting was called to order by class advisor Mr. Johnson for the purpose of organizing a club in the Agriculture Department.

Officers were elected as follows:

President - Wm. Hastings

Vice President - David Longer

Secretary - David Eshbach

Treasurer - Robert M. Good

Reporter - Joseph Rineer

President then took nomination for a name for the club.  Names suggested were as follows:

Maple Leaf FFA

Quarry Town FFA

Quarryville FFA

Quarryville F.F.A. was voted the name of the club.  Club members decided to meet every 2 weeks and pay a fee of 10 cents each meeting for club dues which are to go for equipment and trips.

President elected a Program Committee - Clair Griffith, Maurice Galbreath, Leigh Walton.  Sports Committee - David Eschbach, Wm. Nicodemus, Wm. Crawford.

David Eschbach, Jr.

Secretary