Mary Louise Reynnells’ Future Farmers of America Chapter Sweetheart Jacket

Object Details

Description: This jacket was worn by Mary Louise Reynnells as the Pacific High School FFA chapter sweetheart in San Bernadino, California in 1977. Prior to 1969, the Future Farmers of America excluded females from membership, and being a chapter sweetheart was the only way for women to be involved. After membership was opened to all, chapter sweetheart was an honorary title elected by the chapter who wore a special white jacket when she served as chapter hostess for visitors or at events. The white jacket has the seal of the FFA on the left breast with a small yellow patch underneath that reads “Chapter Sweetheart.” The right breast is embroidered "Louise Rogers / 1977 / Pacific / San Bernardino" in blue script. In 1978 Reynells was elected chapter president, and received the Bank of America Achievement award in Agriculture.; The FFA was founded in 1928 to engage youngsters with agriculture and prepare young farmers for the future challenges of farming. In 1933 the band from the Fredericktown chapter of the FFA wore the blue corduroy jacket to the sixth annual convention, where the delegates became so enamoured with the jacket that it was adopted by the organization as its official dress.

1977

Physical Description: fabric (overall material); white (overall color)
Measurements: overall: 21 1/2 in x 58 1/2 in x 2 in; 54.61 cm x 148.59 cm x 5.08 cm

National Museum of American History

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ae-28d3-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa