Cowger's support for Jackson County Fair honored
Among the government officials, businesses and 4-H families honored during the recent dedication of the Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex, stood 99-year-old Irene Cowger.
Cowger has been a lifelong supporter of the Jackson County Fair and continues to participate in the open class competitions. This year she won a purple ribbon for a large quilt appliquéd by two or more people and a blue ribbon for her angel food cake.
She was included in the dedication ceremony for her donation of a large quilt that was sold in 2009 during a special “Wolf Hunt” type dinner organized by the East Grant Club.
A drawing was held to win the quilt, and tickets were sold for $1 each. All proceeds went directly to the construction of the new fairgrounds. The quilt drawing plus the meal from the “Wolf Hunt” dinner raised $20,000, it was reported.
“I’ve quilted all my life,” Cowger said. “My mother sewed and taught me very early on.”
The eight-foot by eight-foot quilt donated by Cowger was constructed in a star pattern and was red and white.
“I decided I wanted to do something to help out so I donated it,” she said. “Every dollar helps.”
Cowger, whose maiden name was Spiker, was born in Jackson County near Soldier. She joined 4-H at a young age.
She and her late husband, Arch, did not have children, but a bond grew between them and some local youth.
“We loved the kids in our neighborhood, and they loved us,” she said.
The couple served as leaders of the Pleasant Valley Rustlers 4-H Club for more than 20 years. She was selected as the grand marshal of the Jackson County 4-H Parade in 2006.
After visiting the new fairgrounds this year, Cowger said she sees a lot of potential.
“It’s going to take a few years to get everything worked out, but it’s going to be real nice,” she said. “I think it’ll work out wonderful. They’ve got a lot of room.”
In order to honor Cowger’s efforts with 4-H, the kitchen at the new exhibit hall is named in her honor. A plaque notes this honor at the building.
