University of Wisconsin - Extension

A new book chronicling the history of Wisconsin's Cooperative Extension is now available. The book, "The People Came First," was written by historian Jerry Apps, a former Wisconsin County Extension agent and specialist.

The book highlights 150 years of history, including an early history of the University of Wisconsin and agricultural education, the beginning of extension, the many years of development and continued growth, expansion and change.

"We can see history come alive and revisit our past in this unique story, our story," said Rosemary Stare, Wisconsin Epsilon Sigma Phi member. Stare, along with ESP members Mary Mennes and Vern Forest, were instrumental in working with Jerry Apps and Cooperative Extension employees to collect stories for the book and get it published.

To order your copy of "The People Came First," visit the University of Wisconsin-Extension Publication website at http://www1.uwex.edu/ces/pubs/order.cfm for the order form. Checks can be made payable to Epsilon Sigma Phi Foundation for $25.27, which includes $4 for shipping and sales tax. They can be mailed to ESP Book, Cooperative Extension Publications, 45 N. Charter St., Madison, WI 53715.

Proceeds of book sales benefit the ESP Endowment Fund, which will provide grants to Wisconsin Cooperative Extension faculty and staff for professional development.