(1889 – 1968)
Harriet Elizabeth Plowden was born on October 17, 1889, in Minning, South Carolina. She earned her B.A. degree from Winthrop College in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and from 1912 to 1917 taught Home Economics in rural schools in her native state.
By 1921, Miss Plowden had migrated to Alabama, where she was named Home Demonstration Agent for Talladega County with the Cooperative Extension Service. For the next 27 years, Harriet Plowden devoted her efforts to improve conditions for rural families. She was especially interested in helping women by introducing new methods and technologies in the home. Her goal was to raise the standard of living of all who would listen and adopt new ways of operating a household.
She was a ‘typical’ Southern lady — refined, well-dressed, humble. Coworkers knew Harriet to be very conscientious and a hard worker. She always had a positive attitude and was willing to help in any way she could. Harriet Plowden showed her love for the people she served in every effort she made on their behalf. She was known as an inspiring person — one who could convince people to keep trying and always reach a little farther.
In honor of her life and devotion to duty, the name Harriet E. Plowden is inscribed on the dedicatory plaque of the Extension Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number: 142
