(1907 – 1977)
Pauline Holland was the home demonstration agent for Blount County from 1933 until 1945. She had many new and innovative ways of improving the quality of life for the people of Blount County. Miss Holland taught them such important methods of home improvement as to how to use the pressure canner for food preservation or how to make a mattress. She organized 4-H girls clubs and the first Extension Homemakers clubs for the area. By 1940, there were more than 2000 Blount county citizens enrolled in either her Homemakers clubs or the 4-H girl’s clubs.
Pauline had begun her adult career as a teacher of home economics at Ardmore and Coxey High Schools during the two-year period between college graduation and her appointment as a home demonstration agent. She had received her college degree from Athens College.
Her Extension career was but twelve years due to her decision to wed Mr. J.P. King in 1945. Extension policy at that time excluded married women from service. The couple made their home in Blountsville.
Pauline Holland King is still fondly remembered by the women who were in her Homemakers Clubs — or their children — and the women who were once young girls in her 4-H girl’s clubs. She was an important part of many lives, and it is with pride that we place the name of Pauline Holland King on the dedicatory plaque of the Extension Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number: 204
