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Chicken-of-Tomorrow Contest Papers


Correspondence and Publications, 1951

Manuscript Collection 580


About the Chicken-of-Tomorrow Program

The Chicken-of-Tomorrow program, to encourage breeding chickens for superior meat, began on a state level in Arkansas in 1946. State Chicken-of-Tomorrow contests were held in 1946 and 1947. The first national finals were held in 1948 (Arkansas was not represented in these, though there was another state contest in 1948). Then another series of contests was started in 1949, culminating in the national Chicken-of-Tomorrow finals in 1951. These contests were held at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, during the week of June 11-16. In addition to the contest iteself, "Chicken-of-Tomorrow Week" featured exhibits, tours, concerts, dances, a rodeo, dinners, a parade, and a poultry forum. Two buildings were constructed on the University Experimental Farm for the event.

The papers consist of correspondence regarding the upcoming contest, publications pertaining to the contest, and informational and advertising material apparently given to delegates and contestants. Most advertising material not having to do with poultry raising has been removed from the collection.

The name of the donor and date of donation for the Chicken-of-Tomorrow Contest papers are unknown.

Prepared by Nan Lawler, University of Arkansas Libraries, Special Collections, Fayetteville, Arkansas, in March 1988.


Contents of the Collection - one box (1/4 linear foot )

Box 1

1. Correspondence. Printing bid; copies of letters sent by University of Arkansas President Lewis Webster Jones to presidents of other colleges and universities and governors of other states inviting them to attend the Chicken-of-Tomorrow finals; letters from many presidents and governors in reply.
2. Chicken-of-Tomorrow brochures, souvenir programs, souvenir badge, decals.
3. Periodicals featuring Chicken-of-Tomorrow articles.
4. Informational material on Arkansas and northwest Arkansas, apparently given to visitors, including Arkansas map, "Approved Accommodations," a menu from the AQ Chicken House, an Extension Service leaflet, and a gestation chart from radio station KLRA.
5. Souvenirs and informational and advertising material from suppliers of feed, drugs, stock, and equipment for poultry growers.


Last modified: Friday, January 23, 2009