Home Demonstration work in Arkansas began in January, 1912 with an appropriation of $1,500 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The objectives were three-fold: economic, educational, and social advancement. By 1913 home demonstration work in Arkansas had attracted such favorable notice that the state legislature empowered county quorum courts to appropriate additional funds for county home demonstration organizations.

The Washington County Extension Homemakers' Council (Fayetteville, Arkansas) had its beginnings in 1916 when Home Demonstration Agent Harriet B. King, Mrs. C. B. Atkinson, County Judge J.E. Dowell, and Chamber of Commerce Manager Scott Hamilton discussed the possibility of organizing a council of women's clubs. It was formally organized as the Washington County Council of Rural Women's Clubs on December 14, 1926 with twelve local clubs as charter members. In addition to pushing for home demonstration programs, the council played an active role in the County Fair, worked for a full-time county health program, entered yard and garden contests, and sponsored a better homes program. In 1929, the council became a member of the newly created Arkansas Council of Home Demonstration Clubs. In 1943 the Washington County Council of Rural Women's Clubs changed its name to the Washington County Council of Home Demonstration Clubs, and in 1965 it changed its name to the Washington County Extension Homemakers' Council.

(Biographical note copied from MC 906 finding aid.)