Ninety-seven years ago, Tom Downing and Jack Gwaltney sat down together to discuss a problem that was surfacing in their little town of Holland (now part of Suffolk), Virginia. Thirteen years earlier, two of their school systems merged, bringing together two different groups of people: farm families and town families. While both groups of people wanted the best for their communities, they differed on how best to reach that goal.
The folks in rural areas formed farmers’ clubs, but these organizations never lasted long. Downing and Gwaltney realized that what the area needed was a club that brought together both farmers and townsfolk. After much discussion and planning, these two men invited farmers and local businessmen to a luncheon in April 1928. Here, they laid out their plan to encourage leaders and citizens of both communities to come together for the good of the area.
The following month, they led the first official Ruritan meeting. Miss Daisy Nurney, a reporter for the Virginia Pilot newspaper, suggested the name “Ruritan”. It comes from the Latin ruri meaning “open country” and tan, meaning “small town,” thus incorporating both groups equally. Miss Daisy published the minutes from the monthly meetings in the newspaper, which helped to spread news of the good works the club accomplished.
On February 3, 1950, a group of Bergton residents met to form their own branch of the Ruritan Club. Over thirty charter members adopted the Ruritan National Pledge to “support urban and rural communities in times of stress and need through fellowship, goodwill, and community service.”
On June 28th, many past and present members met to celebrate 75 years of service to the local community. Since that first meeting, they have served thousands of fried chicken quarters at the Bergton Fair, sponsored countless Bingo games, and helped many local students fund their post-high school education.
Current Ruritan President Dennis Lantz, said that being a Ruritan is “all about relationships and service.” That thought was echoed by Ruritan Zone 3 Governor, James Driver, who said, “The Bergton Ruritan Club embodies the spirit Ruritans was founded on: fellowship, goodwill, and community service.”
This gathering reminded us of the good work the Ruritans do for the community. In 1975, the club was instrumental in helping establish the Bergton Rescue Squad, and in 1987, it also backed the construction of the Bergton Fire Department.
Club member Carroll Keller acknowledged the contributions of the late Dr. Linford Gehman. Dr. Gehman helped create the Ruritan Scholarship Fund to support local high school students with college expenses. Since then, the club has donated well over $100,000 in scholarships. Dr. Gehman also started the Bike-A-Thon—an annual fundraiser for over a decade (2000–2011).
The Rockingham District Governor, David Grimm, reminded members and guests that, unlike many other organizations, the Ruritans have changed little over the years. “We put God first; we’re patriotic and we support our local communities.”
Ruritan National President Becky Lane summed up the mission of the Ruritan Club when she praised the “many hands working behind the scenes.” She said, “people from all walks of life worked side by side to create something bigger than themselves.” Lane reminded members that, while 75 years is an amazing milestone, “it’s not just a celebration, but a steady foundation to build for the future.” She said that Ruritans is “not an old-fashioned organization, but a timely one. It’s neighbor helping neighbor. It’s embracing the truth that kindness, hard work, and service can change the world.”
