Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

No physical characteristics affect use of this material.

Preferred Citation

Aldie Ruritan Records, 1972-2001 (M 003), Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg, VA

Provenance

Gerald Keatinge, Aldie, VA

Alternative Form Available

None

Accruals

2004.0010

Processing Information

Processed by Mary Lee Catlett, 23 April 2004.

Historical Information

Ruritan is a national organization dedicated to "improving communities and building a better America through Fellowship, Goodwill and Community Service." The first Ruritan Club was chartered 21 May 1928, in Holland, Virginia. It is a civic service organization made up of local clubs in small towns and rural communities. Sixteen members are required to form a Ruritan club, usually with the assistance of an existing club. The name "Ruritan" was suggested by Daisy Nurney, a reporter for the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot newspaper. The word is a combination of the Latin word for open country "ruri" and small town "tan," interpreted as pertaining to rural and small town life.

Aldie Ruritan of Aldie, VA was formed in January 1952 with Clay Wood of Nokesville, VA, district governor of Ruritan, as first speaker. Officers included Edwin Skinner, President, A. L. Hutton, Vice President, Jim Taylor, Secretary, Jack Hutchison, Treasurer, John diZerega, Sergeant-at-Arms, and the Rev. Albert Fritter, Chaplain. The first meeting was held at Aldie High School

Excerpts from Aldie Ruritan Minutes from January 1973 through December 1993, as abstracted by Wynne Saffer, include: donations to Little League, Cub Scouts, George C. Marshall Fund, and Aldie Fire Department, dress code, ladies night, purchase of a flag, authorization to build two pit privies on the Little League diamond, many "delicious" dinners and picnics, sponsorship of Aldie Harvest Festival and many speakers of local interest.

Scope and Content

The collection covers 1973-2001 and includes secretarial and treasurer records; however, not every year includes all record types. Secretarial records were kept in a book provided by the national office, "Official Secretary's Book," and include attendance, membership lists, minutes, invitations to membership, correspondence, and other items of interest to members. Most financial records were kept in a book provided by the national office, "Official Treasurer's Book." However, there are loose bank statements, IRS forms, cancelled checks and bond records.

Related Material

None

Adjunct Descriptive Data

Bibliography

Saffer, Wynne -- excerpts from minutes
Loudoun Times Mirror , January 31, 1952, pg. 1
www.ruritan.org

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Other Finding Aid

None

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