Viola, Canterbury, Felton -  VCF Ruritan

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Ruritan, a civic organization fashioned after the other civic organizations but with the emphasis on the rural community, was organized in 1928 in Holland, Virginia.  Its co-founder, Thomas V. Downing, is still living and resides in Richmond, Virginia.  Originally, the by-laws stated that membership shall consist of 1/3 farmers, 1/3 business and professional men, and the other 1/3 of either.  Today, due to there being fewer farms, there are probably less farmers in the clubs than was originally intended, but most of the clubs are found in small rural areas.  membership is by invitation only.  Their motto is - "Fellowship, Goodwill, and Community Service."

Ruritan was introduced into Delaware in 1957 when the Caesar Rodney Ruritan Club, Charter number 818, was chartered on April 9.  Originally, expansion and forming of new clubs was entirely the responsibility of the established clubs, and in September of the same year, the Caesar Rodney Ruritan Club made contacts in the Viola area to sponsor a new club.  With help from Ruritan National and the Holland Virginia District, a meeting was held to explain to those assembled, the meaning and benefits of a Ruritan Club in the Viola area.

At a second meeting, Garnder kersey was named temporary Chairman, Kenneth Martin was named Acting Secretary-Treasurer.  it was determined at this meeting that to be able to file a charter affiliation with Ruritan National, it would be necessary to first contact the men in the Canterbury and Felton areas, as well as Viola.

At a third meeting, enough interest had been shown to make it possible to file a charter application with Ruritan National.  An appropriate name was needed to send in with the charter application, thus the Viola, Felton, Canterbury or V.C.F. for short was chosen.  The charter application was approved and on November 6, 1957, Thomas V. Downing presented Charter #857 to the 30 members of the V.C.F. Ruritan club.

In 1958, the Delmarva District of Ruritan National was formed with 10 clubs in the Delmarva District.  Five of these clubs were originally part of the Holland Virginia District.  To attend the District and National functions, these clubs had to travel by ferry across the Chesapeake Bay to attend meetings in Holland, Virginia. 

In 1967, with now 30 clubs on the Delmarva Peninsula and in New Jersey, the name was changed to the Delmarva-New Jersey District.  Today, there are 40 clubs in the District with other clubs being chartered.

The V.C.F. Ruritan Club sponsored two clubs in Delaware, Burrsville and Willow Run, and also sponsored the first Ruritan Club in New Jersey, the Wistarburg Club.

After starting the club with 30 members in 1957, 50 years have passed and the club still has 30 members.  With so many clubs in Ruritan falling below charter strength or dissolving, the VCF Ruritan is very proud to maintain a level of membership for more than 50 years.

50 Years of VCF Ruritan

1957 Facts:

• Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected President of the United States for a second term

• Jailhouse Rock and Teddy Bear were #1 and #2 on the Pop Music Charts

• A '57 Chevy was $2,157

• Gas was $.24 per gallon

• A loaf of bread was $.19

VCF Ruritan annual community service over the last 50+ years:

• Scholarships for Lake Forest High School Students

• Felton Fire Company donations

• Aid to community families in need

• Felton Little League sponsorship

• Cub Scout Troop sponsorship (hosting annual Pinewood Derby)

• Girl Scout Troop sponsorship

VCF Ruritan Special Projects of the last 50+ years:

• Rt 13 Rest Area/Picnic Area near Woodside

• Handicap ramps for local families

• Schoolbus stop shelter for students attending Viola School

• Repairs for a local farmer whose tractor burned up while picking corn

updated 10/19/2008 - jody