More than two dozen members of the Gloucester Ruritan Club convened in the dining room of Olivia’s in the Village on June 25 for recognition of the chapter’s 70th anniversary. The members shared a meal and fellowship, accompanied by a presentation on the chapter’s history.

The chapter was originally chartered in 1939 by 24 members who met in the now-defunct Tidewater Inn. The original members came from a variety of backgrounds; among them were farmers, dairymen, teachers, merchants, soil conservationists, a minister and one land surveyor. After its inception, the 1939 iteration of the Gloucester Ruritans boasted the highest attendance rate in the district.

However, as World War II escalated and American involvement became more of a certainty, the club began losing attendance. By the time the nation issued a declaration of war, attendance sat at 40 percent and by August 1942 the club was suspended.

As members began returning home after the war, a reboot of the club ...