Shenandoah Valley Gem and Mineral Society Club History
"A Glimpse of History"
by Bob Helt - September 30th, 1999
The History Project
At the request of our club President (Mr. David Lipscomb), I reviewed all past club records to summarize our club history. Betty Lloyd, our long time member and past secretary, gave me three hardbound binders with club records from April 1965. The records were far from complete with many years missing. The following is a summary of highlights.
The Early Days
The club was formed in 1963 (as best I can determine). I cannot tell exactly when/how the club was formed but there is a note (Feb 1968 Bulletin) stating the club had been in existence for six years. An article in the Feb 1968 bulletin states: "It would be interesting to new members if a historian could be appointed to record all the facts and long hard road we traveled getting organized, getting equipment with no money at all hardly, begging a place to meet, etc. It was not easy; it did not spring up over night. If it had not been for certain members of our group there would be no Rock Club."
Initial Activities
Club meetings were held at the club room in the Waynesboro Church Of the Brethren since April 1965; separate workshop nights were held on the second and forth of each month. The name for the club bulletin "Gems from the Shenandoah" was won in April 1965 (in a club contest) by Mrs. James Kidd and christened by a chunk of Unakite.
The first fall mineral show was held November 12th & 13th, 1966 at the Waynesboro High School girl's gym. The first show was members only - no dealers. Betty Lloyd’s father made the rock display cases for $5 each; approximately 20 were made. A further note states the 27th Annual Gem and Mineral show was held in 1992 .
The club picnic (in August) has been held since at least since Aug 1966. For quite a few years the club had an annual picnic at the Graves Mountain lodge to look for unakite and have lunch.
Club meetings were held at the club room in the Waynesboro Church Of the Brethren since April 1965; separate workshop nights were held on the second and forth of each month. The name for the club bulletin "Gems from the Shenandoah" was won in April 1965 (in a club contest) by Mrs. James Kidd and christened by a chunk of Unakite.
The first fall mineral show was held November 12th & 13th, 1966 at the Waynesboro High School girl's gym. The first show was members only - no dealers. Betty Lloyd’s father made the rock display cases for $5 each; approximately 20 were made. A further note states the 27th Annual Gem and Mineral show was held in 1992 .
The club picnic (in August) has been held since at least since Aug 1966. For quite a few years the club had an annual picnic at the Graves Mountain lodge to look for unakite and have lunch.
Club meetings were held at the club room in the Waynesboro Church Of the Brethren since April 1965; separate workshop nights were held on the second and forth of each month. The name for the club bulletin "Gems from the Shenandoah" was won in April 1965 (in a club contest) by Mrs. James Kidd and christened by a chunk of Unakite.
Moving Forward
The club membership has waxed and waned over the years with from 8 to 35+ members attending meetings. Discussions have been held on how to increase membership. Interest in forming a junior club has been discussed several times in the past; however none were apparently started. Fifty dollars per year was approved (April 1969) to be set aside to pay for the annual program; e.g., to reimburse speakers, rental fees for films, etc. Honorary members have been approved in the past to receive monthly bulletins after moving away or due to illness, etc.
A historic topic of discussion has been the problem with equipment and proper operation in the work shop.
The earliest record for discussion on the scholarship fund was February 1982. The fund was awarded to a student in the field of scientific study with a comment “financial need should have some bearing on our choice”. In one case due to the lack of students we sent a member to Wild Acres.
A historic topic of discussion has been the problem with equipment and proper operation in the work shop.
The earliest record for discussion on the scholarship fund was February 1982. The fund was awarded to a student in the field of scientific study with a comment “financial need should have some bearing on our choice”. In one case due to the lack of students we sent a member to Wild Acres.