"GEMS FROM THE SHENANDOAH"

Shenandoah Valley Gem and MineralSociety
Waynesboro, VA.

A GLIMPSE OF HISTORY

BY BOB HELT
30 SEPTEMBER 1999

At the request of our club President (Mr. David Lipscomb). I reviewed all past club records to summarize our club history.  Betty Loyd our long time member and past secretary gave me three hardbound binders with club records from Apr 1965. The records were far from complete with many years missing. The following is a summary of highlights.
The club was formed in 1963 (as best I can determine).  I can not 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.  Had it not been for certain members of our group there would be no Rock Club."
_ Christmas club dinners have been a tradition since at least Dec 1965; initially the dinners were held at the Church.
_ Long standing members (at least since Apr 1965) still active in the club are Harold Whitten and Leo Cloutier.
_ A note appearing in all early correspondence (1965) states that a copy of the Charter or by-laws will be given to each new member. Per 11 Feb 85 minutes, the by-laws were updated and revised.  Unfortunately none were attached.
_ Club meetings were held at the club room -
Waynesboro Church Of the Brethren since Apr 65; separate workshop nights were held on the second and forth of each month.
_ Name for club bulletin "Gems from the Shenandoah" was won Apr 1965 (in a club contest) by Mrs. James
Kidd and christened by a chunk of Unakite.

_  There was another club in Charlottesville (Albemarle Club); as they jointly met at least on two occasions.

_  The first fall mineral show was held 12-13 Nov 1966 at Waynesboro High School girl's gym. (the first
show was members only - no dealers. Betty Lloyds Father made the rock display cases for $5 each; approx. 20 were made. A further note states the 27th Annual Gem and Mineral show was held in 1992 ._ The club picnic (in Aug) has been held  since at least since Aug 1966.
_ The club membership has waxed and waned over the years with from 8 to 35+ members attending meetings. Discussion 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.
_ $50 dollars per year was approved (Apr 1969) for 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 received monthly bulletins after moving away or due to illness, etc.
_ Historic topic of discussion has been problem with equipment and proper operation in the work shop.
_ The earliest record for discussion on the scholarship fund

Continued on Page 2

Shenandoah Valley
Gem and Mineral Society

Meeting 2nd Monday of the Month - 7:30 pm at the Waynesboro Church of the Brethren (enter from lower parking lot)  364 Bridge Avenue, Waynesboro, Va.,  - From I-64 -  take Exit 96 North on Delphine Avenue about  3 miles, Second traffic Light Turn Left - follow  to church - From Rt.250, West Main Street - take Hopeman Parkway North to Bridge Avenue - For further info. email

Current as of March 2007

Shenandoah Valley Gem and Mineral Society Dues For:

Name ______________________
Street Address _________________
City  _________  State  __  Zip ____
Phone. H __________  W ________
Year first joined  SVG&MS                                 

[ ] adult_$10.00  [ ] family*_$10.00 

* If family membership, please provide the name of each family member
Mother ________________
Father __________________ Ages
Child __________________ _____               
Child _____________________             

Child _________________ _______

Dues: The  Shenandoah Valley Gem and Mineral Society dues year start in January and end in December. Please remit in person at the regular meeting or mail to;

SVG&MS - Treasure
Box 1111
Waynesboro, Va. 24517

payable to:

Shenandoah Valley Gem and Mineral Society