For historical importance, the Holland and Chuckatuck Ruritan clubs tend to grab all the attention in Suffolk.

The former was the mother of all Ruritan clubs, the place where the organization was founded in 1928. Its significance rightly extends beyond Suffolk to all of the Ruritan world, as none of the clubs would exist without the vision of a small group of friends in that village who wanted to encourage camaraderie and community service.

The latter was the home club of Mills Godwin, who would eventually serve as both Zone 1 Governor for the Ruritan Club and as governor of the commonwealth of Virginia.

Godwin also had the distinction of presenting the charter to a new Ruritan Club in 1949, the King’s Fork Ruritan Club, and that club would go on to make its own history and its own positive impact on the community.

Just in the last year, the club has donated to organizations including the Horton Wreath Society, Habitat for Humanity, the Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, American Cancer Society, Parkinson’s Foundation, Suffolk Youth Athletic Association, Western Tidewater Free Clinic, the Cheer Fund, Eagle Scout projects and more.

Surviving charter member and first treasurer Ritchie Jordan will be honored during a special ceremony during the club’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, as will Abe Norfleet Jr. Several past national presidents, the national president elect, Holland District governors and others will be in attendance, as will elected officials.

Happy birthday, King’s Fork Ruritan. Here’s to another 65 fruitful, history-making years.