About Us

For over fifty years, the Two Top Ruritan Club has proudly served our community, continuing a legacy that began with grassroots civic action. Our story started when a group of local citizens came together to oppose a proposed 1% wage tax, forming the Montgomery Township Citizens Association (MTCA). The group held its first meetings at the old Shimpstown School House.

Although the tax was eventually passed, the MTCA's spirit of community service endured. Shortly after, the Edward Parnell Ruritan Club approached the group about forming a new Ruritan club. At one of their meetings, Guy Hawbaker commented on the beauty of Two Top Mountain that evening. Inspired, someone suggested naming the new club the Two Top Ruritan Club. On March 18, 1969, the club's charter was signed by twenty-three dedicated charter members:

J.W. Youse, Guy S. Hawbaker, A.E. Keener, Carl E. Rock, Douglas, E. Grove, David D. Angle, Russell Funk, P. Nevin Binkley, Clayton H. Martin, A. Preston Gerhart, Haven E. Keller, Russell Bricker Jr., Calvin E. Bricker, Lloyd A. Culler, Hollis M. Kimball, Paul E. Funk, Thomas Seville, Vincent Timmons, Robert Musselman, Ralph Metcalfe, Cedric Duffield, Forrest Bricker, and Carl L. Atherton.

Building Our Foundation

The club’s early fundraisers carried over from the MTCA days, including the construction and installation of school bus waiting shelters, where advertising space was sold to help fund community projects. After about five years of meeting at the old schoolhouse, the club realized the need for its own space to grow.

During a pivotal meeting, one member strongly opposed borrowing money for land, threatening to quit if the club took on debt. Another member, Russell Funk, passionately responded, “If we don’t borrow money to purchase land, then I’m quitting.” The motion passed. In 1973, the club purchased land on Two Top Road, and shortly after, built its first community building.

Tragically, in the spring of 1975, a strong windstorm destroyed the building. In true Ruritan spirit, neighboring clubs came together to help rebuild. Over time, the building was expanded, and additional land was acquired to better serve the growing community.

Serving the Community

In its early years, the club focused on projects like cemetery clean-ups, community festivals, shooting matches, Easter Egg Hunts, Gospel Sings, car shows, sponsoring Boy Scouts, and restoring the historic Blairs Valley Log Church. Much of this work was powered by donated or used equipment, and in lean times, members even covered expenses from their own pockets.

For nearly 17 years, the club building also served as the home of Two Top Fellowship, a church started by member Paul Martin before they eventually moved to their own location.

Continuing the Tradition

Today, the Two Top Ruritan Club continues to be an active and vital part of the community. Our ongoing activities include:

• Pork sales

• Pot pie suppers

• Banquets

• Tractor and truck pulls

• Gas and Steam Show

• Food stands and gate collections

• Fruit basket deliveries

• Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Special recognition is given to Ralph and Mary Rubeck for their leadership in establishing the Gas & Steam Show and the pulling track.

Our club is proud to support local individuals, non-profit organizations, fire and ambulance companies, schools, and other community groups. The Two Top Ruritan Community Building is also available for rent, hosting banquets, picnics, family reunions, and receptions throughout the year.

The Two Top Ruritan Club’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and service—a tradition we are proud to carry forward.