Contributed by Carolyn Talley
Over the past seven decades the Wilmington Clubhouse has been home to many social events. It was originally started by a group of parents in 1951 as a place for their teenagers to have dances and parties without alcohol. The land was donated by James Bell and the building was constructed by the men in the community. It was also used as a polling place over the years. It has been the host to countless dances, birthday parties baby showers, family reunions and meetings. Earlier this summer it was the location for the first time to a wedding. Mary and David Tilman who are members of the club rented it for their granddaughter’s wedding. Filling the large room with lots of curtains, sheers, candles and flowers transformed this very simple space into a lovely wedding chapel. The metal folding chairs were covered with special fitted covers. The members of the club made sure the building was clean and in good condition. The fully equipped kitchen was where the food was prepared. Tables were filled with food and the guests enjoyed a wonderful meal following the ceremony.
The clubhouse is currently home to two groups that use it monthly for dinners. It is available to non-members to rent at other times.
The Wilmington Club is a group of Fluvannians who meet on the third Saturday of each month at 6 p.m. to share a potluck meal and each other’s company. Sometimes there is a speaker and other times we have a game night or music. Often it is simply a time for members to talk and share stories. There are some people who were teenagers when the club began and are now great-grandparents. There are also people who are new to Fluvanna who like the idea of sharing a meal with their neighbors and getting to know more about the place we live. We would love to have you join us. Contact Lillie Childress at 589-2148.
The other group currently using the clubhouse is the Fluvanna Ruritan Club which is a civic group formed in rural areas. It is a fitting club to meet here because Ruritan is a word made by combining two Latin words. “Ruri” means “open country” and “tan” refers to “rural or small town life.” Ruritans can be found throughout the county participating in local events. They are the force behind the local celebration of the National Day of Prayer. Ruritans volunteer at the Fluvanna Fair and are busy fundraising so they can support youth sports teams and scholarship for local high schoolers. You have heard of Ruritan Lake Road, but did you know that Ruritan Lake was created by our local group in 1956? The Ruritans meet at the clubhouse for a dinner meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. If interested in more information contact them at: fluvannaruritanclub@gmail.com.
The Wilmington club is hosting a yard sale on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 8 a.m. to noon. A wide array of items including baked goods and plants will be for sale. If you have items to donate or questions regarding the yard sale please call 981-8085 to schedule a pickup.
Come join us at 1083 Wilmington Road, Palmyra. You will be glad you did.
