Ruskin to celebrate 100th anniversary

Jessica Vander Velde, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Friday, August 1, 2008

Ruskin started as a town based on teachings of English philosopher John Ruskin when its first post office opened Aug. 7, 1908.

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RUSKIN — Ruskin will be 100 years old next week, marked by the founding of its post office on Aug. 7, 1908.

Community members have planned a daylong celebration Thursday for the small town that started as a utopian community based on the teachings of English philosopher John Ruskin.

The day starts with a free pancake breakfast at the Church of the Nazarene at 501 Second St. SE from 8 to 11 a.m.

From 1 to 5 p.m., residents can take a self-guided walking tour to several historic homes, including the George Miller house, the Willis House and three homes that belonged to the Dickman family.

The tour starts at the Ruskin Women's Club at George Miller's house, 503 U.S. 41.

There will be two lectures given at the Women's Club. At 1 p.m., Mac Miller, the grandson of George Miller, one of Ruskin's founders, will talk about the early history of Ruskin. At 2 p.m., Diane Alvarez will talk about John Ruskin. Period clothes and historical artifacts will be displayed.

At 6 p.m., the celebration will move to Hillsborough Community College's new SouthShore campus, where residents can take a tour and learn about the campus.

Jessica Vander Velde can be reached at jvandervelde@sptimes.com or (813) 661-2443.

>>IF YOU GO

Ruskin Centennial Celebration

When: Thursday 1 p.m. to dusk, free

Breakfast: A free pancake breakfast will be offered from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 501 Second St. SE.

Self-guided tours: Tours run from 1 to 5 p.m., starting at the Ruskin Women's Club, 503 U.S. 41.

Tour of Hillsborough Community College's SouthShore campus: A preview of the new campus at 5511 24th St. NE will be offered at 6 p.m.

>>at a glance

A history of Ruskin

1906

George Miller moves to the Ruskin area with his wife and five children. Ruskin College opened shortly after his move.

1908
First post office opens Aug. 7 in one of the college's dormitories.

1912
The Ruskin Women's Club starts under the name Twentieth Century Club. It was formed by Adaline Dickman Miller.

1918
A fire caused by cinders from a pipe destroys most of Ruskin College. The fire, along with the death of its founder, George Mac Miller, forces the college to close.

1928
Ruskin Chamber of Commerce is formed.

1934
The annual Ruskin Tomato & Heritage Festival starts. It stops in the 1950s but is later resurrected.

1967
The Ruskin Commongood Society gives its land to Hillsborough County and local entrepreneurs.

1983
Amateur paleontologist Frank Garcia discovers ancient animal bones at Leisey Shell Pit.

[Last modified: Aug 28, 2008 07:36 PM]

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