Salisbury Township near Gap in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

William Chester Ruth

(1882-1971)

Photographed By Keith S Smith, June 6, 2011

1. William Chester Ruth Marker

Inscription. African American inventor who opened a blacksmith and machine shop here in 1923. He did metal work and repairs, primarily for Pennsylvania German farmers. Ruth designed and patented many agricultural devices, most notably his 1928 baler feeder. He also applied his talents to designing and building military devices. An esteemed community member, he was spiritual leader at the Church of Christ in Ercildoun, where he lived.

Erected 2006 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.

Location. 39° 59.512′ N, 76° 1.13′ W. Marker is near Gap, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. It is in Salisbury Township. Marker is on Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30) 0.2 miles west of White Horse Road (Pennsylvania Route 897), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5369 Lincoln Hwy, Gap PA 17527, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Great Minquas Path (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); World Wars I and II Memorial (approx. 0.4

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miles away); The Gap Clock Tower (approx. half a mile away); Walker House (approx. half a mile away); Kinzer (approx. 2.8 miles away); Christiana Riot Monument (approx. 2.8 miles away); Philadelphia & Columbia Railroad Bridge at Pine Creek, Circa 1830 (approx. 2.9 miles away); Atglen (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gap.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Also see . . . William Chester Ruth and his sister. (Submitted on October 14, 2011, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 14, 2010

2. William Chester Ruth Marker

Photographed By Keith S Smith, June 6, 2011

3. William Chester Ruth Marker

William Chester Ruth with his sister Ida Ella Ruth Jones image. Click for full size.

4. William Chester Ruth with his sister Ida Ella Ruth Jones

This is a link to this photo, http://www.flickr.com/photos/buffaloquaker/260275579/

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,516 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on October 6, 2020, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on June 7, 2011, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on August 22, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on June 7, 2011, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on October 14, 2011, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania.