WM Chester Ruth Special Collection event; people gather around display case of photos and memorabilia of Chester Ruths donated collection.

On March 25th, 2025, West Chester University’s Special Collections hosted Driven to Design: The Life of William Chester Ruth, honoring the life and legacy of the Chester County African American inventor and businessman. The program’s more than 60 attendees learned how Ruth’s groundbreaking designs helped advance agriculture and other industries during the first half of the twentieth century. 

 

WM Chester Ruth Special Collection event; speaker Dr. Tonya Thames-Taylor.The event commenced with welcoming remarks by Special Collection Librarian, Ron McColl, followed by a series of insightful presentations. Dr. tonya thames-taylor, associate professor of history at WCU, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on "Slavery, Freedom, and Labor in Chester County," setting the historical context for Ruth’s achievements. Bruce Bomberger, the former curator of Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, shared how he rediscovered Ruth’s legacy, provided a detailed account of his research into Ruth’s life, highlighting his journey from a self-taught blacksmith to a successful inventor of national renown with multiple patents to his name. Bomberger emphasized how Ruth’s most notable inventions, including the automatic hay baler and self-lifting farm elevator, revolutionized local agriculture. 

 

WM Chester Ruth Special Collection event; Ron's discussion featuring Ruth’s great-great-granddaughter, Cierra Johnson, a West Chester University graduate, as well as Gwendolyn Ruth Dickinson, Ruth’s granddaughter.The program culminated with a discussion featuring Ruth’s great-great-granddaughter, Cierra Johnson, a West Chester University graduate, as well as Gwendolyn Ruth Dickinson, Ruth’s granddaughter. They shared personal anecdotes and reflections on Ruth. Johnson explained that stories about her great-great-grandfather continue to inspire her and her family’s endeavors. 

 

WM Chester Ruth Special Collection event; people gather around display case of photos and memorabilia of Chester Ruths donated collection. Following the event, attendees viewed an exhibition showcasing items from the William Chester Ruth papers, which University Libraries Special Collections acquired last year. Highlights of the collection include photographs, marketing materials, business correspondence, patents applications, and blueprints. To learn more about William Chester Ruth, or to schedule an appointment to view his papers, contact Ron McColl at rmccoll@wcupa.edu or visit wcruthlegacy.org. 

 

WM Chester Ruth