WAYNESBORO HISTORICAL SOCIETY HONORS RUTH GEMBE
By The Daily Boro Staff
Respected local historian Ruth Gembe received well-wishes from preservation peers and dear friends at a recent Waynesboro Historical Society event. The celebration honored Gembe’s 86th birthday and inspired fond memories for her and the attendees.
The Oller House hosted the party, and the lovely Victorian-era, Queen-Anne-style structure serves as WHS’s headquarters. This brick home boasts 17 rooms decorated with period furniture and ornate woodwork, and it also shelters Waynesboro historical artifacts and documents.
Gembe’s career in Waynesboro included many years of public service, but her fascination with history began long before, spurred by her mother’s example. “She was a genealogist,” Gembe said, “She was an Ambrose and did all the research on her family, and that’s how I got interested.”
While working at the library, Gembe encountered the local historical society board members who held meetings there. She began writing articles and those efforts eventually led to authoring a book.
That book, “A Visit to Roadside,” was a tribute to the Washington Township community, situated a few miles east of Waynesboro. That publication was on display at the event and is still available for purchase at WHS.
At the Historical Society gathering, friends took turns sitting beside Ruth and sharing stories. One friend from Gembe’s days living on Fairview Avenue remembered her father sang at Ruth’s wedding. “He had a lovely singing voice,” Ruth recalled with a smile.
After Gembe blew out the candles on her cake and guests sang Happy Birthday, WHS Vice President Don Embly offered praise from a grateful organization.
“We appreciate the time Ruth spent here and all the hard work she did. Ruth also spent 26 years at the Alexander Hamilton Library and started the Pennsylvania Room of History and Genealogy there. Throughout her life, she always sought to connect with younger generations through her work. We appreciate everything Ruth has done for the community.”
Ruth’s children, Trudy, Diane, and Dwayne, also attended the event. “It was nice of the Historical Society to honor Mom,” Trudy said. “She was very pleased and enjoyed seeing everyone.”
Oller House was the perfect setting for the occasion. Former owner Rello Oller bequeathed the architectural gem to the society. The home’s preservation is a testament to Ms. Oller’s charity, but the property also evolved into the current historical resource due in part to Ruth Gembe’s and other volunteers’ efforts. WHS honored Ruth’s contributions by naming the 2nd floor Gembe Genealogy Room in her honor.
At the well-attended event, WHS showered Ruth Gembe with birthday cards, flowers, a lovely cake, and assembled many of her old friends. In that moment, Ruth reflected on her personal history, 86 years in the making, enriched by devoted work toward the community she loves.
