WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester University will celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of William Chester Ruth, an African American inventor, entrepreneur, and minister from Chester County, during a special event on Tuesday, March 25. The program will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Special Collections area on the sixth floor of the Francis Harvey Green Library, located at 25 West Rosedale Avenue. Admission is free and open to the public, with light refreshments to be served.
The event highlights Ruth’s groundbreaking achievements, which include inventing and patenting farm equipment such as balers and spreaders, as well as the first salt spreader attachments for PennDOT. Ruth also contributed to the military during World War II by designing covert innovations. Despite having only an eighth-grade education and being the child of formerly enslaved parents, Ruth built a successful business and left a lasting impact on agriculture, road maintenance, and engineering.
Additionally, the event will commemorate the donation of Ruth’s collected papers to WCU’s Special Collections by the William Chester Ruth Legacy Project. These documents will serve as a valuable resource for studying his inventive genius and entrepreneurial spirit.
Guests will hear from Ruth’s descendants, faculty members, and historical experts, highlighting his influence on engineering, business, and history. The program offers an inspiring narrative of perseverance and ingenuity, celebrating a local figure whose work continues to resonate.
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