Woman made her dream come true

In continuing the research about the women of Culpeper, I wondered if perhaps I should write of the women of national fame?

I could tell about George Washington’s sister, Betty Lewis who died while visiting her daughter who lived on a farm near Stevensburg and was buried on the property. Or Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross who served her first field duty in Culpeper after the 1862 Battle of Cedar Mountain.

Then again, maybe it would be more interesting to hear about Ellen Lewis Herndon, who was born at her uncle Dr. Brodie Herndon’s house on Main Street and would later become Mrs. Chester Arthur. “Nellie” Arthur would die before her husband became the 21st president.

I determined to stay true to the women who called Culpeper home, were committed to improving the quality of life in their own community and in many respects became an inspiration to others, even if it did not bring fortune and fame.

Today’s story is about Ruby Harrison, a black woman born to poverty in a rural and segregated Madison County in 1909 about the time “Jack” Stearns was soaring through the skies of Culpeper.

Though their circumstances were very different, Ruby and Jack shared a vision, a determination to succeed despite the obstacles and a strong sense of service to family and community through personal example.

Ruby married in 1936 assuming the name many would come to recognize, Mrs. Beck. For 50 years she worked as a beautician, cook, and house keeper often juggling multiple jobs in order to put her son and daughter through college. Mrs. Beck’s own education ended at the third grade and one of her highest achievements was the education of her two children, college graduates, one retired as a Colonel from the military, the other became a CPA.

Despite the passing years and advancing age, Ruby never lost sight of her dream to own her own restaurant. In 1964, at the age of 55 and the height of massive resistance and mandated integration in Virginia, Mrs. Ruby Beck defied all odds, bought a less than desirable piece of land on U.S. 29 south and built what would become a highly successful business.

Mrs. Beck’s restaurant was called the Boxwood House, a completely integrated establishment from staff to guests and hugely popular with all comers white and black. The only requirement was a hankering for the best rolls you would ever put in your mouth.

In 1971, Ruby Beck’s success garnered her the coveted, “Virginia Small Businessman of the Year Award;” one small step for the small businessman, one huge step for womankind. Ruby was the first woman in Virginia, only the 2nd woman nationally and the first minority business owner in the South to receive the prestigious award. Ruby retired at 75.

“Jack” and Ruby are an inspiration to us all!

Until next week, be well.