Our Gym is what remains from the old Griffin School, built in the 1930’s. It is owned and operated by the Griffin Community Ruritan Club, a community service organization. Our club operates the gym mainly as a Community Center for the citizens of Griffin and local residents, but is available for anyone wishing to rent the facility for events and sports.
A little History…
The Griffin Ruritan Club is proud to have just completed 50-years of service to the Griffin area. The Griffin Ruritan Club was founded January 15, 1970. Our club owns the old Griffin School Gym, a WPA-era structure that serves as a Community Center for the greater Griffin community. The club acquired the gym building in 1984.
Our club’s mission and outreach…
Our organization is the only source of programs and provider of a public meeting space for the residents of Bethel Township. Our programs are open to all, with the typical reach including the township’s residents, as well as children and adults from nearby New Harmony and Poseyville, as well as others from throughout Posey County and Southern Gibson County.
We host a number of programs primarily aimed at youth, families, and senior citizens. Our largest event of the year is the town Halloween party. In addition, we hold the annual events of the Easter Egg Hunt, Breakfast with Santa, Senior Dinner, and the yearly Griffin School Alumni Dinner. Each Tuesday night from October through March, we provide a Youth Sports Program for school-age children. We have also been host to Posey County Special Olympics for basketball practice and tournaments. In addition, the Gym is available for Senior Citizen Walking throughout the winter. We collaborate with the Griffin Friendship Club for the Christmas in Griffin event, and have provided a Hay Ride with Santa in the past.
In addition to Club activities, the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby has been held in our gym, and we have provided the space as an affordable venue for wedding receptions, graduation parties, and informal basketball leagues and practices. We have an outdoor basketball court and a limited playground area open to residents and visitors at all times.
To encourage higher education, we participate in the National Ruritan Club Scholarship Program which awards a small, cash scholarship to a local, graduating senior each year.
Finally, the Griffin Gym is listed by the American Red Cross as a ‘Community Shelter’ for use in times of emergency and thus, our Ruritan Club performs an important and vital community service in maintaining the structure for this purpose.
Our Sponsors and Donors…
First of all, a BIG THANK YOU to all who support the Griffin Ruritan, the Old Gym, and the activities and events led by the Ruritan! We could not do this without volunteers and the financial generosity of others. All support, no matter how big or small, is greatly appreciated!
We invite you get involved to boost the Griffin community. To become a member of the Ruritan or donate your support to our efforts, please contact Larry Lingafelter (812) 568-6980 or Mike Mumford (812) 781-9480 to give or join.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the organizations and individuals listed below who have awarded grants or made donations to the Griffin Community Ruritan Club or the Ruritan’s Gym.
Posey County Community Foundation
United Way of Southwestern Indiana
Griffin Gym 