User:Rufftrees

Name: Ruffs Run Class: Stream (Definitions) History: Named for Alexander (1889-1970) and Bessie (1895-1981) Ruff, who after purchasing the land in 1939, farmed the land and later established a Christmas tree farm. Description: 1.3 mi. long; heads in North Manheim Township on the SE slope of Second Mountain, flows SE into West Brunswick Township to enter Mahannon Creek 1 mi. NW of Orwigsburg. Citation: U.S. Board on Geographic Names. Geographic Names Post Phase I Board/Staff Revisions. 14-Feb-2019. Entry Date: 15-Feb-2019 Counties UNITED STATES BOARD ON GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Approved Promulgation authorized Executive Secretary Domestic Geographic Names
 * Elevation: 646/197

CASE BRIEF (Domestic) Ruffs Run: stream; 1.3 mi. long; heads in North Manheim Township on the SE slope of Second Mountain at 40°40’39”N, 76°07’51”W, flows SE into West Brunswick Township to enter Mahannon Creek 1 mi. NW of Orwigsburg; named for Alexander (1889-1970) and Bessie (1895-1981) Ruff, who after purchasing the land in 1939, farmed the land and later established a Christmas tree farm; Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania; 40°39’58”N, 76°06’48”W; USGS map – Orwigsburg 1:24,000 (mouth); Not: Tributary to Mahannon Creek. Mouth: https://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gazpublic/getesricoor?p_lat=40.665997&p_longi=-76.113385 Source: https://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gazpublic/getesricoor?p_lat=40.677422&p_longi=-76.130959 Proposal: new commemorative name for an unnamed feature Map: USGS Orwigsburg 1:24,000 (mouth) Proponent: Brian Ruff; Schuylkill Haven, PA Administrative area: None Previous BGN Action: None Names associated with feature: GNIS: No record Local Usage: None found Published: Tributary to Mahannon Creek (FEMA 2014) Case Summary: The new commemorative name Ruffs Run is proposed for a 1.3-mile-long tributary of Mahannon Creek in West Brunswick Township and North Manheim Township in Schuylkill County. The name would commemorate the proponent’s grandparents, Alexander (1889-1970) and Bessie (1895-1981) Ruff, who purchased a farm along the stream in 1939. They planted crops, as well as Scotch pines to sell as Christmas trees. Edgar W. Ruff (son) served in World War II before returning to operate the farm. The proponent reports that water from the stream is used to irrigate the crops and trees. The proponent wishes to honor his grandparents by naming the stream that is important to the farm. He states that some of the original trees planted by his grandparents now stand 75 to 100 feet tall. The proponent took over the farm in 1995 after his father passed away. The farm operates under the name “Ruff’s Christmas Trees.” When asked why the proposed name Ruffs Run should not be construed to publicize the farm, the proponent stated that it was his intention to honor the memory of his grandparents and not promote the business and that the stream that would honor his grandparents will outlast the farm. According to GNIS, there are no nearby features with names that include “Ruff.” Proposed by: Brian Ruff; Schulkill Haven, PA Date: 7/30/18 Submitted by: same Date: same Prepared by: M. O’Donnell Date: 9/7/18

Map Name

1 40.6659970 -76.1133850 403958N 0760648W Orwigsburg 2 40.6774220 -76.1309590 404039N 0760751W Pottsville