Happy Birthday Blue Ridge Legal Services!
On February 1, 1977, 35 years ago today, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Legal Aid Society opened its doors for business, operating out of 2 donated closet-sized rooms upstairs in the "old bank building" downtown next to the "Welfare Office". It was staffed by a brand new young lawyer, Ruth Stoltzfus, and a secretary, the late Phyllis Tyson.
On its opening day, a line of clients formed at the door, stretching down the stairs and out to the street.
We still haven't gotten to the end of that line.
Happy Birthday, Blue Ridge Legal Services!
And thank you, Ruth and Phyllis, for opening the doors.
John E. Whitfield
Executive Director/General Counsel
204 North High Street
P.O. Box 551
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Phone: (540) 433-1830 Fax: (540) 433-2202