During the early 1970s, Rev. Aiken R. Ruth was employed at a local plant that made doors in Varnville, SC where he lived. His wife Gladys Ruth was a housewife. She took in laundry and ironing for extra income. Their family consisted of six girls, five boys and one granddaughter. Some of the older children had already left home. One of the five boys, Eddie L. Ruth, was living in York, Pennsylvania where he opened a men's clothing store called Eddie's Men's Shop. He carried all the mod styles that was popular for that era such as; bell bottom pants, platform shoes, super fly suits, maxi coats and other popular fashions.
Whenever Eddie would visit home wearing those styles, his friends became more and more interested in them and would ask how they could purchase them. The inquiries kept coming in so, Eddie and his father talked and Eddie decided to send a few items back to SC to his father to see how they would sell. Since Mrs Ruth was already working at home this idea was a win-win. The clothing was arranged and displayed in what we called the "back bed room", which was the boys room. This was our very first store, legal of course, we purchased a town business license.
After a couple of months there was too much traffic coming through the house. Rev Ruth decided to build a 16x20 block building at the corner of Connelly Street where we live and the Main Street & Hwy 63. Rev Ruth's son Eddie put him in touch with the fashion vendors he was dealing with to order what he needed for his business. In 1972 Rev Ruth named his business Ruth's Mod Shop. God kept sending the customers. Although we were on a main hwy, our location wasn't near a lot of people. We had some down times. Rev Ruth decided he would go Hampton, SC, the main town in our area two miles up the road to look for a building to rent. The traffic was much better. There was a building available for rent and Rev Ruth secured it.
In 1975, we moved Ruth's Mod Shop to downtown main st (which is now Lee Ave) in Hampton, SC. We were the first black owned business there at that time. After out growing our second building, we moved about 3 doors up the street where a larger building was available. And here we are today 209 Lee Ave Hampton South Carolina. By the time we moved to our current location the clothing styles had changed, so we updated the name to one that would stand the test of time, to Ruth's Wardrobe. Rev Ruth retired from the business and his son Eddie L. Ruth took over with the help of his sister Hettie M. Dobson and other family members over the years. Hettie M. Dobson and her husband R. C. Dobson, Jr. are now the current owners.
"We’ve Seen em Come, And we’ve Seen em Go, But God saw fit for us to still be here! He gets all the glory. He has a plan." Jeremiah 29:11.
We are truly thankful for all of many customers who have supported us over the years. We are truly grateful to expand our passion for fashion and formal wear expertise online space. It's our pleasure to assist you with your fashion needs. and
If you are in the Hampton, SC area you're welcome to stop by and shop with us at 209 Lee Avenue Hampton SC 29924.
We look forward to assisting you with your fashion needs.
Many Blessings!
RC and Hettie Dobson
Owners
