Arlington County has lost one of its finest citizens – Preston Caruthers. Thanks to his generosity and support, the impact he has made on our community is nearly immeasurable. Everywhere we turn, we see evidence of the impact of his contributions, which include gifts to George Mason and Marymount Universities, Arlington Hospital and, not least of which has been, gifts enhancing the education of Arlington’s youth. One of the area’s greatest treasures, for use by Arlington Public School (APS) students, is the Outdoor Lab, which simply would not exist, were it not for the generosity of Preston Caruthers.
In the late 1950’s, the summer science enrichment program, under the direction of Dr Phoebe Knipling, Science Director of APS, was designed to promote environmental awareness and extend the science classroom experience to the out-of-doors. Whereas this summer enrichment program had been conducted in local and state parks, it became increasingly apparent that a permanent site for the program was not only desirable, but necessary. In June of 1967, a small committee – consisting of 17 citizens and five APS employees – was formed and became known as the Arlington Committee for Outdoor Education (ACOE). An extensive search was launched for an unspoiled, natural area within easy commuting distance of Arlington, and in January 1968, an ideal location, consisting of 200 acres, priced at $90,000, was found in Fauquier County. A ten-year mortgage was negotiated with the owner, Mrs. Rose Striker, who was thrilled at the idea of an “outdoor classroom” and dedicated to the group’s mission.
The committee identified grants available for programs, but not for the purchase of land. The treasury of the ACOE stood at $355 with an outstanding bill of $100 and a membership of 63 loyal supporters. In less than a year, the treasury had grown to $5,050 and the membership had increased to 513. More and more community groups such as PTAs, garden groups and service clubs, along with individuals, committed to a highly innovative “Acre Saving” Program, in which one could “buy” an acre of land for $450 (as a contribution) and pay for it over a three – year period. Although successful, the committee was still far from what was needed to cover the first year’s mortgage. This was a discouraging period for the committee, but the dream persisted.
A donor came forward with a plan and a loan of $51,000, enabling the ACOE to get on its financial feet. However, there were two conditions. The grantor would remain anonymous and the gift would be provided at no interest, if the loan was paid back within 10 years. This benefactor, later identified as Preston Caruthers, was referred to for many years as the “Guardian Angel of the Outdoor Lab.”
And, yes, 10 years later, the loan was repaid at a mortgage burning ceremony – held in the field near the observatory at the new property – with the County Board, School Board, and loyal supporters present as witnesses to this significant event. There, as part of the audience, were Mr. and Mrs. Caruthers, standing quietly, humbly, and unassumingly off to the side, where he was reluctantly recognized. That final mortgage payment to Mrs. Striker in November of 1978 represented the achievement of a seemingly impossible task.
Such a project demanded a driving force of unlimited energy and enthusiasm. Under Phoebe’s guidance and vision, mobilized by the efforts and generosity of friends, co-workers, and families, and fueled by Preston’s backing, the group achieved the goal of providing a permanent site, in a natural setting, for multiple generations of APS students. Today, the Phoebe Hall Knipling Outdoor Laboratory, under the guidance of the non-profit, Arlington Outdoor Education Association (AOEA), in partnership with APS, stands as a tribute to that persistence and resilience. Over the past 50 years, Arlington youth have inherited and enjoyed a priceless gem – a pristine environment in which to study science in the outdoors – thanks, in major part, to its late benefactor, Preston Caruthers. His exceptional generosity lives on!
