The Dalke Family Creates a Legacy at LFCC

Having lived in the Shenandoah Valley for nearly a century, the Dalke family has both bolstered economic stability in the region — by operating one of the oldest family-owned theater businesses in the country — and donated substantial time and money to the community.

The Dalke family’s most recent contribution was the $100,000-plus gift to the LFCC Educational Foundation Inc. in 2006 to establish the William F. Dalke Jr. Endowed Scholarship, which assists Shenandoah County Public School graduates. The gift from the four Dalke brothers honored their father and the 50th anniversary of the Family Drive-In Theatre.

William Dalke Sr., who had immigrated to the United States from West Prussia in 1908, had moved to Woodstock in 1912 and soon opened movie theaters in Edinburg, Mount Jackson, New Market, Strasburg and Woodstock. After leaving the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II, William Dalke Jr. joined his father in the family business and opened the Family Drive-In Theatre south of Stephens City in 1956.

Dalke Jr.’s four sons — Bill, Tim, Jeff and Peter — grew up working in the family business to help pay for their education, the importance of which their parents always emphasized.

“Our parents were strong-minded when it came to their sons getting a college education,” Tim said. “All four of us brothers were fortunate to obtain an education and also educate our children. We want to provide that same opportunity to others.”

In memory of their father’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to education, the Dalke family has provided a Central High School graduate with a two-year scholarship to attend LFCC each year since 1993.

“We all believe that financial need should not be a hindrance if someone wants to pursue an education. By establishing this scholarship, a few of the approximately 200 students who didn’t receive LFCC scholarships last year will now be able to attend the College,” Bill said. “A college education is not just for intellectual gain but for economic stability.”

The Dalke brothers hope that their contribution will inspire other individuals and businesses to support LFCC and the area’s future workforce. Without scholarships, many potential and current LFCC students are unable to pursue an education. For example, during the 2005–06 academic year, 57 Shenandoah County students applied for LFCC scholarships, but less than half (only 27) received scholarships.

“It is very possible that this need has not crossed people’s minds,” Bill said. “We hope to share with others the importance of providing scholarships to worthy students in need of assistance.”

Please donate to the William F. Dalke Jr. Endowed Scholarship or contribute to LFCC through other means by clicking here.