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Ruth Elizabeth Thompson was born on August 4, 1891. Her parents were Evert M. Thompson and Elizabeth Hubbard Thompson, who by 1905 were residing in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Thompson was an invalid, taken care of at home, for at least six years before his death in December 1911. Mrs. Thompson maintained their home, managed various properties they leased, engaged in an active social life, and occasionally sold homemade products such as fruit jellies and sewn novelties.
Ruth had two older brothers, Harold Evert Thompson and Lyman Hubbard Thompson, both of whom attended Purdue University, married, and served in the military during World War I.
In 1909 Ruth graduated from the Tudor Hall School for Girls in Indianapolis. After waiting a year, she entered a two-year program for girls not planning to attend college, at Bradford Academy in Haverhill, Massachusetts. She graduated in June 1912 and returned to her mother's home in Indianapolis.
Ruth had an active social life in Indianapolis. She visited and received friends, neighbors, and relatives. She taught Sunday School, participated in educational and social clubs, and attended movies, plays, concerts, and lectures. She had numerous male friends, a few of whom became persistent suitors. She rejected all before expressing serious interest in Frank Richards. Frank went off to war, however, and the papers in this collection do not reveal how that relationship developed or ended.
Ruth traveled frequently to visit friends and relatives in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky. She attended summer camps in Indiana and vacationed with her mother at lakeside resorts in Indiana and Michigan. In 1912 and 1915 she and her mother traveled by train to California for extensive visits with relatives, including attendance at the 1915 World's Fair in San Francisco. Ruth visited friends in New England and New York over the holiday season of 1917/18, before joining her mother in Washington, DC, where her brothers were stationed temporarily.
Ruth led the life of a young, unemployed woman until World War I, when she volunteered with the Red Cross before taking a job briefly with the rationing administration in Indianapolis. The war ended, as did Ruth's job, in November 1918. In the summer of 1920 she was on the staff of a girls' camp in Michigan, and that is the last these papers reveal about her.
Accessioned and minimally processed by Benjamin Bromley in August 2012.
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Ruth Thompson Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
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Diaries, scrapbooks, and letters, circa 1905-1919, of Ruth Thompson of Indianapolis, Indiana. Includes scrapbooks and diaries of Thompson's time at the Bradford Academy, a women's boarding school in Haverhill, Massachusetts. There are also diaries from after Thompson's graduation, when she returned to Indianapolis. These include entries about World War I, including newspaper clippings of people from her area who were drafted. Finally, there are letters written to Thompson by various people.
This series contains diaires kept by Ruth Thompson during her years in high school in Indiana as well as on trips to California, including the 1915 World's Fair in San Francisco. Some of the other topics discussed in her diaries include attending the Bradford Academy, visiting relatives, World War I, and the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic.
Brief descriptions of fun times, including parties, luncheons, and picnics, illustrated with many items that are glued or pinned to pages, such as dance cards, ticket stubs, and "my first telegram" (December 1905); also includes a list of Christmas gifts received. 1 volume, 7 x 9 inches, partially held together with red ribbon.
Descriptions of fun times and attendees, illustrated with ticket stubs, place cards, dance cards, calling cards, and programs; includes lists of Christmas gifts received in 1906 and 1907. In the summer of 1907, Ruth visits relatives in Cincinnati and Paducah, traveling between the two cities by steamer on the Ohio River. She also spends a month with the Montgomerys (the family of schoolmate Winona) at Lake Wawasee in Indiana. 1 volume, 7 x 8½ inches, partially held together with ribbon and thread.
Descriptions of fun times, illustrated with calling cards, dance cards, ticket stubs, programs and cast lists, and other mementos. In her junior year at Tudor Hall, Ruth attends the Senior Prom, the Junior Dance, and other dances. Ruth spends two weeks in the summer with Winona at Lake Wawasee. 1 volume, 7 x 8½ inches, held together with a gold and white braided cord.
In addition to daily activities, Ruth mentions events during her senior year at Tudor Hall, such as winning the office of secretary in school elections, resuming music lessons at a local School of Music, attending Junior and Senior dances, working on the school annual, being elected president of the Junior King's Daughters, and upon graduation being elected recording secretary of the Alumnae. She visits her brothers at Purdue University and a former schoolmate at DePauw University and goes with some friends to visit another friend in Williamsport. In the year following graduation, she does not go to college but instead takes up watercolor painting, attends a series of lectures, and enrolls in a literature class. In September 1909 Ruth and her parents move into a six-room flat on Talbot Avenue and rent out their house on North Meridian, the boys having gone back to college. 1 volume, 7 x 8½ inches, with lined sheets, two-hole punched, and held together with red string; 215 pages (every tenth page number is penciled in).
In addition to routine activities, Ruth frets about what school to attend in the fall; observes Halley's comet; spends a month with Uncle Charles, Aunt Louise, and their twin boys in Winnetka, IL; learns to play bridge; and returns to Williamsport to visit a friend. She describes this as "a fairly well kept diary", indicating that she "could have told some things more and more interestingly but this is not a story just record of a few events in a part of year." Bound volume, 5 x 7½ inches, with lined paper; 228 pages.
Ruth enrolls in Bradford Academy, in Haverhill, MA, after a trip with her mother by train to Newport News, VA, and coastal steamer to Boston. She describes school activities, including Literature, Bible, Government, Botany, Psychology, English, and French classes; tennis, swimming, hockey, bowling, volleyball, basketball, and tobogganing; church, vespers, and Christian Union; outings to Salisbury Beach, Bretton Woods (NH), and Whittier's home; concerts and lectures, and her participation in a school play. On school breaks and weekend trips, Ruth visits friends and relatives in Bennington (VT), Boston, and New York City. She travels home to Indianapolis at Christmas to find that the family has moved back to North Meridian Street and to help host her brother Harold's wedding. Before returning to Indianapolis after the spring term, Ruth attends a camp at Silver Bay on Lake George in New York. Front cover: Record. Inside front cover: Book II / Ruth Thompson / Sep 1st – 1910 / ending with / July 30 – 1911 [actually the 31st] / My year at / Bradford / Acadamy. Bound volume, 5 x 7½ inches, with lined paper; 226 pages, plus an inserted, folded sheet, numbered 227.
Ruth chronicles her final year at Bradford Academy, where she takes Astronomy, Government, Sociology, Art history, Bible, and Literature; participates in a debate, a play, various sports and outdoor activities; goes on outings to Salisbury Beach, Georgetown, Boston, Wellesley, Rockport, and Gloucester; attends concerts and lectures, church, vespers and Christian Union, and various graduation events also attended by her mother. Missing from the diary are entries for November 19 through December 31, 1911, a period that includes the Thanksgiving holiday, the death of Ruth's father back in Indianapolis, and her trip home. Upon returning to school in the New Year and resuming her diary, Ruth grieves for her father and spends much time making up assignments and exams missed due to her early departure before Christmas. After graduation Ruth visits friends and relatives in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and New York City, though this itinerary is described only in brief notes on two loose sheets inserted in the diary. Front cover: Record. Inside front cover: Book III / Ruth Elizabeth Thompson / 2022 N. Mer. St. / Indianapolis / Indiana / Her book and not to be / read by any intruding / soul / August 1 – 1911 / ending with . . . Bound volume, 5 x 7½ inches, with lined paper; 226 pages; pages 52-69 and 179 to the end are blank; two loose sheets are inserted in back, with scribbled notes of activities for about June 3 through July 7, 1912.
Ruth describes a two-month trip (August–October 1912) to California with her mother to visit relatives in San Francisco and Los Angeles, with excursions to numerous other sites and a brief visit with relatives in Winnetka (IL) before returning home. Back in Indianapolis, in addition to routine and social activities, Ruth dances in a play; attends an art class, a current events class, and meetings of a Camp Fire Girls committee and the King's Daughters; teaches a Sunday school class; and gives sewing lessons to five-year-old girls at a settlement house. She gets medical treatments for an unnamed condition, experiences a nervous rave, and has tonsillitis. In June 1913 Ruth visits friends in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, and attends graduation and alumnae events at Bradford Academy. In the fall she begins seeing Frank Richards, Fred Shafer, and John Darlington, in addition to other male friends. The main diary is located in Folder 8. In addition to the bound volume (last entry: April 26, 1913), there are separate sheets of lined, three-hole paper, 5 x 8 inches, partially held together by a white ribbon, with entries covering intermittently the period from June 10 through December 1913. This addition is located in Folder 9.
Ruth describes a two-month trip (August–October 1912) to California with her mother to visit relatives in San Francisco and Los Angeles, with excursions to numerous other sites and a brief visit with relatives in Winnetka (IL) before returning home. Back in Indianapolis, in addition to routine and social activities, Ruth dances in a play; attends an art class, a current events class, and meetings of a Camp Fire Girls committee and the King's Daughters; teaches a Sunday school class; and gives sewing lessons to five-year-old girls at a settlement house. She gets medical treatments for an unnamed condition, experiences a nervous rave, and has tonsillitis. In June 1913 Ruth visits friends in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, and attends graduation and alumnae events at Bradford Academy. In the fall she begins seeing Frank Richards, Fred Shafer, and John Darlington, in addition to other male friends. The main diary is located in Folder 8. In addition to the bound volume (last entry: April 26, 1913), there are separate sheets of lined, three-hole paper, 5 x 8 inches, partially held together by a white ribbon, with entries covering intermittently the period from June 10 through December 1913. This addition is located in Folder 9.
In addition to routine activities, Ruth continues to teach Sunday school and attend meetings of the Camp Fire Girls committee, the King's Daughters, and the Junior Auxiliary. She joins a Government Science club. Ruth and a few of her girlfriends go to Winona Lake for a week of classes and lectures. Ruth and her mother spend about six weeks at Lake Maxinkuckee, where she swims, sails, plays tennis, and takes lessons in basket making. Numerous male friends call on Ruth and take her to dances, plays, and concerts. She worries about what to do with her life and about not having found the ideal man. She makes a little money by selling fruit jellies, handkerchiefs, and baskets. Loose sheets, lined, three-hole punched, 5 x 7¾ inches. Many items are glued in or punched in: newspaper clippings, programs, notes, ribbons, bridge scores.
In addition to routine activities, Ruth continues to teach Sunday school and attend meetings of the Camp Fire Girls committee, the King's Daughters, and the Junior Auxiliary. She joins a Government Science club. Ruth and a few of her girlfriends go to Winona Lake for a week of classes and lectures. Ruth and her mother spend about six weeks at Lake Maxinkuckee, where she swims, sails, plays tennis, and takes lessons in basket making. Numerous male friends call on Ruth and take her to dances, plays, and concerts. She worries about what to do with her life and about not having found the ideal man. She makes a little money by selling fruit jellies, handkerchiefs, and baskets. Loose sheets, lined, three-hole punched, 5 x 7¾ inches. Many items are glued in or punched in: newspaper clippings, programs, notes, ribbons, bridge scores.
Ruth mentions more activities with male friends. In March she takes the train to Kansas City to visit her Bradford classmate Margaret 'Peggy' Holmes. Ruth's mother meets Ruth in Kansas City, and they continue on to visit relatives in Los Angeles and San Francisco for nearly three months. In San Francisco they spend several days at the 1915 World's Fair. Upon returning home, Ruth suffers a bilious attack that keeps her in bed for nearly a month. It is diagnosed as appendicitis, but no surgery is scheduled. Ruth takes osteopathic treatments and hair treatments, and her activities are curtailed for the rest of the year. Loose sheets, lined, three-hole punched, 5 x 7¾ inches. The first sheet seems to have a reading list, by month, January through May, with titles, authors, and brief comments. Various items are glued in or punched in: invitations, notes, newspaper clippings, dance cards, ticket stubs.
Ruth continues to note health concerns, receives a series of xrays, gets reading glasses, and has her tonsils removed. There are numerous activities with male friends, notably Halleck Ranger and Frank Richards. Ruth and her mother move into an apartment for six months, giving their house over to neighbors whose house has burned down. They visit Ruth's brother Harold and his wife in Brazil, IN, and spend two months on vacation in Leland, MI, on Lake Michigan. Ruth joins a reading class and the Indiana Society of Mayflower Descendants. Worries about finances and the war in Europe occupy her thoughts. Loose sheets, lined, three-hole punched, 5 x 7¾ inches, partially held together by green ribbon. Various items are glued in or pinned in: invitations, notes, newspaper clippings, dance cards, place cards, programs.
Ruth continues to note health concerns, receives a series of xrays, gets reading glasses, and has her tonsils removed. There are numerous activities with male friends, notably Halleck Ranger and Frank Richards. Ruth and her mother move into an apartment for six months, giving their house over to neighbors whose house has burned down. They visit Ruth's brother Harold and his wife in Brazil, IN, and spend two months on vacation in Leland, MI, on Lake Michigan. Ruth joins a reading class and the Indiana Society of Mayflower Descendants. Worries about finances and the war in Europe occupy her thoughts. Loose sheets, lined, three-hole punched, 5 x 7¾ inches, partially held together by green ribbon. Various items are glued in or pinned in: invitations, notes, newspaper clippings, dance cards, place cards, programs.
Ruth writes much about her relationship with Frank Richards; they talk of marriage, but he resists during wartime; he eventually enlists and goes off to camp. War preoccupies everyone; Ruth joins the Red Cross; her brother Harold gets a military position in Washington, DC; after marrying Lucille Thomas in July, brother Lyman is drafted, transfers to various camps, and eventually gets a position in Washington with Harold. Ruth researches, writes, and reads two papers to her Government Science Club, attends a King's Daughters convention in Terre Haute, and participates in a 'pageant'. Financial concerns cause Ruth and her mother to rent out their house and move temporarily into a room near the city, before leaving to spend 2½ months on vacation in Leland, MI. They return to their house in Indianapolis but think of selling it. Ruth visits her brother Lyman when he is in camp near Louisville. She complains about fatigue and nerves, spends time in bed with a 'cold on [her] lungs', and suffers a sprained rib caused by coughing. Loose sheets, lined, three-hole punched, 5 x 7¾ inches, partially held together by string. Various items are glued in: newspaper clippings, a program, ticket stubs, an invitation, a postcard, a calendar.
Ruth travels back east over the holiday season to visit friends in Marblehead, New Haven, and Poughkeepsie. In January she joins her mother in Washington, DC, visiting her brothers and sisters-in-law and sightseeing. There is much war news; back in Indianapolis Ruth continues Red Cross work and attends parties for officers; her two brothers and Frank Richards are sent to Europe, though not to the front lines; Ruth goes to work for the sugar division of the government's rationing administration, but the job ends shortly after the armistice. Ruth mentions social occasions involving a number of male friends, while continuing to express a special concern for, and commitment to, Frank Richards. Ruth and her mother rent out their house once again and move into a flat. The influenza epidemic arrives. Ruth hopes to find another job and looks forward to the return of the men from overseas. Three-ring binder, lined paper, 5 x 7¾ inches. Various items are inserted or glued in: business cards, photograph, newspaper clippings, menu.
"To the one that broke my nose"; describes impression Ruth made on her visit to Lyman's college.
Mentions places and people Ruth is visiting in the east, as well as her attendance at a class reunion.
Mentions Fred's recent visit and "this horrid war", and asks about his plans for a new lock.
Reports on time in San Francisco and at the Exposition and on plans for her return home; comments on her relationship with J.H.D.
Acknowledges Ruth's arrival in Boston and then Marblehead; mentions enclosing a letter from F.R.
Acknowledges that Ruth is invited to spend Xmas in Marblehead with Portia; announces intention to send $25 so Ruth can buy a ticket to Washington.
Advises Ruth to consider carefully whether to stay for Xmas; acknowledges Ruth's Red Cross work, which could be continued in Washington. [3 x 5 card]
Hopes Mother Thompson will come to Washington soon; mentions Harold working in Berwich and going back and forth to Philadelphia and Washington.
Mentions plans to go to Washington and intention to send Ruth a check for $25. [3 x 5 card]
Describes Suzanne as alone and anxious to have them in Washington; intends to arrive Saturday 4pm; mentions Ruth's plans for Xmas and tells her to expect a small package.
"I don't think 'Uncle Sam' will mind if I steel [sic] a few minutes"; inquires about his 'Flu'.
Mentions her birthday, August 4, age 29; characterizes friendship with FPS as unique; describes conditions at the camp; mentions Mother's trip to California, and hoping to see FPS in September.
Mentions that Harold also is taking a forced vacation.
1891 August 4 Ruth Elizabeth Thompson is born to Elizabeth Hubbard Thompson and Evert M. Thompson, with older brothers Harold and Lyman. By 1905 the family is residing in a house on North Meridian Street in Indianapolis.
1905 April Ruth begins keeping a 'memory book', while attending Tudor Hall School for Girls in Indianapolis. August Ruth goes to camp at Lake Maxinkuckee in Indiana.
1907 June/July Ruth visits relatives in Cincinnati and Paducah. August Ruth spends a month with the family of her schoolmate Winona Montgomery at Lake Wawasee in Indiana.
1908 July/August Ruth spends two weeks with Winona's family at Lake Wawasee.
December 3 Ruth begins music lessons at the Metropolitan School of Music, Indianapolis.
Describes his trip home and their relationship at [camp].
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's letter, and expresses his wish to go to Camp Maxinkuckee next year if Ruth will be there.
The envelope contains three letters and a folded note. (1) Mentions Mr. Ott reading to Papa, her [Mother] going to church with Grandfather, and the boys being gone all day. (2) "So you fell out of a wagon". (3) Acknowledges receiving Ruth's letter telling of the "Cramps"; mentions Harold's attraction to Susanne, and possibly having to buy a horse, if the auto is sold; "don't get crazy about boys, for they are not worth being crazy about". (Note) "Papa has a secret to tell you when you get home".
Describes taking Papa out on the porch, reading to him, and putting him to bed.
"Esteemed friend Ruth"; expresses hope that Ruth will continue to correspond with him; mentions having spent five enjoyable days with her on a boat.
Mentions losing sleep over a Chinese puzzle; teases Ruth about learning to write and forgetting her heathen customs.
"My dear friend"; expresses pleasant memories of their trip last summer; mentions pictures he apparently was enclosing.
Mentions Ruth's departure yesterday, and Harold's helping with Papa.
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's first note. [postcard]
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's second letter. [postcard]
Mentions a horse Ruth had.
Describes Lyman singing in a show, and automobile rides with Papa. [postcard]
Acknowledges that Ruth is at Wawasee Lake with the Montgomerys for two weeks.
Mentions studying hard and hearing "his fatness speak" at a Republican rally.
Informs Ruth of an invitation to an Omega Xi dance on New Year's night; describes school work.
1909 Jan 30-Feb 1 Ruth visits her brothers at Purdue University in Lafayette, IN.
June 2 Ruth graduates from Tudor Hall School for Girls.
July 19-23 Ruth and some friends visit another friend in Williamsport, IN.
September The Thompson family moves into a flat on Talbot Avenue and rents out their house on North Meridian.
October 16-17 Ruth visits her brothers at Purdue University.
December 11-13 Ruth visits her friend Winona at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN.
1910 May 26 Ruth sees Halley's Comet.
June/July Ruth spends a month with her Uncle Charles, Aunt Louise, and their twin boys in Winnetka, near Chicago.
July 27-30 Ruth and some friends visit another friend in Williamsport, IN.
September Ruth enrolls in a two-year program at Bradford Academy, in Haverhill, MA. Her classes are Literature, Bible, Government, Botany, Psychology, English, and French.
November Ruth spends the Thanksgiving holiday with a classmate in Bennington, VT.
Dec/Jan Ruth spends the holiday season in Indianapolis, where the family has moved back to North Meridian Street.
December 31 Ruth's brother Harold marries Suzanne Robertson.
1911 March/April Ruth spends her two-week spring vacation with friends and relatives near and in New York City.
June 19-30 Before returning to Indianapolis for the summer, Ruth attends a camp at Silver Bay, NY.
August 8-14 Ruth visits her friend Leila in Williamsport, IN.
September Ruth goes back to Haverhill, MA, for her second year at Bradford Academy. Her classes are Astronomy, Government, Sociology, Art history, Bible, and Literature.
November Ruth spends the Thanksgiving holiday with friends near and in Boston.
December Ruth's father dies; she returns to Indianapolis for the funeral and the holiday season.
"My Dear Miss Thompson"; regrets having to decline an invitation for May 31, when he'll be taking exams.
Acknowledges Ruth's having finished school and advises her to go on to another, since college can be much fun.
Describes his experience at school, his leaving school early, and a bad storm.
Expresses his happiness; describes the Cotton Carnival.
Describes being back at school; sympathizes with Ruth for having to move into a flat.
Describes attending football games and victory celebrations.
Announces his engagement.
Mentions that he is still building bridges, and that he is sending Ruth $2 for her birthday.
Congratulates Ruth on how she handles money; describes getting Papa fed and comfortable.
Wishes Ruth a grand time during her visit to Adelaide's home; encloses a letter from Lyman in Randolph, Missouri.
Describes her Thanksgiving Day; advises Ruth to avoid early marriage; acknowledges Ruth's visit to Bald Pate; encloses a letter from Lyman in Randolph, Missouri, who mentions finishing another bridge.
Asks Ruth to write about her time visiting Mrs. Williams, with Portia, Adelaide, and Helen; lists recipients of Xmas gifts; encloses a postcard from Lyman in Randolph, Missouri.
Letter from Suzanne, back in Indianapolis. 1912 March/April Ruth spends her spring vacation with friends in Winter Hill, MA.
Mentions Ruth's departure on the 10 o'clock train, buying a fur collar and muff, and writing a letter to Miss Knott [principal of Bradford Academy], "just as we had it sketched".
Describes missing Papa, who had died [in December]; acknowledges Ruth's message about delays on her train.
Inquires if Ruth is satisfied with the underwear she had sent. [postcard]
Acknowledges June 19 as the date of Ruth's graduation; declares her intention to reach Bradford about June 15.
More about underwear.
Apologizes for not writing, apparently because of a "burnt house". [postcard]
Writes about Papa's lengthy illness and "beautiful death"; expects Lyman to return to work soon; declares her burned house to be nearly repaired; inquires about Ruth's part in a play.
Mentions that, after helping with the burned house, Lyman has been called back to work.
Announces intention to go to Cincinnati in March for two weeks; discusses plans for her trip to Bradford; acknowledges Ruth's having gained five pounds.
Acknowledges Ruth's experience at Wellesley and at a "Grand Opera".
Mentions intention to send Ruth a check.
Describes being in Franklin for four days.
Mentions having sent a check for $25.
Describes working on Ruth's new blue dress.
Declares intention to send Ruth some material for the sewing bee; mentions Ruth's grades.
Declares intention to send Ruth some material for the sewing bee; mentions Ruth's grades.
Announces she will be at Aunt Anna's in Cincinnati next week; advises Ruth to accept Helen's invitation.
Acknowledges having received Ruth's laundry. [postcard]
More about working on Ruth's new dress and about plans for the trip east in June.
Announces plan to go to Cincinnati on Friday and stay possibly through Easter; asks for Ruth's thoughts on traveling to California for two months next summer.
Mentions doing embroidery on Ruth's new dress; wishes Ruth a nice vacation at Helen's.
Sends Helen, Sam, and John R [baby] Douglas her love; encloses a letter from Suzanne, back in Indianapolis.
June 19 Ruth graduates from Bradford Academy, with her mother attending. Ruth visits friends and relatives in New England and New York City, before returning to Indianapolis in July.
Sept/Oct Ruth and her mother visit relatives in California.
December Ruth begins teaching a Sunday school class for young girls.
Announces intention to leave for home on April 9, and asks if that is when Ruth will return to Bradford.
Declares intention to leave for home tomorrow; writes that Ruth's blue dress will be beautiful.
Acknowledges Ruth's "restful vacation" at Helen's and her expectation that the new term won't be so hard.
Mentions Lyman's plans for a cottage, the proposed California trip, Ruth's classes, and her photo.
Mentions the Senior Banquet at Bradford Academy, Ruth's dresses, the Titanic, and problems with properties and tenants.
Gives Ruth permission to attend the Senior Dance; acknowledges Ruth's acceptance of California trip; discusses the house and its occupants.
Assures Ruth she'll have her new dress in time.
Declares intention to mail Ruth's new dress. [postcard]
Mentions returning Ruth's photos and the effect of losing Papa.
Mentions sending Ruth her laundry and the date she [Mother] plans to begin her trip east.
Informs Ruth of their membership in the "Dep. Club".
Announces intention of sending Ruth money; encloses some Coe family genealogy; discusses the itinerary for her trip east to Ruth's graduation.
Relays story of two girls who got in trouble playing "Hookey". [postcard]
Discusses how Ruth is related to Margaret Holmes; wonders about the family's living arrangements.
Mentions visitors, osteopaths, and dresses.
Declares Ruth's graduation dress to be beautiful; mentions Aunt Anna being in the hospital.
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's grades; more on plans for her trip east.
Writes that this will be about the last letter to Bradford; encloses Mrs. McMurray's invitation [3 x 5 card]; suggests persons to receive commencement invitations; tells Ruth not to expect presents for her "second graduation".
1913 January/April Ruth gets medical treatments for an unnamed condition, experiences a nervous rave, and has tonsillitis.
June Ruth travels back east to visit friends and attend graduation and alumnae events at Bradford Academy.
Fall Ruth begins seeing Frank Richards, Fred Shafer, and John Darlington, in addition to other male friends.
1914 March 26 Ruth begins attending meetings of a Government Science club.
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's card; discusses pictures he will send her of a wreck they had seen.
Mentions sending the pictures in spite of not hearing from Ruth; more about the incident on the train to California.
Much about a dreadful flood.
Acknowledges what Ruth has written about her trip back east; mentions Lyman's interest in Margaret. Date is noted on back of last page.
Mentions Ruth's departure today, on a trip that will be "the climax of your Bradford chapter"; discusses finances; advises Ruth to learn how to cook when she returns home.
More on Ruth's experiences back east. Date is noted on back of last page.
More on Ruth's trip back east.
Asks Ruth to tell him what Peggy [Margaret] thinks of him.
Advises Ruth not to become a go-between for Lyman and Peggy. Date is noted on back of last page.
Relays how he feels about Margaret.
Mentions that she will send this in care of Esther. Date is noted on back of last page.
Acknowledges that Ruth has been to Poughkeepsie and New York; mentions that this will be the last letter posted to Bradford.
"Dear friend Ruth"; mentions her visit to Oak Glen "that October".
Regrets not being able to accept an invitation for April 3.
Writes of his arrival and his work.
Discusses working on designs for a new latch; mentions Ruth being in Gertrude's wedding.
Mentions the wedding, his designs for locks and hinges, and how he misses Indianapolis.
Instructs Ruth to do nothing about the plastering; mentions her itinerary. [postcard]
Expresses sympathy for a death in Ruth's family.
Writes of being on a sales trip, selling locks.
Announces he will be coming to Indianapolis on Sunday.
June/July Ruth and some friends go to Winona Lake for a week of classes and lectures.
Mentions his arrival and visiting a tobacco factory; regrets missing the dance last night; relates that his father is letting him go to a commencement and to Hyannis Port.
Mentions receiving Ruth's scrapbook, "a corker"; describes his trip.
Describes his five days at Princeton for a reunion and graduation, on his way to Hyannisport; encloses an envelope with a "picture of boat I am on".
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's card, and her return next Thursday.
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's "long letter"; describes his time and accommodations in Hyannisport.
Mentions canning six quarts of cherries. [postcard]
Mentions Lyman's visit for dinner.
Instructs Ruth to look out for Uncle Charles, who'll be in Winona this week. [postcard]
Discusses getting two contracts on a successful trip; mentions Ruth being back in Indianapolis on the second and his arrival there on the third.
On two 3 x 5 cards. Acknowledges getting Ruth's postcard, but thinks he deserves more than that; describes his activities.
Acknowledges receiving her letter; regrets his father won't allow visitors at Hyannisport.
Speculates that Ruth is now at Lake Maxinkuckee; discusses being busy, getting more contracts; informs Ruth that "the latch string is out", if she is in the vicinity.
July/Sept Ruth and her mother vacation at Lake Maxinkuckee.
Fall Ruth makes a little money by selling fruit jellies, handkerchiefs, and baskets.
Remembers that it's Ruth's birthday; mentions his activities, and the war; encloses a New York Times clipping with a picture of a wedding party; signs: "John Hardenburgh".
Acknowledges receiving her letter; regrets she has been sick; describes his activities.
Regrets he cannot accept an invitation.
Regrets he cannot accept her invitation for the weekend.
Announces his departure for New York on the 24th, and his intention to send Ruth some chrysalises.
Announces his intention to send three chrysalids, which should be butterflies in about a week; provides his New York address.
Announces his intention to go to Washington tomorrow or Saturday.
Declares he will be glad to see Ruth.
Acknowledges her welcomed letter; discusses his work with locks and hinges.
Declares that her "fine letter. . .rings so much like a true friend". In the same envelope is apparently a draft of the letter Ruth had sent Fred, in which she mentions their "tramp" the previous Sunday and her auto trip with friends to Brazil, Indiana.
Much about her activities and their relationship.
Describes his mood as "in the dumps" and business as "on the blink".
1915 March 12-23 Ruth travels to Kansas City to visit her Bradford classmate Margaret 'Peggy' Holmes.
March/June Ruth and her mother travel to California to visit relatives and attend the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco.
June 22-30 Ruth and her mother spend a week with Harold and Suzanne at their new home in Brazil, IN.
August Ruth spends most of the month in bed recovering from bilious attacks.
October 15 Ruth is diagnosed with appendicitis and soon begins osteopathic treatments.
Extends "my best" to the Holmes family; mentions Harold and Suzanne in Brazil [Indiana].
Mentions California trip. [postcard]
Mentions Lyman's interest in Ruth H.
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's long letter; more on Lyman and Ruth Hargrave.
Expresses his love for Ruth, and his not giving up hope, in spite of "that stone heart of yours"; speculates about possibly selling Oldsmobiles, if he can get the money to buy a demonstrator.
More on his love for Ruth.
"I wish I could be out with you."
More about Lyman and Ruth H; expresses interest in Mary.
Discusses Mary; mentions that Lyman has taken Helen to a dance.
Acknowledges Ruth's letter from California.
1916 January Ruth undergoes a series of xrays.
February 23 Halleck Ranger comes to call, their relationship grows, but Ruth ends it in July.
March 16 Ruth and her mother move into an apartment for six months, while renting their house to neighbors whose house has burned down.
March 21 Ruth goes to Brazil for a two-week stay with Harold and Suzanne.
April Ruth joins the Indiana Society of Mayflower Descendants.
June 15 - July 9 Three more weeks in Brazil.
July/September Ruth and her mother spend two months on vacation in Leland, MI, on Lake Michigan.
October 14 Ruth's tonsils are removed.
Fall Ruth's relationship with Frank Richards intensifies; Ruth and her mother worry about finances.
Enclosed are five small photos.
Expresses hope that he and Lyman will be able to visit next week.
Asks permission to call on her tomorrow.
Inquires about her safe arrival; "my ear still burns".
"Dearest and Sweetest"; discusses a recent visit, and expresses his love and affection.
"My dear Rose"; doubts he should visit this Saturday; suggests he is "in process of being reasoned out of single life". In the same envelope is apparently a draft of a letter Ruth wrote to Halleck in reply, suggesting they "quiet down" and be friends awhile, for his love has not yet aroused hers; "how in a muddle my poor thoughts do get– words can be such jesters and make the so seem not, and the not seem so."
Regrets not being able to visit Sunday, because he had sprained his back cranking his Ford.
"Beautiful Rose"; suggests it's best that he not visit Saturday, because he's caught a cold; mentions his financing, her reading circle, and pleasant memories of her.
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's letter, and regrets not being able to visit, because of business matters.
Asks permission to call on her next Saturday; "yours with a bow, a kiss, and a squeeze".
Warns her that this might hurt her feelings; discusses girls' idea of marriage, his sacrifices for her, her refusal to make love; declares that her friendship is sought, but not right away, and that time is needed to get over it all.
"Lover Mine"; "would that I were with [you] to brush away the tears"; "Dearest the first and last embrace gives me promise of the future joys with my guiding angel". In the same envelope is apparently a draft of a letter Ruth wrote to Halleck in reply: "quick, dear H, before it hurts too much, let me go. It cannot be"; she writes that she hopes to see him before she leaves Monday for the North, when he must tell her she is right.
Mentions he is on vacation and will be home next Monday.
"My dear Sweetheart"; suggests they drop the matter of marriage and simply be dear friends, for there is no need to hurry. Inserted in the envelope apparently is Ruth's list of her contacts with Halleck.
Mentions Ruth's birthday the previous Friday; discusses his work in a lumber office.
Announces that her doctor won't let her travel to Leland because she is three months pregnant.
1917 March 28-30 Ruth attends a King's Daughters convention in Terre Haute, IN.
May 11 Preoccupied with war news, Ruth begins volunteering with the Red Cross.
June 1-8 Ruth and her mother spend a week visiting relatives in Cincinnati, OH, and Greensburg, IN.
June 9 Having rented out their house again, Ruth and her mother take a room in a home just outside Indianapolis, for four weeks.
July 11 Ruth's brother Lyman marries Lucille Thomas.
July/Sept Ruth and her mother vacation at Leland, MI. They hear that Lyman has been drafted and Harold and Suzanne have arrived in Washington, DC, where he takes a position in the War Department.
Discusses his relationship with Lucile; asks Ruth to see that pictures he has ordered for Lucille are delivered.
Encloses money for the pictures and for Ruth to buy Easter flowers for Lucile; mentions he has sold his third "station", for $342.
"Never sent"; invites Frank to an Easter service, and wonders why he won't go; expresses her desire to understand what he thinks, how he feels; mentions the kiss she had given him as an Easter present.
Announces getting his eighth "victim", for $407; writes that Lucile wants the wedding to be in July; thinks the "militia" will get Frank, but Lyman's eyes will make him immune for now.
Lists which clothes Ruth should send him; thanks Ruth for all she's done, and encloses $1 for her troubles.
Asks Ruth to send his bank book and check book, and to buy a silver frame for Lucile.
Discusses Frank: his being mad at both of them, whether he's been called out yet, his car; writes that he's glad Mother has rented the house for the summer and planned to get away from Indianapolis.
Thanks Ruth for the water pitcher she gave them, and for giving up part of her vacation to help with their wedding.
Encloses Ruth's certificate for completing a course on the preparation of surgical dressings.
Asks Ruth, due to her excellent record, to make her "Washington box" as soon as possible.
Writes that the National Guard is being called up, but he's still heard nothing "from the exemption"; mentions that he's still welding at the "P. O. L."
[Appears to be a handwritten transcription of a telegram]; informs Lyman that Harold is trying to arrange his promotion to sergeant and change from drafted to enlisted status, as well as a temporary transfer to the Rock Island Arsenal, as a welding foreman.
Acknowledges sending a recommendation to Washington.
Acknowledges receiving her letter; discusses his experience in the military, with expectations of being sent to France; expresses regrets at not being able to visit Leland, but hopes for seeing Ruth before he's sent east.
October 18-22 Ruth visits her brother Lyman at Camp Taylor, near Louisville, shortly before he is transferred to Rock Island, IL. In November he is ordered to Washington, a move Harold has been working for.
October Having told Ruth he doesn't think they should marry during wartime, Frank Richards enlists and leaves for camp in Hattiesburg, MS.
November Ruth complains about fatigue and nerves, spends time in bed with a 'cold on [her] lungs', and suffers a sprained rib caused by coughing.
December Ruth travels back east to spend the holidays with friends in New England and New York.
1918 January Ruth joins her mother in Washington, DC, where both her brothers are stationed; back in Indianapolis she continues her work with the Red Cross.
May 31 Lyman and Lucille have a son, Thomas Hubbard Thompson.
July 1 Ruth learns that Harold has arrived safely in France; he went with 225 men, whom he had equipped, but he is safely behind the lines.
Chronology after the letters:
November Ruth has a position with the sugar division of the government's rationing administration.
November 11 The war is over. Presumably, Frank Richards has arrived in England. Ruth learns that Lyman will go to France with the Motor Transport Corps.
November 14 Having rented out their house once again, Ruth and her mother move into a flat.
November 18 Ruth's job ends, and her Red Cross work is over; she will look for a new job. The flu germ has arrived. There is much news of the Kaiser, Germany, and peace.
1920 August Ruth is an instructor of girls at Pinewood Camp, Brutus, MI. [This is the last these papers reveal about her.]
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's sample box of surgical dressings; informs her that an inspection report has been sent to the division supervisor, who will issue Ruth's instructor's certificate.
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's note; discusses life in camp.
About her father's death and consequences.
Discusses the duties of his unit; hints that Lucile is pregnant; speculates he'll be sent to France in February.
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's surgical dressings; informs her she'll need to take "intensive training" before receiving an instructor's card.
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's letter; mentions having a "wonderful vacation. . .[in] our canvas tents".
Expresses regrets for not getting to say goodbye before leaving yesterday; describes his duties on the train, heading to Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Mississippi; mentions her "foolish idea" about his crossing a street to avoid her.
Mentions receiving a letter from Lyman, saying he likes it fine at Rock Island; asks permission to call on her when he gets a pass to go home.
Speculates that Ruth's train was late arriving in Boston; hopes all is well in Marblehead.
Mentions Lucile's arrival at noon, with news that Lyman probably will leave the 15th and sail from Hoboken on the 18th, expecting to return in a couple of months.
Mentions cold weather, planning a Xmas party, and her YWCA duties for the war effort.
Acknowledges receiving only the letter Ruth wrote on the train.
Writes from the train about being late arriving in Washington, and having sent a package to Ruth. [postcard]
Assumes that Ruth will go to Esther's tomorrow; describes Lyman and Lucile's quarters in Washington, and her [Mother's] Xmas with Harold, Suzanne, Lyman and Lucile.
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's note; expresses regrets that Ruth won't be there for his wedding.
Acknowledges receiving Ruth's letter describing her "lovely Xmas" and plans to visit Esther Jones and Adelaide; mentions plans for Ruth's stay in Washington; encloses a note from Suzanne.
There are two letters in the envelope. (1) Describes activities in Washington. (2) Informs Ruth that, about two weeks after she arrives in Washington, they will return home [to Indianapolis].
[On stationery of the U.S. Public Health and Marine-Hospital Service, Louisville, Kentucky] Affirms that he is enclosing a letter of introduction to Dr. H. E. Barnard, in hopes that she might secure a position in his department.
About a dozen writing assignments dated 1905 and 1908, with teachers' marks and comments. I volume, 7 x 8½ inches, lined paper, two-hole punched, partially held together with string and ribbon.
Some of Ruth's friends enter responses to various inquiries: Name & address, Nicknames, Birthday, Age, Of what descent, General appearance, Color of eyes and hair, Candid opinion of yourself, Motto, Favorite expression, One ambition in life, Favorite sports, School you like best, College you like best, Frat or sorority you like best, Your best accomplishment, Latest fad, Ever had your fortune told?, What did they tell you?, Date you wrote in here. The respondents are John Baker, Dorothy Pray, Erna Francke, Gladys Bocknatter(?), Mary Johnston (New York City), Mary Winona Montgomery, Sylvia Johnston (Connersville(?), Ind.), Alexander Walton (Wyoming, Ohio), Callie Ballard (Watkins, Colorado), Elnora Herzsch, Helen Eaglesfield (Woodruff), Eleanor Taylor, Ruth Hellekson, Portia Pratt, and Kurt Francke. [Those with no place noted are from Indianapolis.] Inside front cover: Ruth E. Thompson / 2018 N. Meridian St. / June 1, '07. Bound volume, softcover, 8 x 10 inches.
This volume contains a variety of accounts and lists. Most entries are not dated, but the dates noted are in the period 1913-1916. There are lists of novelties made and sold, apparently by Ruth and her mother, with prices. Among the items are sachets, handkerchiefs, garter purses, and fruit jellies. Lists of materials purchased include costs, and some invoices are inserted. There is a list of guests invited to a dance hosted by Ruth and her brother Lyman on April 3, 1914. Other lists possibly include guests at other parties, and there is a list of names with addresses. Inside front cover: Mrs Elizabeth H Thompson [Ruth's mother] / 629 N. Illinois St. / Indianapolis / Ind. Bound volume, lined paper, 7½ x 9¾ inches, with front and back covers broken free; pages are numbered to 98, but numerous leaves have been either cut out or left blank.
Each small photograph is a portrait of one or two individuals, none of whom is identified. The photographs were divided between two cut-off envelopes.
Envelope 1 contained ten strips of two to five photos each, including some duplicates. Handwritten, on the outside of Envelope 1: Battle Creek Mich / 3472-1. Stamped, on the outside of the Envelope 1: A Duplicate Set of 30 of these Pictures can be had at any time by sending the number on this envelope with 27c in 2c stamps to Morris Penny Picture Studio, Battle Creek, Mich. Handwritten, on the back of one of the strips of photos: Winona Lake Indiana / July 1905 / Ruth Thompson.
Envelope 2 contained eleven single photos and seven strips of two or five photos each, including some duplicates. Handwritten, on the outside of Envelope 2: To always keep / 3489-3. Stamped, on the outside of Envelope 2: [same as on Envelope 1] Handwritten, on the back of one of the strips of photos: Battle Creek Michigan / August 1905 / Ruth Thompson. Handwritten, on the back of another strip: Indianapolis Indiana / January 1906 / Ruth Thompson.
Four of Ruth's report cards from the Tudor Hall School for Girls.The report cards record monthly attendance and grades for October through May. Mrs. E. M. Thompson signed the reports every month except May.
Included in the envelope are a card naming the speaker and a card listing the fourteen class members.
With an image of a girl dressed in orange and yellow; the date handwritten on the back.
Attached is a newspaper clipping with the wedding announcement.
With an image of a girl dressed in pink; handwritten, inside: For Iris
With an image of a black cat; handwritten, on the back: Table 2.
One with an attached pencil.
Unsigned
Shubert Murat Theatre / Tuesday Evening, April Twenty-First / Nineteen hundred fourteen / Mme. Luisa Tetrazzini.
Tudor Hall / School for Girls / Wednesday Evening, June the Third / Nineteen Hundred and Fourteen / Tabernacle Church / Indianapolis.
Week of September 14, 1914 / Oliver Morosco Presents / An Hawaiian Play / "The Bird of Paradise" / By Richard Walton Tully.
Indianapolis Maennerchor / Donnerstag Abend, den 31, December, 1914.
The Boys' Club Association / of Indianapolis / Presents Its / Annual Benefit Performance / "Secret Service" / A Drama in Four Acts / By William Gillette / Murat Theatre / Monday Evening, March the first / nineteen hundred and fifteen.
The Little Theatre Society of Indiana / Program / for the / Fourth Production / to be performed on / January 28, 29, and / February 4, 5, 11 and 12, 1916 / at the / John Herron Art Institute.
St. Paul's Church . . . / Good Friday / and Easter-Day, 1916.
The Ben Greet / Woodland Players . . . / Butler College Campus / June 8, 9 and 10 / 1916.
Ye Old Time Melodies Concert / Murat Theatre, Wednesday December 13th, Nineteen Hundred and Sixteen.
The Indianapolis Orchestra . . . / Sunday Afternoon, January 14, 1917.
Murat Theatre Indianapolis / Thursday, January 25th, 1917.
The Little Theatre Society of Indiana / Sixth Production / Tuesday, April Tenth / Nineteen Hundred and Seventeen / Masonic Temple.
English's Opera House / Starting / Sunday, April 22 [1917] . . . / Geraldine Farrar / In a Photoplay in Two Parts / By Jeanie MacPherson / Based on the Life of Joan of Arc.
College of Musical Arts . . . / Given by Pupils / of / The Department of Expression . . . / College Hall / Saturday Evening, May Nineteenth, Nineteen Hundred and Seventeen.
Evenings of Aug. 22, and 23, 1917. Penciled on back: Black Related Vaudeville, Indianapolis.
Under the Auspices of / The Home Circle / of / Company K, 334th Regiment. [October 27, 1917?] Ruth and her mother are listed under Officers of Club.
The Little Theatre Society of Indiana / at Masonic Temple, Indianapolis, on / Wednesday Night, November 7, 1917 / The Drawing of the Sword / A Pageant of the Present / By Thomas Wood Stevens. 2 copies. Ruth is listed as a member of the cast. Attached to the second copy: An invitation to a reception and dance given by The Ninth Fort Benjamin Harrison Training Company, November 10, 1917, at the Company Barracks.
Scope and Contents One stamped MAR 30 '17, and the other undated.
9 items, including a map of the World's Fair [San Francisco, 1915]
Ruth Thompson, in account with Edna M. Giffin, Gowns.
Bradford Academy. [date penciled at bottom]
Indianapolis.
Leland.
By Ruth Thompson.
By Mrs. Mary Lowe Dickinson.
Written by a Hoosier, after escaping from Californy [sic].
From examination of plates, from talking to Dr. C's assistant, and to Drs. [?] and E. D. Clark. Mentions sagging of colon, an incompetent valve, an inflammation, and the possibility of surgery. Accompanying the memoranda is a sketch, perhaps anatomical, on an envelope.
3 pages.