Hesselgrave, Ruth Avaline

Ruth Avaline Hesselgrave (1897-1991), like her parents, attended Middlebury College (1914-1918). After graduating from Middlebury, she went on to receive Masters degrees from Middlebury College and Yale University. Charles E. Hesselgrave (1868-1921), Ruth's father (Middlebury, 1893) maintained his connection to the college throughout Ruth's childhood by teaching at summer sessions. In 1918 he went to Europe as secretary with the 26th Division in France (1918-1919). Upon his return, Charles and his wife, Susie Wilder Hesselgrave (1886-1951, Middlebury 1893) separated and subsequently were divorced in 1920. He subsequently married Anna deLacy Cary. At the same time Ruth Hesselgrave began her teaching career, chiefly spending 40 years teaching at Seymour High School, Seymour, Conn., and Warren Harding High School, Bridgeport, Conn. Ruth's mother, Susie Wilder Hesselgrave spent the remainder of her life living with her daughter in Connecticut. Ruth retired to Middlebury, Vt., in 1958, became active in the community, served as a librarian at Middlebury College, and was active in a number of groups and associations.

From the description of Ruth Hesselgrave papers, 1835-1984. (Sheldon Museum Research Center). WorldCat record id: 639337508