To the Editor,
Currently 67 years old, I lived in Swarthmore from second grade until after I graduated from high school in 1971. I still own a home in town (rented out), although I have not lived in Swarthmore for decades. The home once belonged to Miss Irma Zimmer, and is located at 135 Ogden Ave.
In years gone by, long after I had left Swarthmore, I subscribed to the Swarthmorean, and I have just re-subscribed today.
I am writing regarding Miss Ruth Abbott, who was my second-grade teacher. It was long ago, but I have always remembered her New England accent and marveled at her telling us about sledding down snow-covered hills. In the spring, after the snow had melted, they would see huge rocks on those fields they had coasted down, which had been completely buried under the drifts.
Once, years later, when I was in medical school and riding the train into Philadelphia, Miss Abbott and I chanced to board at the same time. We sat and talked together.
I was amazed to learn that this diminutive, seemingly meek woman had not only attended college in New York City (I believe it was Columbia), but after graduation had apparently gone to Scandinavia by herself and spent some time there. Sometimes it is remarkable to find out what people have done!
I wish that I had had more contact with her. I always wanted to learn more, but the busy years went by and I never had the opportunity to talk to her again. In later years, I did telephone her a number of times, but there was no answer or answering machine.
Sadly, the only information after that came from reading her obituary in the Swarthmorean.
I am sure that it said she was from Lewiston, Maine. Interestingly, I now reside in New Hampshire. In my barn is a lovely antique sleigh which, by chance, has painted on the back an advertisement for a Boston Tea Company store in Lewiston, Maine.
One other piece of information I have is that she donated the funds or land to create what is now Gateway Park at the entrance to Swarthmore off of Baltimore Pike.
I would like to learn more about Miss Abbott’s history in Swarthmore. I also plan to contact the historical society covering Lewiston and hope to learn more about her family. But I would like to know as much as possible before contacting that historical society. Ultimately, I will most likely donate the sleigh to them in her memory.
If anyone versed in Swarthmore history might be able to tell more about her, I invite them to get in touch with me at awcygnus@yahoo.com.
Thank you very much!
Sincerely,
Arthur Walsh
Newport, New Hampshire
