A Promising Life Interrupted

In the spring of 1937, Ruth Elizabeth Baumgardner was poised to graduate from Ohio Wesleyan University with a degree in art. A member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, she was known for her friendly demeanor and active participation in campus life. Living in room 319 of Austin Hall, Ruthie, as she was affectionately called, balanced her academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities, including preparing for a singing competition. Her future seemed bright, especially with a recent engagement to Harry Moore, a man from her hometown of Lakewood, Ohio. 

The Night of Disappearance

On May 4, 1937, Ruth's day appeared typical. She attended classes, practiced for her upcoming competition, and spent the evening studying. Around 11:00 p.m., she was seen by her sorority sisters in the dormitory's smoking room, dressed in a robe with her hair in curlers. She chatted briefly before returning to her room. This would be the last confirmed sighting of Ruth Baumgardner....Read More