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Discovering Ruth in an Antique Shop

Let me introduce you to Ruth Hackett. I don’t know her. I know her name and that she is a Tennessee nursing school graduate from 1932.

I most likely would have no knowledge of Ruth if I did not have a love for antiques or unusual finds at Antique Shops or Thrift Stores. And things that end up in my possession might possibly have sentimental value to someone. Or, so I think.

For example, discovered at a Thrift Store back in 1975, I have an old wooden box full of recipes that are handwritten. Included among the recipes are personal notes written from one friend to another many years ago.

Old Things | Life at Spring Meadows

Another treasure is an 1898 second grade primer from Toronto, Canada. I discovered the book inside the back corner of a 1920s radio cabinet I purchased at an auction while living in Maine. I spotted the old radio cabinet during the preview session before the auction began. I made a mental note to watch for the piece as I heard the sound of the auctioneer’s chant, signaling the start of the auction, so I took my seat. Several hours later, I had almost given up when I saw it. It was the last piece brought on the floor for bidding. I was the only bidder and won the beautiful cabinet for $6. I was ecstatic. Of all the items available that night, it was the only thing that caught my interest. After paying my $6, we discovered the 2nd grade primer and a Noritake Lemon Server in the back corner of the cabinet. I wonder if that could have changed the bidding.

Old Things | Life at Spring Meadows

And, of course, most of you know about my recent discovery of a handwritten and beautifully illustrated recipe book that I am researching to find the creator. So far, I have reason to believe her hometown was Fairhope, Alabama!

Old Things | Life at Spring Meadows

And somewhere along the way, I discovered “Ruth.”

A Nursing Certificate and a Journey

Recently, while cleaning and organizing my office, I discovered a nursing certificate awarded by the Tennessee Board of Examiners to a Ruth Hackett on December 20, 1932 when she graduated from nursing school. This is the original certificate that was most likely found tucked inside an old chest or dresser I purchased years ago.

Since I have traveled to many places throughout the United States with my husband’s work, I can’t even tell you where this came from or when! I do remember after discovering the certificate, positioning it between cardstock to protect the fragile document, then securely placing it on a top shelf in my office until time would allow me to research and learn more about the person named on the certificate.

Years passed and life became busy. The certificate became buried beneath other boxes stored for safe keeping. Out of sight and forgotten until this week when I “rediscovered” the certificate while rearranging the clutter on the top shelf.

Who is Ruth Hackett?

Gently removing the certificate from the aged pieces of cardstock, I knew another “fact-finding mission” was on the horizon. Even though the years since Ruth’s graduation mount up to around 83 and she was most likely around 20 at the time of graduation, chances of meeting with her are slim. However, perhaps someone in her family needs this and my goal is to return the certificate to them if possible.

In researching the internet, I found several records of people named Ruth Hackett. And, one of the most interesting discoveries while searching is an obituary of a dear lady who lived to the age of 103, and at age 101 wrote her first book! It reminded me of another author I met who published her first book when she was 84. I quote often what she said to me while encouraging me to finish my book, “You are never too old or too young to fulfill your life’s purpose.” Read more about Ruth Hackett Kitney from Fulton, New York. An impression story of a life well lived! Also, here is a link to her obituary that in my opinion shows that this beautiful lady did not sit around wondering what to do with her life even up to the time of her passing!

Of all the calls I made, I spoke with some of the most wonderful and kind people who were willing to help but yet no one knew the Ruth Hackett named on the certificate. My research resulted in a few addresses to which I will be sending a letter to see if anyone knows about Ruth or her family.

Please share this article and perhaps someone out there will be able to offer information that will lead me to the family of Ruth. I am sure this was a time-invested, hard-earned accomplishment by a young lady in the early 30s and some family member would enjoy proudly displaying this certificate on their wall.

Would it interesting and fun to be part of finding the original owner?

A Story to Tell

If I don’t find Ruth Hackett or her family, then I will frame the certificate and it will remain a keepsake on my hallway wall. I will think about Ruth and her life journey each time I pass.

Much of the joy in finding these items is the research and discovery of the original owners, learning their life stories. Sometimes, the research takes me on journeys where I meet the most wonderful people and discover things about life from years ago. So, what will we discover about Ruth? What will her story be? I look forward to the journey into her life.

Any suggestions?