RogerV
07-20-2007, 03:06 PM
Ruth Baumgardner was a 21 year-old Senior at Ohio Wesleyen University in the Spring of 1937. She was the daughter of a wealthy manufacturer, was engaged to a young man in her home town, and had received a brand-new 1937 Dodge convertible as an early graduation present from her parents. As far as anyone knew, she had no major problems or issues, though she had expressed concern that she might not have enough credits to graduate.
Late one evening in May, 1937 she left her sorority house to walk back to the dormitory where she slept in a single room (which must have been quite a rarity in 1937). The next day she failed to show up for classes, but was not reported as missing until almost 24 hours after she was last seen. Her dorm room was in perfect order and appeared to contain most of her personal effects. Her keys were found on the steps of the dormitory, and her car keys were in the car, which was still parked in its usual garage (yes, there was once a time when you could actually leave the keys in your car and still not have to worry about it being stolen).
The story was heavily covered by newspapers in the region, and both the police and a private investigator hired by Ruth's parents followed up every angle and lead. Finally, her parents asked the police to close the case in 1939.
I hope I'm not in violation of forum rules by bringing in a link to another discussion site (which I have NOT posted on), as it seems to be the easiest way to show what has already been discussed, and that people have been actively seeking new information, even at this very late date:
http://websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30193
It is interesting that many posters are of the opinion that Ruth disappeared intentionally, but I'm not sure I agree. She had only one outfit and a recently-purchased small overnight case with her and very little money. Unless she stockpiled supplies somewhere I can't believe the intentional disappearance theory.
The only thing I have been able to contribute in the way of research is to examine the layout of the University. The campus is long and narrow, and the "Fraternity Row" and "Sorority Row" (two separate rows) are at the western end. The dorm is at the extreme Northwest corner of the campus, and it would only be necessary to cross one street to be off campus completely. This also means that Ruth's walk from her Sorority house to her dorm was only slightly more than one block long.
I have a few other things to say, but at this point would like to hear what anyone else thinks of the very old but interesting case...
--Roger
Late one evening in May, 1937 she left her sorority house to walk back to the dormitory where she slept in a single room (which must have been quite a rarity in 1937). The next day she failed to show up for classes, but was not reported as missing until almost 24 hours after she was last seen. Her dorm room was in perfect order and appeared to contain most of her personal effects. Her keys were found on the steps of the dormitory, and her car keys were in the car, which was still parked in its usual garage (yes, there was once a time when you could actually leave the keys in your car and still not have to worry about it being stolen).
The story was heavily covered by newspapers in the region, and both the police and a private investigator hired by Ruth's parents followed up every angle and lead. Finally, her parents asked the police to close the case in 1939.
I hope I'm not in violation of forum rules by bringing in a link to another discussion site (which I have NOT posted on), as it seems to be the easiest way to show what has already been discussed, and that people have been actively seeking new information, even at this very late date:
http://websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30193
It is interesting that many posters are of the opinion that Ruth disappeared intentionally, but I'm not sure I agree. She had only one outfit and a recently-purchased small overnight case with her and very little money. Unless she stockpiled supplies somewhere I can't believe the intentional disappearance theory.
The only thing I have been able to contribute in the way of research is to examine the layout of the University. The campus is long and narrow, and the "Fraternity Row" and "Sorority Row" (two separate rows) are at the western end. The dorm is at the extreme Northwest corner of the campus, and it would only be necessary to cross one street to be off campus completely. This also means that Ruth's walk from her Sorority house to her dorm was only slightly more than one block long.
I have a few other things to say, but at this point would like to hear what anyone else thinks of the very old but interesting case...
--Roger