2025.05.22 THROW BACK THURSDAY - "RUTH" PLUS CLASS NEWS — Little Rock Central High School Class of 1956

THROW BACK THURSDAY - "RUTH" PLUS CLASS NEWS

During the worst part of the Depression, probably in 1931 or 1932, word was received that a small circus had gone broke somewhere in Texas and that they had a performing elephant and other animals that could be bought. Plans were made to raise funds for the purchase, and the schoolchildren brought their pennies to school for the collection. The elephant’s name was Ruth, and contrary to many reports, the name was not changed to Ruth after she was brought to the zoo. Bill Sprott and Bill Beckett went to Texas to get the elephant and came back with Ruth, a camel, and a truckload of gear, including something for people to ride in on Ruth’s back. Ruth was chained in a fenced enclosure in the center of the cat house for about a year, then the WPA-built concession stand was remodeled into an elephant house. Bill Beckett worked Ruth on Sunday afternoons; she had learned her circus tricks from the former owners before she was brought from Texas. Ruth wasn’t worked then from the time Bill Beckett quit the zoo until some years later when Raymond Squires started working her again, doing the same tricks she had done in the circus.

Is there anyone in our Class or any friends we had as children who didn't know about Ruth? Remember Ellen?

I can remember feeding her peanuts like it was yesterday!

Ellen the elephant is purchased as a companion for Ruth. When her train arrives in downtown Little Rock, Ellen breaks

out of her crate and is allowed to roam around Union Station until her handlers pick her up.

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TIGERFEST is 2 weeks away! Hope you have your tickets. You can also pay at the door. Come early and get home

before dark!!!! This is for ALL Classes. The one event the Alumni Association chairs. I'll save a couple of tables if you'll

just let me know you will be coming!!!! DONATIONS ACCEPTED!!! With donations we can keep the cost down to $25

FOR ALL YOU CAN EAT AND DRINK!!! Where else will you get that??? Come represent our Class!!!!

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Here is Pat Glass Thompson's show she writes, directs and acts in every year. Hope you can make it!

double click to enlarge

1957 CLASS NEWS

Is there anyone from this Class with a Directory that you received at one of your Reunions? We're hoping a lot of you will attend

the 70th Reunion of the Class of 1956 and Friends!

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ML