1896 Gruissy Letter

This letter was written to my great grandmother, N. Regina (Gruissy) Mark 1879 OH – 1959 OH; daughter of Augustus Ceaser Gruissy and his second wife, Esther Barbara Wolf. Regina was 17 years old when her teacher wrote this letter.

To: Miss Regina Nancy Gruissy, Canton, Ohio

 From: J. Alida Helureich, Canton Ohio, Sept 10, 1896

Dear Regina,

We miss you in the Seventh Grade. Surely you are not thinking of quitting school. Remember that now is your only time for gaining an education and, if you allow the golden opportunity to pass by unheeded. It can never return. And remember how much better your advantages are than hundreds of boys and girls who can not attend except at night and then have only two hours of instruction while you are having five hours in the open day-time and can have your regular rest at night.

I hope to see you at school next Monday with a determination to, at least finish the Dueber School if you do not want to go any further, but, I would like to see you graduate and have your Diploma framed and hanging in your parlor at home.

With much love, I am

Your affectionate teacher

J. Alida Helureich

Note: This letter was written in blue ink with very neat handwriting. It had a 2 cent stamp.

My paternal grandmother, Ivy (Mark) Brown who was a daughter of Regina did not think that her mother returned to school as the teacher had advised. My grandmother said, “She [Regina] was the youngest. Her parents were getting pretty old and she went out to work.” As a teacher myself I feel disappointed that Regina did not return to school however, once she began working she met a tall young man who would become her husband.

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• Augustus Ceaser Gruissy