The West Roxbury Branch Library is one of the busiest libraries in Boston. It is also the home of the West Roxbury Historical Society. The Society has many artifacts and information about the history of West Roxbury. The first schoolhouse was built on this site in 1767. It was the only schoolhouse in West Roxbury for many years. Alice Hennessey and Pamela Seigle energetically worked on the committee to build an addition to the library, and Ellen McGill volunteers here.
Barbara Henry (b 1932) grew up in West Roxbury and attended Girls’ Latin School. In high school, she met students from diverse ethnic backgrounds. After she graduated from college, Barbara taught the children of Air Force personnel for two years in Europe. These life experiences prepared her for her role in an historic event. In 1960, shortly after Barbara relocated with her husband to New Orleans, she was asked to teach six-year-old Ruby Bridges. Ruby was the first African American child to attend Frantz Elementary School. Some people did not want Ruby at the school. However, Barbara saw Ruby’s potential to learn, and decided to teach her. Barbara and Ruby are still in contact with one another. Barbara’s message to young people is, “Live your life truthfully and positively. Consciously think of living your life the right way. A positive attitude makes it easier for you to do something when crises come.” You can read more about Barbara and Ruby in two books at the library: Ruby Bridges by Robert Cole and Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges.
