Bio: Kissinger, Ruth –
Life Summary
Transcriber:
stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Kissinger, Vine, Jensen, Hildebrandt, Griesbach
----Source: Clark County Stories Book
Ruth Vine Kissinger was born May 6, 1906 in the Town of Grant, Clark County,
the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Vine. She writes:
I attended Kurth School for eight years, then the Neillsville High School
and was graduated from the County Teachers Training School in Neillsville in
1914. I then attended Stevens Point Teachers College and in 1963 received a
degree in special education from the Wisconsin State University—Eau Claire.
My career spans back to 1924 when I started teaching all eight grades at the
Grant School in the Town of Fremont.
After being married in 1926, I raised my five sons, returning to Grant
School in 1945, teaching there until 1950. Then I went on to Heathville,
Town of Fremont for eight years.
In 1961 I became involved in the special edu¬cation project established by
the county, continued in that capacity until going to Marshfield.
It seems to me special education is necessary but I do not approve of the
segregation of kids, as I think that all children should learn to give and
take. I would like to see all children in a grade in the same classroom. I
do believe the special education has come a long way. When I started
teaching special education, the attitude of the other children was very
negative. They were calling the special education kids, retards. Recess was
at a different time for those in special education.
This has all changed. I think that the kids have learnt accept these slow
learners. Also, they must all play together which is extremely helpful to
both groups of children.
I would like to stress that the students in these special education classes
are not retarded but only learn much slower and have trouble in certain
areas. I had one child win the spelling contest in all the Marshfield
schools.
How has education changed in fifty years?
Years ago, teachers were proud of their many conveniences which today would
be considered quite inadequate. I would leave for school early to have the
building warm and clean by the time the children arrived. It was my duty to
build the fire in the little pot-bellied heater standing in the corner.
Also, to sweep out the two out-houses, often filled with snow. A teacher
became a jack-of-all-trades. I kindled wood, trapped mice, mended ropes,
carried out ashes, bandaged sore fingers, rubbed bruises, refereed fights,
and carried drinking water a half mile. We all drank from a pail and a
dipper. (No sickness either!) What would the teacher do today? I know
because I have become that new teacher—I wait for the aide to come in.
This is one of the firsts I am most proud that I have taught four
generations of the same family.
Starting back in 1924, I taught Anne (Jensen) Hildebrandt at Grant School.
In 1945 I taught Anne's daughter Karen (now my daughter-in-law). In 1960 I
taught Karen's daughter, Barbara, at Heathville School, and now I am
teaching little Joshua Griesbach, my great grandson, who lives next door.
Ruth Vine Kissinger
Chili, Wisconsin 54420
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