Lucy Mason (Sherman) Bridgham (1917 - 1995)

Contents 1 Biography 1.1 Name 1.2 Birth 1.3 Death 1.4 Burial 1.5 Graduation 1.6 Occupation 1.7 Residence 2 Sources 3 Notes

Biography

Lucy Mason Sherman was born on June 3, 1917^[1] in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, the daughter of Prof. Leon P. and Bertha L. Sherman.

Lucy Sherman was a grade-school teacher in the Kalona school system in Kalona, Iowa in 1938-39.^[2]

Paul and Lucy were married on April 5, 1941 in Iowa.

"Announcement is made today of the marriage in Iowa, on Saturday of Paul Bridgham, director of music at the St. Joseph First Congregational church and teacher at the Fair Plain school.

"Mr. Bridgham's bride is the former Miss Lucy Sherman of Grinnell, Ia., where the marriage ceremony was performed. She is a teacher in St. Louis, Mo., where her contract runs until the end of this school year." ^[3]

Lucy was a Grinnell College alumni counselor for Michigan in 1949.^[4]

Lucy was active in the Washington (School) PTA, being elected its president in March, 1953.^[5] The following month, she represented that school as one of 4,000 delegates to the annual convention of the Michigan Congress of Parents and Teachers in Grand Rapids.^[6]

Lucy was named head of a committee to organize a Future Teachers Club by the St. Joseph PTA council in 1954.^[7]

Lucy became a member of the St. Joseph Lianas,^[8] and was a Girl Scout troop leader in 1957.^[9]

In April, 1960, Lucy became the new children’s librarian at the Benton Harbor Public Library. She had been teaching a private Kindergarten in her home since 1954.^[10] She instituted a “story telling hour” every Wednesday morning where she told stories, read poems, and taught songs to pre-schoolers.^[11] She was a popular guest speaker at many functions, where she talked about the importance of reading to and reading by children.^[12] In April, 1965, she was a charter member of the local D. G. chapter of the 108th P.E.O, an international organization interested in education.^[13] In November, she started a monthly newspaper column call the “Junior Reading Shelf” in a local newspaper, in which she reviewed and recommended books for children.^[14] In 1966, while at her library job, she was attacked, receiving minor knife wounds and was treated at an area hospital. Her assailant was captured and later convicted of assault with intent to do great bodily harm.^[15]

In July, 1967, Lucy and another local librarian designed and taught a two-week course at the University of Michigan, designed to qualify college graduates for professional certificates as members of library staffs.^[16]

In December, 1968, Paul and Lucy were among the 480 signers of a letter to the editor that stated, in part,^[17]

"We, the undersigned residents of the City of St. Joseph and the Townships of St. Joseph and Lincoln, support the right of any individual regardless of race, creed, color or national origin, to purchase or rent any property within his economic means in our community.

"The purpose of this petition is to demonstrate local support of the above principles."

By 1973, Lucy was the librarian at the Milton Junior High School.^[18]

Paul E. Bridgham died on October 16, 1993 in St. Joseph,^[19] at the age of 76. Lucy M. (Sherman) Bridgham died a year and a half later, on March 15, 1995 in the same city, at the age of 77.^[20]

Name

Name: Lucy Mason /Sherman/^[21]

Birth

Birth:

Date: 03 JUN 1917

Place: Chicago, Cook, Illinois

Birth:

Date: 03 JUN 1917^[22]

Found multiple copies of BIRT DATE. Using 03 JUN 1917

Death

Death:

Date: 15 MAR 1995

Place: Saint Joseph, Berrien, Michigan

Death:

Date: 15 MAR 1995^[23]

Found multiple copies of DEAT DATE. Using 15 MAR 1995Array

Burial

Burial:

Place: North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma, Berrien, Michigan^[24]

Graduation

Graduation:

Date: 1938

Place: Grinnell College, Grinnell, Poweshiek, Iowa

Occupation

Occupation: Librarian

Residence

Residence:

Place: Saint Joseph, Michigan

Residence:

Date: 1930

Place: 1515 Broad St., Grinnell, Poweshiek, Iowa

Sources

1. ↑ Source: #S1
2. ↑ Source: #S2
3. ↑ Source: #S3
4. ↑ Source: #S4
5. ↑ Source: #S5
6. ↑ Source: #S6
7. ↑ Source: #S7
8. ↑ Source: #S8
9. ↑ Source: #S9
10. ↑ Source: #S10
11. ↑ Source: #S11
12. ↑ Source: #S120
13. ↑ Source: #S13
14. ↑ Source: #S14
15. ↑ Source: #S15
16. ↑ Source: #S16
17. ↑ Source: #S17
18. ↑ Source: #S18
19. ↑ Source: #S19
20. ↑ Source: #S19
21. ↑ Source: #S38 Page: http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=bridgham&GSiman=1&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSob=n&GRid=138027040&df=90&
22. ↑ Source: #S38 Page: http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=bridgham&GSiman=1&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSob=n&GRid=138027040&df=90&
23. ↑ Source: #S38 Page: http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=bridgham&GSiman=1&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSob=n&GRid=138027040&df=90&
24. ↑ Source: #S38 Page: http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=bridgham&GSiman=1&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSob=n&GRid=138027040&df=90&

• Source: S38 Title: findagraveNOTEfindagrave.
• Source: S1 “Michigan Deaths, 1971-1996,” www.ancestry.com.
• Source: S2 Iowa City Press Citizen (Iowa City, Iowa), March 8, 1939, p. 5.
• Source: S3 The News-Palladium (Benton Harbor, Michigan), April 7, 1941, p. 3.
• Source: S4 The Herald Press (St. Joseph, Michigan), Oct. 6, 1949, p. 4.
• Source: S5 The Herald Press (St. Joseph, Michigan), March 18, 1953, p. 4.
• Source: S6 The Herald Press (St. Joseph, Michigan), April 22, 1953, p. 5.
• Source: S7 The Herald Press (St. Joseph, Michigan), Jan. 21, 1954, p. 4.
• Source: S8 The News-Palladium (Benton Harbor, Michigan), Jan. 16, 1957, p. 2.
• Source: S9 The News-Palladium (Benton Harbor, Michigan), May 24, 1957, p. 3.
• Source: S10 The Herald Press (St. Joseph, Michigan), April 2, 1960, p. 5.
• Source: S11 The News-Palladium (Benton Harbor, Michigan), Oct. 27, 1960, p. 5.
• Source: S12 The Herald Press (St. Joseph, Michigan), Nov 27, 1962, p. 3.
• Source: S13 The Herald Press (St. Joseph, Michigan), April 24, 1965. The P.E.O. Sisterhood was founded in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1869, and has now grown into an international organization with a total membership of 155,253 (in 1966). The Purpose of the organization is to support, encourage and perpetuate the highest qualities of womanhood and a prime requisite for membership is a belief in God.
• Source: S14 The News-Palladium (Benton Harbor, Michigan), July 26, 1966, p. 1.
• Source: S15 "The News-Palladium," Benton Harbor, Michigan, July 26, 1966, p. 1
• Source: S16 The News-Palladium (Benton Harbor, Michigan), July 7, 1967, p. 18.
• Source: S17 The News-Palladium (Benton Harbor, Michigan), Dec. 13, 1968, p. 21.
• Source: S18 he News-Palladium (Benton Harbor, Michigan), Nov. 13, 1973.
• Source: S19 “Michigan Deaths, 1971-1996,” www.ancestry.com.

Notes

Lucy is the daughter of Leo P. and Bertha Sherman. He was Professor of Chemistry at Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa.

From the "Iowa City Press Citizen," Iowa City, Iowa, Dec. 15, 1938, p. 12,

"Alpha Club Host To Falona School Faculty Friday

"Kalona -- Members of the Alpha club entertained the faculty of the Kalona schools in the home of Mrs. E. J. Hesselschwerdt.

"Guests of the club were Misses Nolabelle Welch, Lucy Sherman, ..."

From the "Iowa City Press Citizen," Iowa City, Iowa, March 8, 1939, p. 5,

"To Elect New School Board

"Kalona. -- Annual school election in Kalona will be held on Monday, March 13 at the town hall. ...

"Miss Lucy Sherman, teacher in the grade school, was a week-end guest with her parents in Grinnell. ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Oct. 6, 1949, p. 4,

"Grinnell College Alumni Make Plans For Association Here

"...

"[Dr. Stevens] was introduced by Mrs. Paul Bridgham, Grinnell college alumni counselor for Michigan, who presided. ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Nov. 21, 1950, p. 4,

"Merry Mrs. Club Has Panel Discussion On Services For Children

"A panel discussion, entitled 'Services for Children,' was held at the Merry Mrs. club meeting last night at the Cove in the YWCA. ...

"Guests present were Mesdames ... Paul Bridgham, ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, March 8, 1951, p. 4,

"Mrs. Stanley Burns Honored At Shower

"Mrs. Stanley Burns was honored last night at a surprise shower party given in the home of Mrs. Paul Bridgham, 424 Ridgeway, with Mrs. John Danielson as assisting hostess. ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, July 28, 1951, p. 10,

"Brevities

"Visit Daughter

"Prof. and Mrs. Leo P. Sherman of Grinnell, Iowa, are here for a visit with their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Bridgham, 424 Ridgeway."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Oct. 31, 1952, p. 4,

"Washington PTA Reports 4 From Annual Dinner Served To 450 Persons

"It was reported today that 4.24 was earned for the remodeling of the Washington school kitchen at the third annual chicken dinner served by the PTA. ..."

"Frying the chicken which was served to 450 persons were ... Mrs. Paul Bridgham, ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Nov. 4, 1952, p. 14,

"Winners Are Announced In Merchants Contest

"Lucky winners in the St. Joe day estimating contests held Oct. 16, 17 and 18, who received valuable prizes and gift certificates from member stores of the St. Joseph Retail Merchants association have been announced.

"They are: ...Modern Furniture, Mrs. Lucy Bridgham, 424 Ridgeway, St. Joseph. ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, March 18, 1953, p. 4,

"Washington PTA Elects Officers, Hears Dr. Vail

"Mrs. Paul Bridgham was elected new president of the Washington PTA Tuesday night at the meeting which featured an address by Dr. Albert Vail on 'Moral and Spiritual Values in the Home.' ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, April 22, 1953, p. 5,

"PTA's To Send Delegates To State Session

"Representatives of city and county PTA groups will join the 4,000 delegates expected at the annual convention of the Michigan Congress of Parents and Teachers in Grand Rapids, Tuesday, April 28. ...

"Representing Washington school here will be Mrs. Paul Bridgham; ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, June 11, 1953, p. 2,

"St. Josephite Honored By Grinnell College

"Grinnell, Ia., June 11 -- Mrs. Lucy Sherman Bridgham of 424 Ridgeway, St. Joseph, was honored by Grinnell college's alumni association at commencement activities here this week-end.

"Presented with a class agent citation at the alumni-senior luncheon Saturday afternoon, June 6, Mrs. Bridgham is an alumna of the class of 1938, and was on campus celebrating her 15th reunion with classmates.

"As agent of her class of 1938, Mrs. Bridgham directs the activities of the group, and serves as official liaison between its members and the college. She acted as chairman of arrangements for her class reunion, and the award cited her good work in the class agent position."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Jan. 21, 1954, p. 4,

"PTA Council Makes Plans For Topical Fluoride Program

"Miss Ruth Rogers of the state department of health spoke to the St. Joseph PTA council at luncheon Wednesday ...

"The PTA council named Mrs. Paul Bridgham head of a committee to organize a Future Teachers club under auspices of the council next fall. ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, June 9, 1954, p. 14,

"Brevities

"Class Agent Award

"Mrs. Paul Bridgham, 424 Ridgeway, was among 27 graduates of Grinnell college who were presented five-year awards from the college alumni association last Saturday at the alumni-senior luncheon on the Grinnell, Ia., campus. Mrs. Bridgham is a member of the class of 1938."

From "The News-Palladium," Benton Harbor, Michigan, July 3, 1954, p. 3,

"In Connecticut

"Mrs. Paul Bridgham and daughters of St. Joseph, are spending two weeks with Mrs. Bridgham's parents in Connecticut. Mr. Philip Bridgham, of Washington, D. C., brother of Paul Bridgham is the guest of Mr. Bridgham for the weekend."

From "The News-Palladium," Benton Harbor, Michigan, Jan. 16, 1957, p. 2,

"Officers Are Installed By St. Joseph Lianas

"...

"Mrs. Paul Bridgham was welcomed as a new member. ..."

From "The News-Palladium," Benton Harbor, Michigan, May 24, 1957, p. 3,

"Girl Scout Court Of Awards Held

"North St. Joseph Girl Scout neighborhood held its second annual court of awards at St. Joseph high school auditorium.

"...

"Badges were presented to the following troops by their leaders: ... [troop] 8, Merle Wallis and Mrs. Paul Bridgham; ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Dec. 28, 1959, p. 4, (paid advertisement),

"Pre-school

"Applications are being accepted for pre-school children, morning or afternoon session . . term beginning January 4, 1960.

"Mrs. Lucy Bridgham

"Ph. YU 3-5737"

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, April 2, 1960, p. 5, with photo,

"Mrs. Lucy Bridgham, wife of Paul Bridgham, 424 Ridgeway, St. Joseph, is the new children's librarian at the Benton Harbor Public Library, succeeding Miss Georgann Coffeen.

"The new library staff worker is well qualified for her new post, having had teaching experience in the elementary grades as well as in the private kindergarten she has operated in her own home in St. Joseph since 1954.

"Four daughters of her own have contributed to her understanding of children.

"Mrs. Bridgham is a graduate of Grinnell college, Grinnell, Ia., where she took one course in library work.

"Though she is working at the library her private home kindergarten will be continued with the help of Mrs. Ken (Genie) Marshall, her capable assistant, she said.

"A leader in PTA work Mrs. Bridgham has served as a president of the Washington PTA, and as a member of the St. Joseph PTA Council.

'Her husband, who has been in the office of the A. B. Morse Co., St. Joseph, since World War II, formerly was a teacher in the Fair Plain school system and also a former director of the St. Joseph First Congregational Church.

"Besides her husband her family consists of Miriam, 18, St. Joseph high school senior; Marybeth, 16, a high school sophomore; Patty, 12, seventh grader at the St. Joseph junior high school; and Janet, 5, a pupil in her mother's kindergarten."

From "The News-Palladium," Benton Harbor, Michigan, Oct. 27, 1960, p. 5 (with photo),

"Small Fry at Children's Library: Fourteen assorted pint-sized witches, goblins, clowns and other picture book characters were entertained at a Holloween story telling hour at the local children's library Wednesday morning. Shown here with the youngsters is Mrs. Lucy Bridgham, children's librarian. Mrs. Bridgham told stories, read poems and taught her charges several songs. They also played a musical game, 'The Witch and the Goblins,' and were served pumpkin cookies and orange juice. Each Wednesday, Mrs. Bridgham says, pre-schoolers between the ages of 3 and 5, are welcome to join in the Story Hour, from 10:30 to 11:15 a. m."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Nov. 19, 1960, p. 2, with photo,

"Despite TV, Kids Read; Like Serious Non-Fiction

"Books open a child's door to an entire universe of people, places and processes. And today's youngsters are entering that universe and showing a taste for serious books, according to Benton Harbor children's librarian Mrs. Paul Bridgham.

" 'Reading is a passport to travel, brings the child his first insight into human personality and behavior and teaches him that people everywhere -- in all times of history -- are basically the same and that they have problems and solutions to them.' Mrs. Bridgham says.

"As children's librarian, a post she has held since March, Mrs. Bridgham can observe first hand children's reading habits. And they do read, though not as much as they should, in Mrs. Bridgham's opinion.

"Within the past 12 months, Mrs Bridgham says, 50,000 books have been taken out by the youngsters, 3000 of whom have library cards. Some of these are in adults' names -- for pre-schoolers, and many are held by teenagers.

" 'Parents can help their children by reading to them,' Mrs. Bridgham says, adding that though the reading habit is established in these early years, parents can still share this pleasure after the child has learned to read for himself.

"She'd be glad to help mothers, too, she adds, who find their children are in the need of drill to read more early.

"Children today show a definite preference for serious, nonfiction, and at an earlier age. They are interested in science, history and biography. Mrs. Bridgham finds Television has spurred youngsters' natural curiosity, and the many illustrated periodicals also whet their appetites for learning.

"Mrs. Bridgham says, it's hard to pinpoint at what age children like to read specific types of books. They love mysteries, stories about animals, especially horses and the second and third graders are currently fascinated by dinosaurs.

"The classic stories such as the 'Wizard of Oz,' 'Little Women,' and 'Treasure Island,' the Mark Twain and Dickens stories always find interested readers, and often a movie based on these will bring children to the library to find the book.

"There's always a need for more books, especially for beginners, she adds, and there is great demand for space travel and science reading material."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Jan. 6, 1961,

"Librarian Addresses Study Club

"Guest speaker at the meeting of the Belles and Beaux Child Study club Wednesday evening, Mrs. Paul Bridgham, Benton Harbor children's librarian, discussed the importance of teaching a child the joy of reading early.

"..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Sept. 1, 1961, p. 2,

"B. H. Library Plans School Research Plan

"The junior department of the Benton Harbor public library plans an extensive program this school year to help with school research problems, Mrs. Lucy Bridgham, children's librarian, said today.

" 'One of the main objectives of our junior library is to help young people with their school work,' she said.

"Mrs. Bridgham listed many books on geography, encyclopedias, history and science that students will be required to use. She added that the library has a new 1961 atlas 'and a wealth of new non-fiction books.'

"The junior department is open until 6 p. m. every day except Saturday when it closes at 5:30 p. m. On Friday the department is open until 8 p. m.

"Mrs. Bridgham said it is best for the children to use the library Friday nights because of the generally crowded conditions on school days.

"The Summer Reading club ends tonight at 8 p. m. All children who participated and their parents are invited to a party on Friday night, Sept. 15 at the library. Prizes and ribbons will be awarded then, Mrs. Bridgham said."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Oct. 6, 1961, p. 5,

"Need To Read Told To Club

"Mrs. Paul Bridgham, children's librarian in Benton Harbor, spoke on 'Books for Children,' before the Lads and Lassies Child Study club meeting Thursday. ..."

"The speaker pointed out a child will be more successful if he is a good reader. Reading increases his vocabulary. Mrs. Bridgham encouraged parents to make reading fun for their children. She displayed a selection of books for children."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Oct. 25, 1961, p. 5,

"Librarian Tells of Books For Children

"Mrs. Paul Bridgham, Benton Harbor children's librarian, spoke on the topic, 'Getting Children Acquainted with Books' for the program at the meeting of the Diapers-to-Dates Child Study club Tuesday evening."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Aug 15, 1962, p. 5,

"Yacht Clubwomen At Board Meeting

"The monthly meeting of the Women's Board of the St. Joseph River Yacht club was held Tuesday morning at the Yacht club. ...

"... Mr. and Mrs. Dean DeVries are chairman, assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bridgham, ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Nov 1, 1962, p. 2, with group photo,

"Story Hour Party -- Halloween costumes take little from rapt attention of pre-schoolers at Benton Harbor children's library Wednesday morning. Mrs. Lucy Bridgham, children's librarian, tells story of 'Halloween Tiger.' Excited youngsters also played 'The Goblin in the Dark' and learned two Halloween songs. ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Nov 27, 1962, p. 3,

"Chikaming PTA Hears Librarian

"Harbert -- In an effort to improve the library at Chikaming Consolidated school, the PTA Monday night heard an address by Mrs. Lucy Bridgham, children's librarian at the Benton Harbor public library.

" 'The parent, the classroom teacher and the librarian -- we three share a common goal -- to educate these children properly. We will see them reap success and then satisfied, we can fold our hands and be grateful that we helped these children to help themselves -- with books,' Mrs. Bridgham stated.

"She added that 'when there is the advantage of a good library, they read easily, write clearly and speak fluently.'

"Mrs. Bridgham's advice to the parents was to read to your child, help the child to help himself with books. She said the main objections of lack of money, lack of space and lack of personnel can be overcome with a well trained librarian and co-operation from the parents and teachers. Library instruction should begin in the kindergarten. ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Dec. 19, 1962, p. 2, with group photo,

"Christmas Stockings -- Holding high the Christmas stockings they packed Wednesday morning at Benton Harbor public library for the Good Fellow baskets are these members of the regular pre-schooler story hour. Some 20 youngsters finished 24 stockings, Children's Librarian Mrs. Lucy Bridgham said. Each brought a small gift for the stocking he packed. Mrs. Bridgham told the story of 'The Secret of the Old Village Clock,' by Charles Booth. ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, May 2, 1963, with group photo,

"Celebrate May Day -- Pre-schoolers brought maybaskets home after celebrating May Day Wednesday morning in the Children's department at Benton Harbor public library, under direction of Mrs. Paul Bridgham, children's librarian, shown at left. ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Oct. 17, 1963,

"World of Books Program Topic For PTA Meeting

"Mrs. Paul Bridgham, children's librarian of the Benton Harbor public library and a member of the Washington school PTA, led some 100 parents on a tour of 'The Wonderful World of Books' at the annual potluck supper Tuesday evening in the school gymnasium.

"To establish her contention that a child of any age and interest range can find many books to interest him among the many now available, Mrs. Bridgham arranged a colorful display of new books covering every development stage from toddler to teenager.

"Mrs. Bridgham also made recommendations for reading material for the slow reader of any age and stressed the value of summer reading programs which are sponsored by many public libraries. Mrs. Bridgham stressed the necessity of keeping attractive reading material on hand at all times to capture a child's interest and retain it despite the lure of comic books or television. The speaker gratefully acknowledged the efforts of two local drug stores both in the library of books they offer for sale and in their willingness to order specific book for any customer. ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Feb. 27, 1964,

"Doctor, Librarian, Student Are Child Study Speakers

"... Three points to look for in selecting books for children were listed as appeal to the child, literary quality and physical format, by Mrs. Paul Bridgham, children's librarian at the Benton Harbor public library, when she spoke before the Carousel Child Study club recently.

"Mrs. Bridgham also told of services available at the library. ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, April 24, 1965,

"Educational Group Organizes Chapter

"The D. G. chapter of the 108th P.E.O., an international organization interested in education, was organized in the twin cities at a meeting held in the home of Mrs. James Nettleton ...

"The charter membership also includes: Mrs. Paul Bridgham, ..."

From "The Herald Press," St. Joseph, Michigan, Nov 19, 1965,

"Junior Reading Shelf

"By Lucy Bridgham

[This is the first in a series of a monthly newspaper columns in which Lucy reviews and recommends books for children.]

From "The News-Palladium," Benton Harbor, Michigan, Jan. 18, 1966, p. 12,

"Twenty-eight city employees were recognized for attaining award points for faithful service. ...

"Five-year awards --- Mrs. Lucy Bridgham, children's librarian; ..."

From the "Holland Evening Sentinel," Holland, Michigan, April 5, 1966,

"Librarian Hurt by Assailant

"Benton Harbor (UPI) -- A Benton Harbor librarian suffered minor knife wounds Monday as she beat off an attacker who had force her into a closet of the children's room.

"Police said Mrs. Lucy Bridgham, 48, St. Joseph, was treated and released at a local hospital for minor arm and back wounds."

From "The News-Palladium," Benton Harbor, Michigan, April 6, 1966, p. 2 (Editorial),

"Latest In A Series Of Violent Crimes

"On Monday of this week, the day after the local community marked the first anniversary of its notorious and still unsolved triple murders, the Benton Harbor children's librarian, on duty at the library in broad daylight, was attacked and stabbed.

"Because of her presence of mind, Mrs. Paul (Lucy) Bridgham fortunately escaped serious harm. But she did require treatment at Mercy hospital for three cuts on the back, arm and chest.

"Her screams alerted City Police Patrolman Robert Irvin, walking his beat on Sixth street just outside the library. Irvin gave chase after the assailant fled. He subsequently captured Paul Lawrence Kyle, 24, of Benton Harbor, in the coal bin of the nearby Liberty theater.

"Kyle was charged with assault to commit great bodily harm less than the crime of murder. He is on probation after conviction on the same kind of charge in 1964.

"(If Kyle is found guilty of the attack on Mrs. Bridgham, the public may well wonder about the quality of the justice that put him on probation for the 1964 offense.)

"The entire community can be thankful that alert Patrolman Irvin's presence and Mrs. Bridgham's own bravery in the face of danger prevented a terrible tragedy. But the community can be ashamed that this is another of a series of violent crimes that have become all too frequent.

"..."

From "The News-Palladium," Benton Harbor, Michigan, July 26, 1966, p. 1,

"Convict Man Of Stabbing Librarian

"Guilty Verdict in B.H. Case

"A Berrien Circuit court jury was out 32 minutes today, then returned a verdict of guilty against Paul Lawrence Kyle, 24, accused in the April 4 stabbing of a Benton Harbor librarian.

"Trial of Kyle opened Monday on a charge of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder. Victim of the attack was Mrs. Lucy Bridgham, children's librarian of the Benton Harbor public library. She sustained slight wounds.

"Kyle, of 838 McGuigan street, Benton Harbor, testified yesterday he did not cut Mrs. Bridgham and that the home-made knife introduced as evidene by Assistant Prosecutor Quentin Fulcher was not his.

"Kyle was his only witness. Ten persons appeared for the prosecution, including Mrs. Bridgham. She testified Kyle was the assailant who attempted to drag her toward a closet in the children's division of the Benton Harbor library and cut her.

"Judge Philip A. Hadsell presided at the trial. Atty Bruce Conybeare represented Kyle.

"Kyle was on probation for a previous assault charge when he was arrested by Benton Harbor Patrolman Robert Irvin in the basement of the Liberty theater shortly after the April 4 stabbing incident. Mrs. Bridgham was attacked while on duty in the library."

From "The News-Palladium," Benton Harbor, Michigan, Oct. 12, 1966,

"Sisterhood Slates Meeting Oct. 18

"Chapter DG of St. Joseph of the P.E.O. Sisterhood is inviting affiliates in the area to a meeting of the local chapter Tuesday, Oct. 18, ...

"The twin cities chapter was chartererd in April, 1965, and is one of 111 P.E.O. chapters in the state. The Sisterhood was founded in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1869, and has now grown into an international organization with a total membership of 155,253.

"Purpose of the organization is to support, encourage and perpetuate the highest qualities of womanhood and a prime requisite for membership is a belief in God. It seeks to accomplish the purpose through opportunities for higher education including an educational fund which established in 1907 as a revolving fund to lend money to young women for education beyond high school and international peace scholarships which began in 1949. ...

"This year's committees include: ... auditing, Mrs. Gerald Krager, and Mrs. P. E. Bridgham; ..."

From "The News-Palladium," Benton Harbor, Michigan, July 7, 1967, p. 18,

"BH Library Staffers at U - M School

"Two employes of the Benton Harbor public library have started a course at the University of Michigan, financed by a federal grant and administered by the State Library Board.

"Mrs. Lucy Bridgham, children's librarian, and Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, reference librarian, will be on the U. of M. campus for two weeks. After the campus session, they will attend periodic meetings to discuss latest developments in librarianship. The training course is designed to qualify college graduates for professional certificates as members of library staffs."

From "The News-Palladium," Benton Harbor, Michigan, Aug. 28, 1972, p. 17,

"Phonegram Prize Shared By Four Women In Area

"Four area women shared winning honors in the seventh week of this newspaper's Phonegrams contest.

"Winners were Mrs. Lucy Bridgham, of 424 Ridgeway, St. Joseph; ... All four of the winners submitted eight correct words, and will split the weekly prize money.

"Mrs. Bridgham and Mrs. Polbinski both have won before, Mrs. Bridgham twice. Mrs. Bridgham has a total of 20 points towards the contest grand prize of an expenses-paid trip to Miami Beach and the Bahamas."

From "The News-Palladium," Benton Harbor, Michigan, Sept. 11, 1972, p. 19,

"Three Contestants Split Ninth Phonegrams Prize

"Three contestants split the prize as winners in the ninth week of this newspaper's Phonegrams contest.

"Submitting the winning total of seven correct words last week were ... and repeat winners Mrs. Paul (Lucy) Bridgham, ...

"Mrs. Bridgham and Mrs. Geik are now tied for second place with 27 points in the competition for the grand prize, an expense-paid trip to Miama Beach and the Bahamas.

"...

"Second and third place winners in the grand prize competition will receive a portable color television set and a stereo component set respectively."

From "The News-Palladium," Benton Harbor, Michigan, Nov. 13, 1973,

"At St. Joseph Hears Reports

"St. Joseph Board of Education last night studied educational problems and successes in sharp contrast to previous sessions dominated by financial reports.

"Mrs. Paul Bridgham, Milton junior high school librarian, traced development of the St. Joseph school library from one library (in the high school) in 1949 to the present where each school has a library.

"Mrs. Bridgham recommended improvements in the number of books to match American Library association goals of 14,000 in the high school library and 6,000 books each in the junior high and elementary schools. She also recommended a budget of ,000 be spent on library operation. (This year's budget calls for ,150.)"

From "The News-Palladium," Benton Harbor, Michigan, Feb. 19, 1974, p. 5,

"Study Grant Applications Ready

"Application forms for locally funded and awarded 0 advanced study grants for professional women have been distributed throughout the twin cities area, according to Mrs. Walter E. Knapp, grants committee chairman for the donor, Benton Harbor-St. Joseph branch of the American Association of University Women.

"...

"Applications must be completed and returned by April 1 to Mrs. Paul E. Bridgham, 424 Ridgeway, St. Joseph, Mich. 49085."