THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 15, 1995 TAG: 9510130187
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Rebecca A. Myers
LENGTH: Medium: 100 lines
Though she is careful not to divulge her age, the better part of Ruth Hendricks' lifetime has been spent catering to the needs of youngsters.
As a teenager growing up in Lincolnsville, Hendricks not only tended to her own siblings, but kept an eye on relatives' children.
After receiving a degree in physical education from Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) in Petersburg, she taught sixth and seventh grade for several years in a two-room schoolhouse in Boykins, Va.
During the Depression, Hendricks returned to Portsmouth to establish the first black recreation center with financial support from local churches. Three more soon followed.
In 1940, she took in the first of 60 foster children over a 55-year period. The most she had at any one time was 15.
``I would carry those children everywhere, and people would say, `Look at that lady with those crowd of children,' '' she recalled with a laugh.
From 1943 to 1978, Hendricks was employed with the city's Department of Parks and Recreation, working as program director for all the city's playgrounds and recreation centers.
When she retired 17 years ago, Hendricks was assistant superintendent of the downtown recreation district, one of four in the city.
On Tuesday, Hendricks will be the guest of honor at a tree-planting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at John F. Kennedy Center, 12 Grand St.
The dedication is being planned by Florence Kendall, a former Parks and Recreation employee.
``Mrs. Hendricks is my mentor,'' said Kendall. ``She gave me my first job at JFK Center, and from then on, I watched her, I learned from her, and I tried to do everything I saw this woman do. . . I just wanted to be like her.''
The Bradford pear tree to be planted in Hendricks' honor will replace a storm-damaged one that was first planted in 1988.
In an invitation to the dedication, Kendall calls Hendricks ``a pioneer of recreation in the city of Portsmouth. . . especially instrumental to the minority.''
The following will be placed on a name plate at the foot of the tree:
RUTH CASPER FREEMAN HENDRICKS
35 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICES
1943-1978
CITY OF PORTSMOUTH
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Hendricks' only natural son, Rudolph Freeman, followed in his mother's footsteps. The athletic manager has been with Parks and Recreation for 39 years.
``She's responsible for me being where I am today,'' he said proudly.
Name: Ruth Casper Freeman Hendricks
Nickname: Toots Casper
Neighborhood: West Norfolk
Number of years in Portsmouth: All my life
Birthplace: 713 Stonewall St., Portsmouth
Birthday: June 4
Occupation: Retired
What job other than your own would you like? None
Marital Status: Widowed
Children: Rudolph Freeman Jr., Shirley Miller and Antwain Fletcher
Grandchildren: Six
Fondest childhood memory: Square dancing
First concert: Show at Capital Theatre featuring ``Miss Lizzie.''
What song or book title best describes your life? ``The Friendly Book''
If you won the lottery, what's the very first thing you'd buy? Would spend it on recreation for children to take them from place to place
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? With the world as it is today, I would not like to change places with anyone.
Biggest accomplishment: Working with foster children. Started working with relatives' children, which led into foster care.
Most embarrassing moment: While caring for a child, I took the boy to a parade on High and Green streets. The child was lost in the crowd.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would go back to my childhood days. I enjoyed my childhood days. People were not as mean.
Perfect way to spend the day: To go back to church and to spend time outside shopping, etc.
I can't resist: Reading about the past. I love to read books, poems, etc.
Favorite Portsmouth restaurant: Red Lobster
Biggest problem facing Portsmouth: Murder. If you have something they want, they will kill for it.
If you had three wishes for Portsmouth, what would they be?
To bring back the days of yesterday. To be able to sit outside and walk the streets without fear.
Once a year, bring a circus to town with a parade of animals in the streets.
An all-day beach outing for the playground children.
Other than its small-town atmosphere, what do you like about living in Portsmouth? Childhood memories, especially of my three sisters and one brother. My brother was a star football player at I.C. Norcom High. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL
Ruth Hendricks
by CNB