M for Murray
The Murray Children
Ruth (1906-1980) and her little brother, Ronald (1911-1938) are in the photograph to the right. Their parents were Gilbert and Florence (Robinson) Murray. In 1919, Gilbert and his family moved into the house that is now the Colchester History Museum, and lived there for many years.
Ruth grew up and married William Gerhardt in 1931. They lived in Colchester, had three children (William, Donald, and Jean) and were members of the Federated Church. Ruth was an elementary school teacher in East Hampton, Connecticut, a member of the Colchester Grange, and the D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution). In addition, William owned the Gerhardt Insurance Agency which is still an active business in town. Ruth’s brother, Ronald died at the age of 27 and is buried in Linwood Cemetery along with his parents.
Ruth and Ronald’s father, Gilbert, was the owner of John Damm Garage in Colchester. He was also a Borough Burgess, Town Building Inspector, Chief of the Colchester-Hayward Fire Company, a member of the Colchester Lions Club, the Woodmen of the World, and maintained and set-up voting machines for local elections. He died in 1961.