A Tribute to Ruth Munson

A Tribute to Ruth Munson

Readers captivated by the story of the tragic M**der of waitress Ruth Munson 87 years ago will be able to touch a moment of history on December 8 at a tribute dinner held in her memory. “A Tribute to Ruth Munson” will take place at the former site of The Ace Box Lunch, now Caffe Biaggio, 2356 University Avenue, where Ruth Munson was last seen alive.

The 87-year-old unsolved M**der case is the subject of St. Paul author Roger Barr’s recent book, A M**der on the Hill: The Secret Life and Mysterious Death of Ruth Munson, which has been nominated for a Minnesota Book Award.

“Readers are haunted by her tragic story,” Barr says. “The fact that the case remains unsolved both fascinates and troubles readers. Readers tell me they feel no sense of closure, no sense of justice for Ruth. This tribute at least bestows some dignity to her memory, and also addresses the vulnerability that women face in our society and on our streets.”

“A moment of history took place here,” Caffe Biaggio owner Shari Breed says. “I think guests will feel a deep connection to Ruth sitting here in this room 87 years later, almost to the exact hour.”

Barr will describe Ruth’s day prior to arrival at the Ace about 8:30 p.m. on December 8, 1937. He’ll detail her evening there, as described by Ace employees and patrons. He’ll describe what happened after she left the bar at midnight and how her body was discovered the next morning amidst fire debris at the vacant Aberdeen Hotel. The case remains unsolved.

Speaker Lani Jordan will offer a reflection about Ruth from a woman’s point of view. Ashley Booker, executive director of YWCA St. Paul, will speak on how women are vulnerability today and how their vulnerability is and is not being addressed. A representative of the St. Paul Police Department will share current data about unsolved murders in St. Paul involving women. The evening will conclude with moments of silence in memory of Ruth Munson and all women whose murders remain unsolved.

Note: copies of A M**der on the Hill (Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2024) will be available for purchase at the event, or can be purchased at local bookstores and online.

Host or Publisher Roger Barr