by Laurel | February 10th, 2012
10 February 2012
Ruth Isabel Skinner (born February 10, 1866) was an American businesswoman. Belle Skinner was a humanitarian and music-lover whose life her brother William memorialized in the construction of the Skinner Hall of Music at Vassar in 1932. Belle Skinner died 10 April 1928.
Belle Skinner
“After the World War Miss Skinner received decorations from the governments of France, England and America. She restored the devastated village of Hattonchatel, ancient seat of the Bishops of Verdun, replacing lost church bells, installing a water system for the entire village, and doing many things for the enlightenment and happiness of the people who hold her name in affection and reverence. She created a scholarship at Vassar College for the purpose of study of French history, hoping thereby to help in promoting friendly international relations. With this thought in mind she wrote several articles in the interest of France, and had planned to write further in her desire t bring better understanding between the nations.”
