Fire blight is one of the deadliest diseases found in apple and pear trees. It strikes during many phases of the tree's growth and flowering. Outbreaks can occur anywhere but are especially prevalent in the northeastern United States, where periodic outbreaks affect both commercial and backyard orchards.
Only Barbara Henry was willing to teach Bridges, and for over a year Mrs. Henry taught her alone, as if she were teaching a whole class.. That first day, Ruby and her adult companions spent the entire day in the principal's office; the chaos of the school prevented their moving to the classroom until the second day.
Ruby Bridges was born in Tylertown, Mississippi, to Abon and Lucille Bridges. When she was 4 years old, the family relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana.