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.
Mrs. Henry and Ruby Bridges were reunited in adulthood. Ruby Bridges is now Ruby Bridges Hall. She still lives in New Orleans today. For fifteen years, she worked as a travel agent, and then later became a full time mom to her four sons. She is currently the chair of the Ruby Bridges Foundation, which was created in 1999.