Caroline Ruutz-Rees

Caroline Ruutz-Rees (August 16, 1865 – February 15, 1954) was a British–American academic, educator, and suffragist. Ruutz-Rees was very involved in the women's suffrage movement in Connecticut. She served as the first head teacher of Rosemary Hall. She was also a member of the executive board of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association (CWSA).

Biography Ruutz-Rees was born in London on August 16, 1865. She attended private schools in London. Ruutz-Rees came to the United States around 1882 or 1883, eventually becoming a naturalized citizen. The school, under her direction, was one of the first American girls' schools to require Uniforms. Ruutz-Rees' method of teaching and administrating the school was based on English girls' schools. In 1900, the school was moved to Greenwich. Ruutz-Rees participated in a large women's suffrage parade in Hartford in 1919. The suffragists presented a 27,000 signature petition in support of the women's vote to the Connecticut state legislature. She held the chair for more than a year, and resigned due to her other commitments. She was also a supporter of the Woman's Land Army. At Rosemary Hall, Ruutz-Rees had students plant and care for community war gardens. In 1922, she was considered a possible Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Ruutz-Rees turned over the full-time administration of the school to Eugenia Baker Jessup in 1938 and continued to work with the school after her retirement. During her life, she adopted two children. Ruutz-Rees died in her home in Greenwich on February 15, 1954.