The Renfrow Story

Today I was delighted to find an envelope in my mailbox from my dear, sweet friend. Her handwriting is a bit more shaky than the first note I received back in 2015, and there are a few more dropped or jumbled words. But she is just shy of 109 years and 11 months old, so every word is a marvel and a blessing to read.

My husband, Craig, and I have spent quite a bit of time deciphering it. And I sent it on to my mom and sister so they could join the fun. Here’s what we’ve come up with for what we think it says:

May 30, 2024

Dear Monique, such a talented author.

Who would have thought in a million years that those daily admonitions would give someone the ability to make something so delightful.

It seems anyone who touches it delights and wishes to open and see what it holds, adults and children.

And it means so much to the college and my family.

Please thank Anne for me.

Sincerely, Edith

I think the last bit about thanking Anne must mean Grinnell College President Anne Harris, who was the champion for the naming of Renfrow Hall.

Last weekend was the Grinnell College Alumni Reunion and there were three Renfrow related events on the schedule: a talk by Tamara Beauboeuf about Edith’s life; a book talk by me; and a cemetery walk highlighting the stories of 5 African Americans of early Grinnell, four of whom were directly related to Edith. I had wonderful conversations with those who attended. It is hard to encapsulate how different pieces of this (her story, her family roots in Grinnell, the naming of the building) connect with various people in various ways. But it is truly an honor to be a part of it.

On July 14th, God willing, Miss Edith will turn 110. We are going to mark that monumental milestone in Grinnell with a celebration at the Grinnell Area Arts Council. I’ve been working on a collaboration between the library and the arts council that will display images of Grinnell from 1890-1950, the decades the Renfrow family lived in Grinnell. The exhibit is set to open on Friday, July 12th, with a birthday party theme. The show will be on display for the remainder of the summer. Then, in September, in the weeks leading up to the naming of Renfrow Hall, another wonderful artistic venture will come to our community. This one will involve historic images enlarged to become temporary murals on the sides of buildings around town. It’s going to really awesome and I’m super excited about how it is coming together. And I haven’t even touched on all the fun that will happen on September 28th for the dedication of Renfrow Hall!

The life of Edith Renfrow Smith, the inspiration she learned at her mother’s knee, that she continues to pass on to the world, her endless joy and positivity, and the simple gifts like this note – these things mean so much to the community of Grinnellians near and far.

So thank you, Edith Renfrow Smith, for making such delightful things a reality for so many.