Ohio high school student Patti Rumfola lost her purse in 1957, and 62 years later it has finally been found, according to CNN. The contents of the dusty red leather handbag show a glimpse into the life of a schoolgirl from another era.
Custodian Chas Pyle found the purse lodged between a school locker and the wall while doing repairs on the trim in 2019. North Canton Middle School, formerly North Canton High or Hoover High School, reached out on Facebook to see if they could locate the former student.
The post prompted an unofficial investigation, and Rumfola’s family was located so the purse could be returned. Patti Rumfola passed away in 2013, but the family enjoyed peeking into her high school life by sorting through the purse’s contents.
Inside was 26 cents, membership cards to the library and YMCA, black and white photos of friends, family and a dog, “pastel pink” lipstick, and a North Canton High School football schedule.
"Patti. Good luck to a swell girl and friend. Bonnie" is written on one of the photos.
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The family enjoyed opening the purse together at a get-together last fall. Patti had five children and each chose to keep a wheat penny as a keepsake according to the school’s update.
The school also shared photos of the entirety of the purse’s content, which you can see on their Facebook post.
According to her obituary, Rumfola enjoyed teaching in Annapolis Maryland, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and taking part in creative activities in Punxsutawney, Penn.
"She was one of the founding members of the Theatre Arts Guild and the Young Women's Club, both in Punxsutawney. She enjoyed the Ladies of the Lake and her book and quilting clubs. She was active as a costume designer and seamstress with the Reitz Theatre. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren," read her obituary.
Thanks to a misplaced purse in high school, her family can continue to remember her life for years to come.
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