Potsdam, NY, Sep 29, 2009 — Nearly everyone in St. Lawrence County knows Ruth Garner, the former mayor of Potsdam. Turning 94 this year, she is still active in local politics. But few people are familiar with Ruth's experiences growing up through the Great Depression-- and how her travels as a young girl shaped her political career. This story was produced for NCPR by Brenna Rice for the Common Wealth, Common Wisdom Project.