Ben Hecht (1893-1964) was brought to Racine by his parents from New York City. Ben attended high school in Racine at the old Racine High School and showed signs of his writing talents in the Racine High School Senior Annual 1909. You can review some of his work here: Racine_High_School_Senior_Annual_1909_smaller (Use the PDF search function to search on Hecht.) After high school, Hecht ran away to Chicago where he began his screenwriting and journalistic career.
I have a poetry book of Ben Hecht’s. He wrote a note in it to Wm. Allen Gifford. They both loved poetry. Evidently they shared the book.
Dear Ruth,
That’s remarkable! I’m writing a biography of Hecht and would love to hear more about the book. If you happen to come across this message, would you contact me? jtisch401@gmail.com
Best wishes,
JT