Rippey is actually celebrating its 166th birthday on July 31st. We have been telling you all the activities for the celebration, but now going to share some of that early pioneer history.
Old Rippey, located near the Raccoon River was founded just 6 years after Truman Davis and his family arrived in Greene County in the fall of 1849.The original town was laid out by surveyor, and Judge Robert M. Rippey. Judge Rippey was an officer from Greene County who was killed in the Civil War. The original town was located on the east side of the Raccoon River on the Des Moines/Sioux City Stage route.
All was well, until land developer William Cartwright, from Oskaloosa purchased 40 acres of land on either side of the proposed railroad. He laid out the plans for the town on the Des Moines Valley Railroad in 1870, and the town was moved to the railroad line some 3 ½ miles northwest.
Coal mining was the prominent industry, followed by agriculture. Farming and transportation were much different, as the land was swampy and had numerous ponds. Of course, the Raccoon River had no bridges, and crossings were made at fords.
Rippey grew and in the early 1900’s there was a drug store, a millinery shop (for making lady’s fine hats), a dry goods store, 3 meat markets, 2 physicians, 2 lumber yards, several general stores, and a hardware store.
This and additional historical information are available from the “History of Rippey, A Century Of Progress” that was published in 1956. The town’s growth is reflected in the first portion of the book, followed by individual family biographical sketches. It has been reprinted for the Friends of Rippey by Raspberry Ridge publishing and is available for $30.00. A companion book, published by the same company, “I Remember Rippey”, will be available for $10.00. This book provides a reflection of stories and memories of people who grew up in the community in the 50’s and 60’s. Other merchandise available will include 4 different styles of commemorative post cards, depicting the town’s history.
The Rippey Sesquicentennial t shirts are sold out in sizes Large and Extra Large, and a few children’s and youth shirts, plus a limited number of small and medium adult shirts remain. TC&B Authentic Clothing donated the t-shirts and are making baseball jerseys representative of the Rippey Bulldogs and East Greene Hawks available for purchase. Baseball hats are also available.
The sesquicentennial committee planners continue to be amazed and incredibly pleased at the financial generosity and the responses of those persons living away from the little community. Family and class reunions were planned but postponed one year due to Covid but are now planning to return to their roots to visit family and generally reminisce about the town.
Remember, the first event of the day is the parade which will begin at 10:00. Numerous food venues, children’s activities, open air theater, and music will round out the day’s events. The Reunion Ball Game to be played at 3:00, will have representatives for East Greene, and the Rippey Bulldogs. A street dance and fireworks will conclude the day.
Consider this your invitation to come join in the celebration.