It’s unfortunate our libraries continue to be closed, but an example of the somewhat hidden volumes on our own shelves is shared by a longtime user and supporter of the libraries in the communities she lived in, including being a librarian at some time in those moves she made. As Nancy Hanaman pointed out, shelves in a section of our library are reserved for local and Iowa History. Some are factual and some are written by folks who are remembering their own experiences, growing up on farms or in a small town. As Rippey was planning their 150th celebration, many memories have been shared and others, especially our “older folks” are willing to share what the rest will never experience.
When I was librarian, in the late 1990’s, a really good day was when Lee Dorris and Don Anschutz would come in at the same time, sit at the front table and visit about the old days. If Jim and Marge Benshoof would happen to come in that day, it was an added bonus. These folks could tell you which houses came from Angus, who was related, and remember what it was like growing up and living in and around Rippey. I wish I had thought about writing their stories down, or at least recording them as they were visiting. Always, there was laughter! Sometimes, I would have to remind them it was closing time. They were all good supporters of the library.
Somewhere, in a deep place of my home, I have a video of Bernice (States) Cain, giving a talk about her memories, at a Lions Club meeting. I wonder how long it will take me do dig that deep! She was a great one to talk about her life. I also have a good article that her sister, Ferne Holmes, wrote about her life when she celebrated her 80th birthday. Ferne was a longtime reporter for the Rippey News.
-Jean Borgeson