LIBRARY TALK – OCTOBER 9, 2022
From the desk of Alison Gibson, Director
As the ‘back in time’ columns seem to be popular, we thought we’d go back and see what early October was like. We don’t have 100 years ago for the Ripley Bee (we have very few early 1920s issues), but going back 110 years ago…October 2, 1912 was pretty interesting and ties in loosely with current activities. We listened to the comments on how big and long the Brown County Fair parade was, but we’ve got to say, the parade for the Golden Reunion of the 7th Ohio Cavalry would have given them a run for their money. Here are a few descriptions of the floats: “take a fly to Criswell & Bristow’s for a cool draught” was the slogan of this popular drug store. To carry out the phrase a large aeroplane was constructed, with all the accoutrements of a modern Wright machine. Red, white and blue were the prevailing colors of the Benua Clothing Company entry, in which were displayed various articles of merchandise of this popular firm. Two young men in the act of trying on and fitting clothing proved quite an innovation and met with wide-spread approval. An old Dutch windmill, decorated in the national colors, was the display of the Ripley Mill & Lumber Co.. One of the most cleverly arranged floats was that of Thompson & Lewis, the stove and tinware firm. A house, constructed of tin, and complete in all the details in their line, even to spouting, contained a Moore’s Heater, with a roaring fire, and Miller Thompson, sitting comfortably by the fireside reading his paper. Several floats were fitted out with large columns and lovely ladies sitting and waving to the crowd. The Maddox Drug Store used this theme while adding a huge bottle of their popular Rexall 93 Hair Tonic in the center–naturally the young ladies had lovely long locks of hair!
The new “Ripley Loose Leaf Tobacco Warehouse Co.” flaunted its colors to the breeze, entering a float of tobacco with a large sign telling of the many advantages to be had at this big house. On the front page of this Bee was a long article on this new warehouse–25,000 sq. ft of floor space, lots of skylights, the railroad track moved 20 feet to allow a shipping shed.. this warehouse was along the river between Victoria and River Streets.
Of course, the purpose of the parade should not be overlooked. The 7th Cavalry 50th year reunion was a multi-day event, with many of the older veterans coming back to Ripley, some from as far away as Kansas and Iowa. Veterans from other units came as well to enjoy banquets, speeches, campfires and of course, the big parade.
FYI, Library will be closed next Monday, October 10th in observance of Columbus Day.
On Wednesday, October 19th at 6:00 p.m. the Ripley Friends of the Library are sponsoring the return of the Madcap Puppets, this time performing their comic spin on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This professional group always does a wonderful job–join us in the library annex for a fun for children of all ages performance.
