From the desk of Alison Gibson, Director
Browsing through our collection of February Ripley Bee photographs… Back on February 12, 1987 (28 years ago!), a boat on the river isn’t unusual, even in the cold months, but…these folks from La Crosse, Wisconsin were conducting a malacological survey and were scuba diving to collect the ‘Ohio River clams’. Their comments about the Ohio River here were how deep it was and how much debris and drift there was compared to what they were used to in the northern rivers. Last year, Ripley had a mussel survey done in advance of the proposed dock installation.
February is Black History Month and we encourage everyone to stop in and check out a book or movie on the subject. We are proud of the recorded accomplishments of our own John P. Parker, Brigadier General Charles Young, the Atwood family, jazz musician Joe Smith and his brothers, ‘Aunt Jemima’ Rosa Washington Riles, Brian Grant and more—covering politicians, military service, sports, music, abolitionists, educators and industrialists. However, there are families that have lived in the area for generations, each in their own way contributing to the fabric of the community, but we are missing the full story. While we can look up obituaries, and check the local newspapers for stories, it isn’t the same as a personal family account. If you have a family history or family tree, please consider donating a copy (or allowing us to photocopy) to the library so that we can enrich our collection to be shared with all.
FYI, our libraries will be closed on Monday, February 17th in observance of President’s Day.
