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The
Rankin House
The Parker House
Ripley Library
The
library building began its history in 1910 when the Ripley Progress Club
began to raise money to purchase the land on which the library stands.
In
1914 the town received $10,000 from the Carnegie Foundation for the actual
structure, with the stipulation the library would be built above the 1913
flood level. The raised ground helps give the library its noble
appearance, but did not save it from damage during the 1937 flood.
Late
in 1915 the Union Township Public Library opened for business. The Prairie
Style architecture designed by H.T. Liebert of Wausau, Wisconsin, was
constructed of brick with a red tile roof and "ribbon" style
windows. The glazed tile that decorates the exterior was made by the
Rookwood Pottery of Cincinnati, better known for their beautiful art
pottery.
In
1990 the first expansion was completed. Care was taken to match the style
of the original building. In 1993 a meeting room was added, increasing our
ability to be a full service library to the community.
234 N.
Front Street,
The Signal House
The Signal House leaves a mark in history through its involvement with the
Underground Railroad. A lantern from a skylight in the attic signaled Rev.
John Rankin that the waterfront was safe to transport slaves to freedom.
Legends also tell of two Civil War officers who lived in this house. Built
in the 180's, this Greek Italianate style home features ornate plaster
moldings with surround the twelve-foot ceilings, enhancing the charm of
the twin parlors.
231 N. Second Street
Built by Peter Benua in 1895, this two story brick Victorian home was
built for gracious living. This house remained in the same family for
almost 100 years. The house features oak woodwork with hand carved
spindles on the stairway. It has a spacious foyer and 10 main rooms. The
four fireplaces, once used to heat the house, are all treated differently
(one features Rookwood tile). There are 3 sets of pocket doors. On the
outside of the house the curved brick and glass of the window are Queen
Anne architecture.
122 N.
Front Street
This Queen Anne style house has been beautifully painted to accentuate the
architecture. The three story house features two bay windows with stained
glass and has a wrap-around porch. The home has beautiful woodwork and
high ceilings associated with the Queen Anne period.
125 N.
Second Street
This federal style two story brick home was built around 1840 by John
Bennington. It is built entirely of bricks made in Ripley. It was the
boyhood home of Frank Gregg, who later in life amassed a considerable
fortune. In 1912 Mr. Gregg presented the village of Ripley with the
Liberty
Monument at the foot of Front Street, and various yard markers telling of
Ripley's historical past. The house was sold in 1884 to Thomas White.
410 Main
Street
This house was built in 1846 by Dr. Alexander Dunlop. The architecture
style is Greek Revival and French II Empire. Over the years three doctors
made this house their residence. This beautiful white-columned house on
"Colonial Row" is now the home of "Carolyn's House of
Mini-Rooms Museum."
402 Main
Street
This three story brick house of Georgian style is located on Ripley's
Colonial Row. It was built in 1841 by Samuel Hemphill. The architecture is
an excellent example of the Neo-Classical period. The lines of this house
almost exactly duplicate those of the 5th century Temple of Neptune in
Greece. In its early days the house was known as "Silver Point",
because the owner often paid his help in silver coins.
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