An historic home house tour in Ripley is set for Dec. 15, from 1 to 5 p.m.
The event is sponsored by Ripley Heritage, Inc. as a fundraiser for Ripley Museum. Ripley Heritage, Inc. also manages the John Rankin House Historic Site owned by the Ohio History Connection.
Tickets are $15 and are available the day of the tour at The Ripley Museum, 219 N. Second Street beginning at 12:30.
Begin the tour with The Ripley Museum, an 1850 home that features Ripley memorabilia and beautiful furniture from the earliest days of the town including Civil War, 1800s and turn of the century (1900s). Hot spiced tea and cookies will be served.
Eight homes will delight tour goers. These are the oldest and most historic homes in Ripley 1819-1875.
They include:
The Thomas Collins House, 200th Anniversary — The home at 202 Front Street has been restored by Jerry and Hilda Strange. Known as the Collins House its tablet reads, “This tablet marks the home of Thomas Collins. Englishman, cabinet maker, chief conductor of the Underground Railroad. Its portals were always open, through this door stole refugees innumerable, the night was never too dark, nor the journey too long for its owner to issue forth leading the helpless across the hills to freedom.”
The Chambers Baird House — New owners, Rachael and Brandon Bradshaw have recently restored this magnificent home. Situated on Second and Mulberry Streets is the Baird homestead which was occupied by three generations of Bairds from 1845 to 1973. The house was built by William Mathers in 1825 and was the home of Dr. Thomas Williamson who married Margaret Poage, daughter of Ripley’s founding father. The important feature of this house is the wrought-iron lace porch and balcony which was purchased from the Rankin Iron Works of Cincinnati and shipped to Ripley by packet boat.
135 N. Second Street — New Owners, Jessica and Rob Ossenbeck. This lovely Victorian style brick home features a beautiful wrap around porch. The new owners were able to purchase much of the near perfect antique furniture from the estate of the previous owner. They have added a modern twist which is sure to delight tour goers.
105 N.Second Street — Directly across from the Centenary United Church was recently purchased by John Bice. This early brick home will feature over-the-top Christmas decorations.
The Pogue Row Houses — 124 and 128 N. Front Street. The distinctive row houses 1816 Federal style and were built by Colonel James Poage, founder of Ripley. These connected brick buildings have Victorian front porches which were added many years after the original construction. The home at 124 Front Street is owned by Doris Brookbank. Several years ago this home was completely renovated and redecorated in an “magazine quality” upscale design. The home at 128 Front Street has new owners who are bringing in their collection of antique furniture and completely updating and redecorating the home.
The Stivers/Zachman House — 136 N. Front Street owned by Tom and Jane Zachman. Visitors will find 12-foot ceilings, eight fireplaces, original woodwork and 1800s antiques that has been remodeled for family living. Tom, who has recently organized the Ripley Ohio Association Rocketry Club will have his “rocket factory” on display in the man cave. The 1875 Italianate style brick home originally sat on ground level and was elevated following the 1913 flood. It was the home of one of Ripley’s earliest banking families. The house stands on the site of the 1800s office of brothers Dr. Alfred Beasley and Dr. Benjamin Beasley. Dr. Alfred Beasley was an Underground Railroad conductor.
Grant’s Cottage (Kirker House) — 206 N. Front Street. Michael and Jocelyn Palmer currently own Grant’s Cottage. Its marker reads, “In 1838 Mr. Thomas Kirker resided in this house, with whom General U. S. Grant boarded, while attending the Whitmore private school; his parents living in Georgetown.” The school was later Ripley College, not Whitmore. It was a female college.
