Rippey Library News

The first group discussion for "Greene County Reads" was held on Tuesday, August 14,  at 1:30 pm in the Rippey Library.   Greene County Reads is being funded by a grant from Humanities Iowa as well as assistance from Home State Bank and Peoples Banks of Greene County.    Lawrence Geisler of Churdan, leader of the discussion, shared his interesting interpretation of the book, Denison.   He also shared many of his experiences while doing his own  research in Denison.    After refreshments the group broke into four groups to answer a question sheet and further discussion followed.    It was a great experience for the seventeen attending.     There will be two more opportunities to discuss Denison at Scranton and also at Churdan.

 

The Rippey Library has completed the summer reading program for students 5-8 grade, " Mysteries of the Past".  The first session was about Egyptology, where they learned about mysteries of Egypt.  The second session was about ghost towns and ghosts.    For the third session, the guest speaker was Jean Borgeson, who talked to the group about the importance of family histories and genealogy.   She also showed the group a map of the Rippey Cemetery and explained how she keeps the cemetery records.   The four week session ended on August 15 with a trip to Pleasant Hill Cemetery and the Truman Davis gravesite.   Despite the very warm day, "Mary Davis" (Mary Weaver) and "Rebecca Derry" (Velda DeMoss) made an appearance in full dress of the 1800's.   Rebecca told about her move to Greene County and her life in early Greene County.  Mary Davis  took the group to the stone marking the Stage Coach trail which passes near the Cemetery.   Enroute to the Truman Davis gravesite, the group stopped to read the marker at the site of the Greene County Coal Mine.    At the base of the hill where Truman Davis is buried, "Mary Davis" told about her life as the first white woman settler in Greene County.    The group decided it was too warm to climb the hill and were content to look at the flag at the gravesite which is maintained by the Greene County Historical Society. 

In learning about early cemeteries, they learned that cemeteries were treated as parks and picnics were often held there.   That was the original plan, but due to the heat, they returned to the library where they enjoyed an "old fashioned picnic" of chicken, potato salad, baked beans, and pie, in air conditioned comfort!  Students that were able to attend the final session were, Karen Roberts and Gabe Bardole of Rippey and Karen's cousin, Payton Kotz of Sioux City. 

During the four week session seven students took part in the series. Denise Kinney  was coordinator  and was assisted by Librarian Toni Roberts.