This comfortable family room setting is furnished in early 20th century style and surrounded by memories of Ripley’s past.

On the walls you will find portraits and memories of families of distinction including the Williamson’s. Dr. Williamson, an 1800’s Ripley physician, received a “calling” to the ministry. He, his wife, Margaret, and sister-in-law, Sarah, both daughters of Ripley’s founder James Poage, left Ripley to be missionaries to Indians in the west.

Neighbors to the home that would become the Ripley Museum are remembered in two displays. Living next door was Navy Lt. Oswin Welles Lowry and across the street on the site of the Masonic Lodge lived Cora Young Wiles, writer of the Ripley Song.

In the Lowry display, you find the Lieutenant’s fore and aft hat with its original metal storage box, his Annapolis graduation ring, and a prototype of a telemeter he designed for the Navy.

Among the items reflecting the life of Cora Young Wiles are her Ripley Song, a manuscript version of her teenage diary, Young family photographs, copies of her sister Hattie’s award winning art, and a collection of books from her father's personal and law libraries.

On the walls are a number of photographs and portraits of Civil War heroes including Wirt and Algernon Liggett. These brothers died within months of each other in separate battles. Above the display case which holds the Civil War 1861 British Tower rifle you find a beautifully crafted sword carried by W.R. Ellis, grandson of Nathan Ellis, a founder of nearby Aberdeen. He served in the 10th KY Cavalry. Other Civil War items include artifacts obtained from the site of Camp Ripley where Union soldiers were mustered in and drilled from 1861 to 1864.

Other items include a collection of letters and documents bearing the names of many historic figures in our nation's history. Among these is a copy of a letter written by General Ulysses S. Grant and a letter signed by Senator Henry Clay.
 
 

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Beauty Shop	Children's Room	East Room
Farm Tools	Garage	Ladies Room
Master Bedroom	Parlor	School Room
Turn of the Century Kitchen	Memorabilia Room	Map & Directions