Living in Ripley

Patriotism and reinvention reign in this Norman Rockwell-esque town.

From the Summer 2013 Issue

written by Aly Goodwin Gregg 
photographed by Nikki Bowman and Jess Martin Photography

In an era of strip malls, anchor stores, and massive shopping complexes, Ripley is a breath of fresh air. The charming small town of Ripley (population 3,252 as of the 2010 U.S. Census) is the seat of Jackson County and has a rich history that contributes to its growing popularity as a bedroom community outside of larger cities like Charleston and Parkersburg.

While many people in the region know Ripley for its storied Fourth of July celebration and as the home of the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair, few realize the small town was alive and flourishing even before West Virginia was a state.

history

The area known today as the city of Ripley, where Sycamore Creek joins Mill Creek, was originally settled in 1768. At the turn of the 19th century, the wealthy and entrepreneurial Starcher family purchased the land. Over the next three decades, the family constructed a gristmill and established the town they would name for young traveling minister Harry Ripley, who is said to have perished in Mill Creek just days before his wedding.

When the county of Jackson was created, there was much debate over the location of the county seat. Would it be the burgeoning area the Starchers settled or the nearby community settled along the Ohio River—Ravenswood? The assembly appointed a commission to make that decision, and Ripley won. The Virginia General Assembly chartered the town in 1832, predating the establishment of the State of West Virginia by more than 31 years. That same year, the Starcher family donated acreage to the county for the courthouse and jail. They would also donate additional acreage for use of a public school and a community cemetery. The original Starcher family home stands near the west end of town and can be seen as visitors come into the city.

celebrations

“In Ripley, the Fourth of July is always the highlight of summer,” says Mayor Carolyn Rader. “I can remember as a child always getting a new summer outfit, and it had to be red, white, and blue.”

Ripley’s Fourth of July celebration—the oldest Independence Day event in the state—came to life in the early 1900s, putting in place a beloved annual event that now attracts thousands of visitors to the Jackson County courthouse lawn. “There is always something for everybody,” Carolyn says. “The spirit has not changed in the hearts of these people. We celebrate our independence, our soldiers, and the red, white, and blue.”

The annual event includes an opening ceremony on the courthouse lawn, a Grand Parade, which always features dignitaries and special guests, and culminates with a tremendous fireworks display. Carolyn, a lifelong resident of Ripley, recalls many celebrations and special guests who have come to Ripley over the years. She says one of her favorite memories was when a little show known as the TODAY show came to town. “That was the year (1966) Ripley celebrated the Fourth twice,” she says with excitement.

It seems NBC’s venerable morning program wanted to cover the event, but the Fourth of July fell on a Monday that year. They would need to tape the festivities prior to the actual date in order to cover the event. The program sent cameras and reporters to capture the Grand Parade on the prior Saturday, and then aired it on Monday, July 4. But that wouldn’t keep the town’s residents from celebrating Independence Day on the actual holiday, too. “I was head majorette at Ripley High School, and I was thrilled to lead the band twice—once on Saturday and again on Monday morning,” Carolyn says. “We didn’t miss a beat, and we were going to celebrate the Fourth on the Fourth.”

Today, the Ripley Fourth of July continues to draw an influx of families and visitors to Jackson County. “It’s the time when you set family reunions and class reunions and everybody comes home to Ripley to celebrate,” Carolyn says.

For the past 50 years, people have also been flocking to this region for the annual Mountain State Art and Craft Fair. Scheduled to take place July 4 to 6, 2013, the fair attracts tens of thousands of visitors and art collectors to see West Virginia artists in the vast Cedar Lakes Conference Center, conveniently located off of Interstate 77. Debra Gard, vice president of education, entertainment, and facilities and board member of the fair, says the fair is comprehensive to say the least. “We require every artisan and vendor on the grounds to demonstrate their craft in some way—either through hands-on activities or pictorials. Even food companies have to supply samples of their products.”

With more than 150 juried items on display, each required to meet strict quality criteria, the fair continues to set the standard for many other fairs in the region, but the focus has always been on promoting regional artisans, Debra says. “The origin of the fair 50 years ago was with state agencies coming together to find a way to showcase artisans, musicians, and food companies in the state. It was also a way to preserve West Virginia history and culture through education.”

Education is, perhaps, the grander purpose of the fair, Debra says. Through live demonstrations on everything from basket weaving to cooking with fresh, West Virginia-grown foods and regional products, the fair promotes and preserves arts that might otherwise be lost over time. Through the fair’s generous scholarship program, Debra hopes to keep these traditions alive. “In a lot of cases, the artists themselves are passing away and the talents aren’t being preserved. The scholarship program gives young people an opportunity to learn these crafts and be successful.”

For artists and business owners like Sue Jennings of Allegheny Treenware, having the opportunity to present an arts and crafts-focused business to the public is almost as important as the event’s networking potential. Sue and her husband Stan have been a fixture at the fair for more than 20 years. She says. “The fair is a tradition that gets in the blood. There’s no greater community to be a part of—it is a truly loving and supportive family. But it is also

our chance to come across as the professionals we are. For many of us, it’s our main venue in West Virginia, where we can show the public we are a real industry and we are helping to support our communities and provide jobs—that we are an economic asset.”

For the fair’s 50th anniversary, vendors will showcase limited edition beads made by one of the original Mountain State Art and Craft exhibitors, Fenton Art Glass. Fairgoers can expect live music, educational activities for kids, a chili cook-off, a plethora of exhibits on everything from apple butter to candle making, and plenty of delicious food.

Although the fair is one of the area’s biggest draws, the conference center itself provides essential services to the state’s youth and adults year-round, offering facilities where groups can assemble for recreation, banquets, and receptions. The site is also the location of Winterfest, the area’s largest display of holiday lights and computer animated displays, and home to the nationally recognized Crafts Center that offers workshops and programs on everything from stained glass making to watercolor to fly-fishing.

stay, shop, and dine

Planning a visit to Ripley is easy. If you prefer a bit of shopping or a simple day trip, Ripley has you covered.

Shops like The Mason Jar, Reta’s Antiques, Just For You Primitives, Ripley Floral Design, The Country Place, Country Scents and Gifts, and Evergreen Florist & Christian Supply offer an assorted selection of gifts and home décor. Millcreek Trading Company, located right off Exit 132 on Interstate 77, is a 13,500-square-foot mecca of primitive and country home goods. If you are looking for collegiate or local sportswear, head to Athletic Outfitters, Inc., and opening soon, 218 offers upscale fashion and luxury goods. If you are in the market for jewelry, visit Goldigger’s or The Jeweler’s Touch, an eclectic shop that combines owner Nathan Donohew’s passion for motorcycles and toy collectibles with custom-made jewelry. A throwback to yesteryear, Casto’s Department Store is a local institution and has been serving Ripley for more than 40 years.

You can’t visit Ripley without visiting historic Vail Furniture. Boasting 169 years, Vail Furniture redefines the idea of anchor stores with its longtime corner position on West Main and Church streets. In downtown Ripley since 1844, it was founded by Isaiah Vail, a carpenter and casket maker. Over the years, the longtime, family-owned business has seen its share of changes. “We have seen significant signs of growth in downtown Ripley in recent years with the opening of new businesses and the refurbishment of historic buildings,” says Vail Furniture Owner Kathryn S. Goodwin. “This year alone there have been several new businesses open in the vicinity of our shop, which is great for downtown Ripley.”

Everyone loves when the city of Ripley goes “on sale” during Memorial Day weekend. Each May, a packed courthouse lawn features local artisans and shops, and downtown merchants host sidewalk sales. “I think any event that brings people into the downtown area is good for every business in Ripley, and I have noticed an increase in our business throughout the past year,” Kathryn says.

When in town, you won’t go hungry. Crabby Patti’s Seafood Restaurant draws locals and visitors alike. You’ll hear nothing but rave reviews for the crab cakes, blackened Ahi tuna Caesar salad, and the Cream of Crab Soup. Located on Court Street in downtown Ripley, this favorite spot offers a unique atmosphere and outdoor dining with a view of the historic Courthouse Square. Also across from the courthouse is The Downtowner Restaurant, which has been dishing out diner fare for more than 25 years. The popular Johnny Mac’s Bar and Grill, a family-style sports grill, is located at McCoy’s Inn on Main Street. For a taste of Italy, check out Fratello’s Italian Family Steak House, located right outside of town off Exit 132, but if Mexican is what you are craving, Las Trancas Mexican Restaurant at 157 McGraw Street has a loyal fan base.

Looking to spend a couple of days in the area? Then you’ll want to check out—and check in—at McCoy’s Inn and Conference Center at 701 West Main Street. McCoy’s has been providing guests exceptional service for 40 years. This family-owned hotel boasts 137 rooms (as well as pet-friendly rooms), an outdoor pool, a 8000-square-foot fitness center, a five-acre recreational island, and meeting and banquet facilities. Owner John P. McCoy says, “In a business dominated by large chains, it is easy to purchase a name, but difficult to make a name for yourself. We are willing to put our name on the line with a guarantee to our guests.”

community

If there’s one thing that binds the entire community together, it’s the high school. In fact, you will be hard pressed to find someone who isn’t sporting blue and white, Ripley’s colors. “Ripley High School has a very unique role in the community of Ripley,” says Principal Will Hosaflook. “Geographically speaking, Ripley High School is a central point for many community activities. I have always joked around with community members saying , ‘There is someone at Ripley High School each minute of the day.’”

Carolyn says the town’s many events—from football games to festivals—and sense of community are what make Ripley special. Ripley residents—lifelong or transplant—want to keep the town’s spirit and traditions alive and they are known for rallying behind community projects. Take for example the Alpine Theatre, built in the 1930s. When it opened for its first movie, admission cost $.30 for adults and $.15 for children. Until 1984, when it closed, the downtown theater showed everything from Love Me Tender to E.T. As time passed, the historic structure sat empty and became run down, but a few interested citizens worked with the leadership of Main Street Ripley to purchase the building in 2003. Over the next several years, they worked to bring the theater back to life. “The Alpine has been restored and is quickly becoming a focal point downtown for this community,” Carolyn says. “There were so many memories generated there. With that investment along West Main Street, in addition to the new boutiques and shops coming in, it is going to be terrific.”

A convenient location off of Interstate 77 plus recent investment in the downtown area and the growing west end make Ripley an ideal community to live and raise a family. “I want people to see this progressive little city with our flavor of family, love, and compassion and feel welcome here,” Carolyn says. “So many young people are returning to the area because we are perfectly located between Charleston and Parkersburg. People can live here with all the benefits of a small town and have easy access to their jobs.”