90 Years Ago - Commemorating Ripton’s Soldiers

In 1933 Ripton village and many outlying homes reflected the hardships and financial problems created by the Great Recession and World War I. To counteract the gloom of dilapidated buildings a committee was formed to beautify the town.

Among the projects the committee accomplished in June that year was the erection of a marker commemorating Ripton's soldiers. For this memorial they chose a rough, six-foot-tall, native stone. Col. Frank A. Scott provided a brass plaque with the inscription, "In grateful memory of the men and women of Ripton who served their country in time of war." William Hazlett Upson provided the base. Walter Kirby, Daniel Dragon, Jason Billings, Clyde Cram, Parker Cram, and Herbert Billings provided the manpower, horses, and wagon necessary to transport and erect the monument at the intersection of Natural Turnpike and Route 125. This reminder of our veterans' service can be viewed where it now stands on the grounds of Ripton Community House.