2008 Ricketts Reunion

"It's always nice to see everyone, I was especially glad to see those Rabe kids," Laura Langholdt said about this year's reunion, "I hadn't seen them for such a very long time." Langholdt, Mayor Connie Gloede and Nancy Landon stayed until at least eleven. Folks passed around pictures and enjoyed a summer evening and a potluck supper. Laura and her late husband Whip ran first the cafe in town and then the bowling alley.

Ricketts Paraphernalia for Sale

Hope to see you there

Not the same Ricketts #22

I have NO idea who these guys are. Ever hear of them? Evidently, they put out an album in 1973 in Spain that you can now buy for $18 at a record store (or antique shop) in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

I haven't heard them, so I don't know if they're any good, but it's a sure thing that they don't have much to do with Ricketts, Iowa. However, the rest of this website does. If you're from Ricketts or around it and you have memories or pictures to share, we'd sure love to hear from you. And don't forget our annual Ricketts Kid's Reunion coming up this next weekend! Hope to see you there. Why not bring our guitar and plan to jam?!!

Not the same Ricketts #21

Dear Ted,

Being a relative of Joe Ricketts (“Not the Same Ricketts, File #17”), I don’t have anything to do with Ricketts, Iowa either but feel compelled to comment on the USS Ricketts pictured on your website (“Not the Same Ricketts, File #4”).

The hull shown in the picture is that of the USS Biddle. The name is on the transom. The Biddle was renamed USS Claude V. Ricketts (DDG 5) in 1964 after WW2 hero and former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, VADM Claude Vernon Ricketts after serving as USS Biddle (DD 955 / DDG 5) for over five years. The caption for the photo in your file actually describes the USS RICKETTS (DE 254), named for another WW2 hero LT Milton E. Ricketts. There were two “USS Ricketts” in the US Navy.

In addition to the two officers mentioned above, RADM Myron Ricketts also served with distinction in the Naval Sea Systems Command.

LCDR Steven D. Ricketts (USN, Ret)

Well whattya know?!

Thank you so much for the information Lieutenant Commander.
And thank you for your service to our country too.

Any body got a picture of the OTHER USS. Ricketts?
Or how about pictures or memories about Ricketts, Iowa? Send 'em and we'll post 'em. Meanwhile, we hope to see you at the Ricketts Kids Reunion this month. Steve, Milton, and Myron, you're all invited too- what the heck!

Showing out Pride for the 4th of July

The Ricketts Volunteer Fire Department participated in the Charter Oak parade on July 5 celebrating their 60th "Achievement Days" 4H/FFA fair. Above; Mayor Connie makes sure that the PRESS knows it's place. (I jumped about 10 feet when she honked the horn just as I was taking that first picture!)

Securing the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity (get it? the eagle is on the posterior of the fire engine? posterior/posterity? okay, never mind, I have a twisted sense of humor anyway.