The Ricketts Reunion

Town Meeting Jan 28, 10AM

2012-01-17T06:03:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Carlsons!

2012-01-15T13:12:00.000-08:00

Lloyd & Elaine Carlson were recognized with the annual Ricketts Leadership Award at the Ricketts Community Center, Sunday, January 15, 2012. The Carlsons have served Ricketts in the Community Club, the LWML, various church boards, Cub Scouts and the Volunteer Fire Department. Lloyd operated the LLL Grocery Store in Ricketts for many years.

The Carlsons married after each had been widowed. Their children from each's previous marriages serenaded them with a custom version of the old 'Brady Bunch' TV show theme, 'The Carlson Bunch.' Scores of well wishers joined them at the annual Ricketts Leadership Brunch where the Community Club served pancakes, French toast, sausages, coffee and treats.

Annual Leadership Brunch

2012-01-01T11:25:00.000-08:00

Ricketts Community Annual Leadership Brunch- At the Ricketts Community Center on January 15th, 8:30am to 12:30pm. Free Will Donation. Pancakes, french toast, sausage, applesauce, pastries & drinks. Come see who the 'leader' will be.

~Other Area Events~

CO-U After Prom fundraiser- 2 lb containers of BBQ pork, The cost is $10 and your order must be submitted by January 10th. If you are interested, please contact Backy Kunze or Karleen Beeck. Thank you. Orders will be brought to church on January 22nd.

LWML Annual Mapleton Zone Luncheon- At St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak, Thursday, January 5th at 12:00. Jane Shever, Mapleton Zone President will present her report on last June's National LWML Convention held in Peoria, IL. We will draw for new prayer partners. If you'd like to attend and would like a prayer partner, or if you would like a prayer partner but cannot attend, please let Linda know by Tuesday January 3.

Save Our Post Office

2011-12-25T11:46:00.000-08:00

The management of the U.S. Postal Service is proposing a drastic downsizing and service reduction—including possibly shutting down the Ricketts branch post office in Ricketts, harming local service, and laying off 100,000 workers nationwide.

These changes are largely due to an unreasonable requirement instituted by the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, signed by George W. Bush, which required advance funding of retiree health benefits.

A bill has been introduced (H.R. 1351) that will relieve some of the most unfair aspects of this legislation and refund to USPS part of its current overpayment of funds. That's why I created a petition to the U.S. House of Representatives on SignOn.org, which says:

We, the undersigned, urge you to co-sponsor and vote for H.R. 1351, which will restore the U.S. Postal Service to a sound financial footing. We oppose H.R. 2309, which will unnecessarily destroy many good jobs and ultimately the U.S. Postal Service itself.

Will you sign the petition? Click here to add your name, and then pass it along to your friends:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268749&id=34122-8261653-uIkQA0x&t=2

Thanks!

–Paul Hines

Ring in 2012 in Ricketts

2011-12-23T09:53:00.001-08:00

Come celebrate New Year's Eve at the Ricketts Community Center!

Not the same Ricketts #27

2011-11-27T10:43:00.000-08:00

Pat Ricketts played cornerback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Ricketts finished his Senior year (2003) with 35 tackles, including 26 solo stops. He had a season-high five tackles that year against Texas A&M.

Sure, there are plenty of folks around these parts who consider themselves Husker fans (not EVERYBODY in Western Iowa supports the Hawkeyes or the Cyclone) but let's face it, he really have doesn't have anything to do with the TOWN of Ricketts, but MOST of the rest of this website does!

If you grew up in Ricketts, be sure to plan on coming to our annual reunion, the third Saturday in July.

If you have memories or pictures of Ricketts to share, email them to our webmaster: ted.mallory -at- gmail.com.

If you have other funny, kitsch, or corny "Not the same Ricketts" ideas, send them too. Help put Ricketts on the map! And be sure to join our Ricketts Facebook Group

Thy Strong Word

2011-11-20T10:45:00.000-08:00

Mon-Sat. Nov 13-20- 6:25AM Pastor Timothy Frank, of the Triple Parish Lutheran Churches, hosts 'Thy Strong Word' (for Triple Parish) on KDSN 107.1FM/1530AM

If you haven't met or heard Rev. Frank, here's your chance

Election Results

2011-11-20T10:42:00.000-08:00

Results from the November 8 City election, reported in the November 17 Mapleton PRESS

Mayor: Jim Gress, 35 votes
City Council (3):
Jennifer Hennings, 32
Anita Riebesell, 28
Kevin Clausen, 13

Not the same Ricketts #26

2011-11-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

Wesleyan University (Connecticut) Art Professor Rowland Ricketts and his wife Chinami use natural plant dyes to create both artworks and functional textiles. They really like indigo (kind of a blue-violet color).

You're right, they look like nice enough folks, but let's face it, they don't really have anything to do with the TOWN of Ricketts, but MOST of the rest of this website does!

If you grew up in Ricketts, be sure to plan on coming to our annual reunion, the third Saturday in July.

If you have memories or pictures of Ricketts to share, email them to our webmaster: ted.mallory -at- gmail.com.

If you have other funny, kitsch, or corny "Not the same Ricketts" ideas, send them too. Help put Ricketts on the map! And be sure to join our Ricketts Facebook Group.

2011-10-21T11:04:00.001-07:00

LWML Soup Supper

2011-10-01T09:33:00.001-07:00

Sunday Oct. 16th, 2011
5:00pm-7:00pm
St.Luke Lutheran Church
Ricketts, IA

Vegetable Beef, Chili, CHERRY SOUP, sandwiches & desserts

Adults $7
Ages 4-10, $5
Children under 4 eat Free

Annual Ricketts Fire Dept. Breakfast

2011-09-26T09:16:00.000-07:00

Pancake Breakfast

Sunday October 9

8:30am-12:30pm

Ricketts Community Building

Free Will Offering

Thank You for coming and for your donation. All proceeds from today's breakfast will be used toward the purchase and maintenance of out equipment.

We would also like to thank the following businesses for their contributions: Ampride, HyVee, WalMart, McDonald's and No Frills.

If you are interested in joining the Ricketts Volunteer Fire Department or have any questions, please feel free to contact Chief Bruce Meyer or Assistant Chief Steve Smith.

Immanuel Soup Supper Tonight!

2011-09-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Sunday, September 25

4:30-7:30pm

Potato Soup

Chili

Vegetable Beef

Sandwiches & deserts

Adults $7

Kids 5-12 $5

Children under 5 are free

LYF collecting for local family

2011-08-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Triple Parish LYF is gathering donations and collections for the Edginton family which lost their home to a fire. Items being collected include: canned or boxed food, personal hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc., laundry detergent, blankets, clothing size S-M juniors shirts, size 7 jeans or shorts, size M men's shirts, size 33 men's jeans, size XL ladies shirts, and size 36 men's jeans.

Donations can be dropped off at any of the three churches or by contacting Lorne or Brenda Christiansen to pick them up.

Timber Ridge Outdoor Service

2011-08-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

The Lutheran Triple Parish (St. Luke's Ricketts, Immanuel, Soldier Township and St. Paul, Hanover Township) will hold their annual outdoor worship on Sunday, August 21 at 10:00 AM at Timber Ridge, West of Castana. Come enjoy some fellowship in the beauty of the Loess Hills and get to meet the new pastor, Timothy Frank.

Pictures from 2011 Ricketts Kids Reunion

2011-07-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures form the reunion. We didn't get a group pic this year but Joleen Dohn from Omaha was kind enough to send me these pictures...Thank goodness we had the Community Center to go to !!!!

List of Attendees:
Marge & Allan Neddemeyer
Nolan Neddemeyer
Laura Langholdt
Roger and Linda Ewoldt
Paul Briggle
Francis & Durene Kronke
Paul & Dian Knockles
Cy & Jeannette Knief
Jeri Wigg, Rebecca Wigg, Lakin Winsick
Bobby Klinker
Crystal Marshall
Lloyd & Elaine Carlson
Nancy Landon

Thank,s
Nancy Landon

New 4-H Website

2011-07-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

Anyone with kids who are interested in 4-H, if you're not in the Schleswig Sharks or the Charter Oak Boosters yet- the Charter Oak Achievers just launched a blog. Keep an eye on it for updates from this week's Crawford County Fair!

Charter Oak Achievers 4-H Club

coachievers.blogspot.com

New Pastor

2011-07-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

2:00PM Ordination & Installation of Timothy Frank at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hanover Township (Triple Parish, LCMS). Reception to follow at the Ricketts Community Center.

Everyone Welcome.

Ricketts Kids Reunion Moved Uptown

2011-07-14T06:01:00.000-07:00

FYI- the reunion will be at the Community Center Park...Nancy Landon says that it's just going to be too hot at the park!

Please pass the word!

A song about Ricketts!

2011-07-12T06:25:00.000-07:00

Ricketts Kids Reunion July 16

2011-06-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

It is the
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the
VETERAN who
salutes the Flag,

It is
the
VETERAN
who serves
under the Flag,

GRANT THEM O LORD, ETERNAL REST AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON
THEM.

Farewell Dinner

2011-04-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

May 1 is Pastor & Vivian Ernst's last Sunday at the Triple-Parish.
Come say good bye at a Farewell Dinner after church at the Charter Oak Community Building.

Upcoming events

2011-04-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

Plenty of pre-schoolers and other kids of all ages gathered at the Ricketts Community Building for the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 23,2011.

Christmas in Ricketts

2010-12-25T19:38:00.000-08:00

Kirschsuppeabendessen; St. Luke's Annual Soup Supper

2010-10-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

St. Luke Lutheran Church
(Triple Parish), Rickets

Annual LWML Soup Supper

October 24
5-7 PM

Vegitable-Beef, Chili,

and traditional German favorite; Kirschsuppe (Cherry Soup)

Sandwiches, beverages, deserts

Homemade buns & rye bread

$6 for adults

$4 for children 4-10

Children under 4 eat free

Pancake Breakfast Oct. 3

2010-09-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

RICKETTS FIRE DEPARTMENT

Annual Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, Oct. 3rd

8:30am-Noon

at the Ricketts Community Building

Free Will Offering

Soup Supper Sept. 26

2010-09-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Immanuel Lutheran Church,
Soldier Township (Triple Parish)

4:30pm-7:30pm

Potato soup

Chili

Vegetable Beef

Sandwiches & Deserts

Adults $6, children $4

2010 Ricketts Kids Reunion

2010-07-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hello from everyone who attended this year's Ricketts Reunion.

We had a great time but wish you would've been here too!

See ya next year.

Lorraine Davis

Robert & Joan Miller

Darrell Hollander

Carl Jensen

Michele Jensen Phillips

Taylor Sandy

Ed & Doris Schreiber

Alvi and Ruth Lill

Lisa Carlson Angle & husband Mike

Marg & Allan Neddermeyer

Lloyd & Elaine Carlson

Kevin Clausen

Wayne & Wonne Kuhlmann

LaDonna & MaKayla Carlson Rasmussen

Art Adkins

Leona Hollrah

Bob Klinder

Evelyn Mundt

Dick Schneider

Danny Schneider

Rick & Pat Moeller

Herman Jepsen

Crystal Henning Marshall

Darrell & Judy Neitzke

JoNel Mundt

Raymond Boyens

Paul & Tina Briggle

Nancy Landon

Francis & Durene Krohnke

Cy & Jeannette Knief

Dennis Jepsen

Mike Jepsen

Butch,Lashelle and Lance Carlson

Bud Gloede

Laura Langholdt

Logan, Colleen, Caleb & Margaret Carlson

This year's Ricketts Kids Reunion!

2010-07-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Just a Farmer

2010-07-02T19:50:00.001-07:00

By Helen C. Coon

Just a Farmer
"Just a Farmer", you said
And I laughed 'cause I knew
All the things that farmers
Must be able to do.

They must study the land,
Then watch the sky
And figure just when
Is the right time and why -

To sow and to plant
To buy and to sell
To go to the market
With cattle and well -

You know the books
That farmers must keep
To pay all those taxes
And be able to sleep.

And you know the fixin'
That farmers must do
When machines like mad monsters
Blow a gasket or two.

I guess when God needed
Folks to care for His earth
He chose "just farmers"
'Cause He knew their true worth.

Gloede Benefit June 26

2010-06-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

Not the same Ricketts #25

2010-04-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

Gilbert Stuart painted this unfinished portrait, allegedly of a one John Bill Ricketts . Stuart, best known for his images of George Washington was born in Saunderstown, Rhode Island in 1755- A LOOOONG way from Ricketts, Iowa.

But if you're from or wish you were from the real Ricketts, Send us your pictures and memories if you're from Ricketts and be sure to come visit for the annual Ricketts Kids Reunion whether you're from here or if your last name happens to be Ricketts- we'll welcome you into the family! Just make sure you buy a t-shirt.

Library Benefit coming up

2010-04-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

2010 Annual Ricketts Community Center Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Euchre Tournament; Sun. Feb. 14

2010-02-06T18:13:00.000-08:00

Euchre at the Ricketts Center

Play 6:00 PM

Come single or teams of 4

Refreshments will be available

Everyone welcome

90th Birthday Card Shower

2010-01-24T14:34:00.000-08:00

Send Birthday wishes to:
Laura Langholdt
P.O. Box 67
Ricketts, IA 51460
or
Join us for a small birthday celebration at the Ricketts Community Center, Sat., Feb. 6, 2010
9 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.

Annual Ricketts Leadership Award Brunch

2010-01-17T14:59:00.000-08:00

Wayne and Wonnie Kuhlmann, recipients of the 2009 Ricketts Leadership Award

Wayne Kuhlmann:
- Born and raised in the Ricketts area where he has spent his entire life
- Graduated from Charter Oak High School
- Served 4 years in the US Navy aboard the USS Pilot, a navy mine sweeper
- Worked for 40 years at Farmers Savings Bank/Farmers State Bank (Ricketts & Schleswig) holding the positions of bookkeeper, teller, assistant cashier, cashier, Executive Vice President and served on the Board of Directors
- Has served as President and Treasure of the Crawford County Banker's Association
- Served many years on the Ricketts City Council and also served as City Clerk and Treasure
- Served as Soldier Township Clerk
- Served on many community committees helping to organize the first community club, serving as President, Secretary and Treasure
- Member of the VFW where he served as adjutant as well as being a member of the American Legion where he served as commander
- Is a charter member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in which he held many offices and still serves the church whenever and however he can
- Was a charter member of the Charter Oak Tri-Community Medical Board where he served as treasure for 33 years
- Served as a volunteer on the Ricketts Fire Department for 20 + years
- Played 20 + years of fast-pitch softball with both the Ricketts Firemen squad and Schleswig clubs
- Is an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and New York Yankees

Wonnie Kuhlmann:
- Born and raised in Schleswig
- Graduate of Schleswig HS and Morningside College
- Has resided in Ricketts since she married Wayne Kuhlmann in 1958
- Taught for 32 1/2 half years in the Schleswig Community School system in both Schleswig and Ricketts
- Has continued to substitute teach in Schleswig since her retirement from full-time teaching 1998
- Served on numerous committees in regards to the planning of Ricketts Steam & Antique Show celebrations
- Worked wherever needed to make the celebrations go off without a hitch; including setup and teardown of stands, building of floats for community organizations, etc.
- Served on committees in preparation for both the 75th and 100th anniversaries/celebrations for Ricketts
- Involved with the Rick-ettes
- Very active member St. Luke's Lutheran Church
- Helped with the organization of the 50th Aniversary of St. Luke's in 1999
- Involved in Ladies Aid, LWML and has held many offices in those organizations
- Enjoys gardening, the Iowa Hawkeyes and frequent trips to the local casinos to go "nickeling" (gambling)

The whole Kuhlmann Klan. Almost, unfortunately, their their daughter and her family couldn't come because of the weather, dense fog kept them home in Omaha.

Ruth and Alva Lil introduce this year's award winners

Families can take advantage of our community center

2010-01-17T14:42:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from the Community thanksgiving dinner we had at the Community Center. We served 29 people and sent home 4 dinners. We had a great turn out and a nice time was had by all. We served 2 20 pound turkeys and 2 big hams with all the fixings and had only 10 slices of ham left over. Everyone that came brought either a salad or dessert.. People came with big appetites.
Hopefully we will do it again next thanksgiving!
-Nancy Landon

2010 Leadership Brunch

2010-01-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

January 17th, 9:30 am- 12:30 pm at the Ricketts Community Center. They are serving French toast, pancakes, sausage, pastries and beverages. Admission is a free will donation. All are welcome. 2010 Leadership Award will be announced.

Older than dirt!

2010-01-08T12:14:00.000-08:00

I was feeling a little sorry for myself at New Years because in another month I'll be facing a mile-stone kind of birthday. Then I received one of those anonymous email forwards about aging from someone at least 20 years my elder. While I don't want to make anyone feel old- I considered the average demographic of the "Ricketts Kids" and took the risk that most of you might get a kick out of this, so here it is:

Growing up isn't what it used to be
'Someone asked the other day, 'What was your favorite fast food when you were growing up?'
'We didn't have fast food when I was growing up,' I informed him.
'All the food was slow.'
'C'mon, seriously. Where did you eat?'
'It was a place called 'at home,'' I explained.
'Mom cooked every day and when Dad got home from work, we sat down together at the dining room table, and if I didn't like what she put on my plate I was allowed to sit there until I did like it.'
By this time, the kid was laughing so hard I was afraid he was going to suffer serious internal damage, so I didn't tell him the part about how I had to have permission to leave the table.

But here are some other things I would have told him about my childhood if I figured his system could have handled it :

Some parents NEVER owned their own house, never wore   Levis , never set foot on a golf course, never traveled out of the country or had a credit card.
In their later years they had something called a revolving charge card. The card was good only at   Sears Roebuck. Or maybe it was Sears & Roebuck.
Either way, there is no Roebuck anymore. Maybe he died.

My parents never drove me to soccer practice. This was mostly because we never had heard of soccer. I had a bicycle that weighed probably 50 pounds, and only had one speed, (slow)

We didn't have a television in our house until I was 19.
It was, of course, black and white, and the station went off the air at midnight, after playing the national anthem and a poem about God; it came back on the air at about 6 a..m. And there was usually a locally produced news and farm show on, featuring local people.

I was 21 before I tasted my first pizza, it was called 'pizza pie.'
When I bit into it, I burned the roof of my mouth and the cheese slid off, swung down, plastered itself against my chin and burned that, too. It's still the best pizza I ever had..

I never had a telephone in my room.
The only phone in the house was in the living room and it was on a party line. Before you could dial, you had to listen and make sure some people you didn't know weren't already using the line.

Pizzas were not delivered to our home But milk was.

All newspapers were delivered by boys and all boys delivered newspapers -- my brother delivered a newspaper, six days a week. It cost 7 cents a paper, of which he got to keep 2 cents. He had to get up at   6AM every morning. On Saturday, he had to collect the 42 cents from his customers. His favorite customers were the ones who gave him 50 cents and told him to keep the change. His least favorite customers were the ones who seemed to never be home on collection day.

Movie stars kissed with their mouths shut. At least, they did in the movies. There were no movie ratings because all movies were responsibly produced for everyone to enjoy viewing, without profanity or violence or most anything offensive.

If you grew up in a generation before there was fast food, you may want to share some of these memories with your children or grandchildren Just don't blame me if they bust a gut laughing.
Growing up isn't what it used to be, is it?

MEMORIES from a friend :
My Dad is cleaning out my grandmother's house (she died in December) and he brought me an old Royal Crown Cola bottle. In the bottle top was a stopper with a bunch of holes in it.. I knew immediately what it was, but my daughter had no idea.. She thought they had tried to make it a salt shaker or something. I knew it as the bottle that sat on the end of the ironing board to 'sprinkle' clothes with because we didn't have steam irons. Man, I am old.

How many do you remember?
Head lights dimmer switches on the floor.
Ignition switches on the dashboard.
Heaters mounted on the inside of the fire wall.
Real ice boxes.
Pant leg clips for bicycles without chain guards.
Soldering irons you heat on a gas burner.
Using hand signals for cars without turn signals.

Older Than Dirt Quiz :

Count all the ones that you remember not the ones you were told about.
Ratings at the bottom.

1.. Blackjack chewing gum
2.Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water
3. Candy cigarettes
4. Soda pop machines that dispensed glass bottles
5. Coffee shops or diners with tableside juke   boxes
6 . Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers
7. Party lines   on the telephone
8. Newsreels before the movie
9. P.F. Flyers
10. Butch wax
11.. TV test patterns that came on at night after the last show and were there until TV shows started again in the morning. (there were only 3 channels   [if you were fortunate] )
12. Peashooters
13. Howdy Doody
14. 45 RPM records
15. S&H greenstamps
16. Hi-fi's
17. Metal ice trays with lever
18. Mimeograph paper
19. Blue flashbulb
20. Packards
21. Roller skate keys
22. Cork popguns
23. Drive-ins
24. Studebakers
25. Wash tub wringers

If you remembered 0-5 = You're still young
If you remembered 6-10 = You are getting older
If you remembered 11-15 = Don't tell your age,
If you remembered 16-25 = You' re older t han dirt!

Not the same Ricketts #24

2010-01-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

Town Marshall William A. Ricketts, affectionately known as Big Bill, was a one-person police force from 1896 to 1903, when the population of Ames, Iowa was 2,400. Ricketts spent his time corralling brawlers, chastising bootleggers, and nabbing thieves.

While he was from Iowa, Big Bill had nothing whatsoever to do with the town of Ricketts in Western Iowa- but the rest of this blog does. Send us your pictures and memories if you're from Ricketts and be sure to come visit for the annual Ricketts Kids Reunion whether you're from here or if your last name happens to be Ricketts- we'll welcome you into the family! Just make sure you buy a t-shirt.

Getting back on track

2009-12-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

I'd like to apologize for letting the Rickett's Blog lay fallow for so long. It's been a very busy school year and I haven't had much spare time. However, especially with Christmas break coming up, I should start having a little more free time.

Please send me any pictures or stories you'd like me to post and I will get on it right away.

http://mal-com.blogspot.com • Free estimates!
http://tedstoons.blogspot.com • Cartoons for cartooning sake

Hope you had a wonderful reunion

2009-07-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Ruth Lil for these pictures from the 2009 Ricketts Reunion

Bethany & and I had a nice visit with Nancy Landon and Steve Clausen out at Marge & Allan Neddermeyer's with Marge's mom, Laura Langholdt tonight. Steve is back visiting (he teaches English in China).

Sounds like the plans for the new library in the Community Center are on track with lots of book and monetary donations. They even have computers. Now they just need to build some more bookshelves. I told them they needed leather chairs and a cappuccino machine like Barnes & Noble, but I don't thin Nancy took me too seriously.

I swear some day I'm going to write a hilarious tell-all book about your town and you'll all hate me. What fun stories and memories you all have. Why don't some of you email me and I'll post them here for you. You can even send pictures. I promise, just tell me and I won't use them in any book if you don't want me to.

If you missed the Ricketts Kids' Reunion this summer, be sure to make plans for next year.

Your Neighbor,
Ted the WWWeb-head

It's Coming! This Summer!

2009-06-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Alva & Ruth Lill 50th Wedding Anniversary

2009-06-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

June 28th 2009 at the Ricketts Community Center, Ruth & Alva Lill gathered with their bridal party from their 1958 Wedding at St. John's Lutheran, Charter Oak and their family- including their three children, Melvin of Ute, IA, Melanie Mogensen of Harlan, IA and Markie and Pat Welch of Souix City, IA as well as their nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Block telemarketers from your cell phone

2009-06-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

REMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.

........ YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS
Even if the message is saved on your phone, you will be charged for the minutes to listen to it.

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:
1-888-382-1222 .

It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.. It takes about 20 seconds.

Charter Oak Achievment Day Ads

2009-06-22T10:24:00.001-07:00

Local friends and business owners,

We're putting together our annual Charter Oak Achievement Days edition which will be published on July 23.
I will be making phone calls to area businesses and regular supporters of the Achievement Days edition this week. So don't be surprised if you hear from me.

Our sizes include:
3x3 $84.50
2x2 $52
Sig $27

I hope you'll consider showing your support for the 4-H/FFA Achievement Days again this year. Please let me know as soon as you can.

Give me a call at the PRESS office at 712-881-1101

Thank you,!

Charter Oak will be featured in the "Our Hometown" segment of the KTIV

2009-06-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

Charter Oak will be featured in the "Our Hometown" segment of the KTIV evening news broadcast at 10 p.m. on June 14th and again on the morning show between 5-7 a.m.on June 15th. Citizens taking part were Don and Nadine Friedrichs, Ernie Poggensee, Janice Throckmorton, Nancy Rosburg, Chris Dale and Allen Staley.

If you miss it, next week (after June 14th) you can check out www.KTIV.com

and click on Hometown tab for a replay of the presentation regarding Charter Oak. It will be short, but always interesting to see what the TV people choose to use or edit out. The promo segments have been great - the arboritum was at the top of its glory.

Ricketts Vets prominent at Charter Oak Memorial Day observation

2009-05-25T11:10:00.001-07:00

Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Post #66 Homer Hall) 2nd Vice Commander B.H. Meyer plays Taps at the post's Memorial Day observances held at Charter Oak-Ute High School this morning, Monday May 25, 2009.

Ricketts resident Lt. Dan Coder, USN retired, gave the keynote address, speaking about the sacrifices made by members of the military and their families for the sake of our freedoms.

Sgt. Derek Meyer, B.H.'s son, read the roll call.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2009-05-06T06:11:00.001-07:00

Contributed by Doris Schreiber
Author unkonwn

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom ...

Send this to someone who you think is an awesome Mom.

May you always be overwhelmed by the Grace of God rather than by the cares of life

Ricketts' egg hunt growing since last year

2009-04-11T12:27:00.001-07:00

Ricketts had 19 kids and two babies attend their Easter egg hunt this year, Saturday, April 11. Last year, only eleven children had attended, so the Ricketts Community Club was very encouraged by the turn out. Each child was able to hunt for three bags of candy filled plastic easter eggs hidden around the playground and under the water tower. Then, they were treated to cookies inside the Ricketts Community Center.

Send me your news tips!

2009-04-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. I'm talking with Brad Swenson, the Publisher of the Mapleton PRESS about how I can help as a community correspondent for the Charter Oak and Ricketts areas. You can help. Have you got any ideas for feature stories or personality interviews? Have you got an even on your calendar that you'd like me to cover or at least get some pictures of? Please send me an email and let me know ted.mallory-at-gmail.com

Remember that Charter Oak Achievement Days are coming up July 12-15. The PRESS is planning on runing their annual special edition July 23. Why not show your support by advertising in the Achievement Days Edition? Give me a call, or call the PRESS office and reserve your space today!

Brad tells me that they've got Joleen Schultz signed on to help cover our area too- especially once I go back to school next Fall. When in doubt, call Michelle Kane at the office in Mapleton :

Phone 712-881-1101
Fax 712 881 1330
mpress@longlines.com

While you're at it- you might have noticed that there hasn't been much new on this blog for a while. Some of that has had to do with how busy I've been- but a lot of it is because no one has sent me any news, stories, memories or pictures to post. This blog is Ricketts' very own news source. Please take advantage of it by sending me your ideas. Make it YOUR community website.

4-H Cookbook

2009-03-31T17:02:00.000-07:00

Were you a Charter Oak Achiever? How about a 'Merry Maiden?' Maybe you were in the 'Wee Oaks?' Maybe you just like to cook. Then YOU definitely want a copy of this 60th anniversary cookbook that my daughter Grace is selling for just $10.

This cookbook is dedicated to all the children and adults who know the true meaning of 4-H and live by the 4-H motto: "Making the Best Better."

Interested? Let me know.

Not the same Ricketts #23

2009-02-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

Dr. Matthew Oliver Ricketts was the generally acknowledged political leader of Omaha’s African Americans at the turn of the 20th century. Ricketts was born to an enslaved couple near New Castle, Kentucky in 1858. He later received a degree from Lincoln Institute at Jefferson City, Missouri, and three years later moved to Omaha. When he arrived in Omaha in 1880, despite scarce resources, he was admitted to Omaha Medical College, where he worked as a janitor to pay his tuition. Elected to the state legislature for the sessions of 1892 and 1894, he became the first Nebraskan of African descent to sit in that body.

You're right, even though Omaha is just an hour and a half away from here, Doc Ricketts has pretty much nothing whatsoever to do with the TOWN of Ricketts, but MOST of the rest of this website does!

If you grew up in Ricketts, be sure to plan on coming to our annual reunion, the third Saturday in July.

If you have memories or pictures of Ricketts to share, email them to our webmaster: ted.mallory -at- gmail.comIf you have other funny, kitsch, or corny "Not the same Ricketts" ideas, send them too. Help put Ricketts on the map!

Miss me? Read my re-runs

2008-12-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

I may not be writing a weekly column for the Mapleton PRESS anymore, but I have tried to clean-up and organize six years of columns and made them easier to find on my main blog. Why not peruse through the humor, history and humus. It's full of "Sex, Politics, and Religion- not necessarily in that order." Or at least, liberal politics, the my misadventures parenting three little girls, and the joys of living in small town Iowa and good old fashioned Midwestern, down to earth common sense Lutheranism.

At least take a look at a couple of columns and give it a chance.

BEST OF TED

Anyone able to identify these kids?

2008-10-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

From: FREDRIC R. MOELLER

To: ED & DORIS SCHREIBER

Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2008 2:31 PM

Subject: RICKETTS KIDS

Hi from Calif.,

Here is the photo & who I think they are, correct me if I am wrong.

Middle Row from the Left - 1st is Gordon Moeller, 2nd is Gloria Sherman (the silly look on her face is because Gordy is pinching her, hard to believe he would do that), 3rd is Rick Moeller, 4th, could be James Schwartz, 5th is I think is Bill Harbaugh, 6th is Dean Grell, 7th is Charles Moeller: Front Row - 1st & 2nd ??, 3rd is Jolene Moeller, 4th is Dick Knop, 5th ??, 6th is Georgene Moeller, 7th & 8th ??, 9th is Lyle Grell, 10th ???: In the Back Row there are 4 girls, - 1st, Florence Jacobs, 2nd, ?? 3rd, Kathryn Schwartz, 4th I think she is Gertrude Hagemann!?!?!?

Volunteers Spruce up Community Center, Depot

2008-10-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

Pictures by Nancy Landon

The scale model of the old depot has been repainted and lots of volunteers got together Saturday the 4th and gave the Community Center a new paint job and the inside a good cleaning.

Good food was served for lunch and the new color looks real nice..

Thanks to all who help get the job done..

the people that were there to help paint, clean and serve food were:

Laura Langholdt
Jerry Jors
Irene Jors
Diane Riessen
Steve, Cindy & Mac Kenzie Smith
Irma Wessel
Alvi & Ruth Lill
Bud & Connie Gloede
Lloyd & Elaine Carlson
Susan Hargens
Ed & Doris Schreiber
Nancy Landon

Following traditions of Family, Faith, and Fun

2008-09-03T13:30:00.001-07:00

Grace, Francis, Eunice, Mava, Eva McCutcheon, and their brother Glenn all grew up in East Boyer Township in Crawford County. Long after they've all passed away, their grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren gather every year for the "McCutcheon Cousin Campout."

Doris and Ed Schreiber or Ricketts. Doris started the McCutcheon Cousin Campout in 1973 with a letter to her cousins which included Grace (McCutcheon) Samuelson's daughters, Gladys, Erma, Maryland, and Janet. Gladys's son Allan Neddermeyer and his wife Margorie (Langhold) now to the campout with their children and grandchildren. Ed Schreiber has performed a comedy routine at the campout for the last several years.

Back 1973 Doris (Johnson) Schreiber of Ricketts wrote a letter to you cousins inviting them to a campout at Ledges State Park near Boone in August. Thirty-five years later, "the McCutcheon Cousin Campout" is still an annual event. Today families travel from as far away as Georgia, Maine, and Oklahoma to attend the three-day event every Labor Day weekend. Nine states and all corners of Iowa were represented this year. Maryland, Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Nebraska and Kansas were all included this year. Well over a hundred people attended.

Grace, Francis, Eunice, Mava, Eva McCutcheon, and their brother Glenn all grew up in East Boyer Township in Crawford County. Generations of their decedents of these siblings carry on a tradition initiated by their cousin Doris back in '73.

Originally the campout was in tents and trailers. Those who stayed in nearby motels were ribbed by receiving an annual "marshmallow award."

The cousins have kept a memory book of comments and snapshots that spans four decades.
"The church service was so inspiring," wrote Grace Samuelson (one of the original McCutcheon siblings) in the memory book, already in 1974, about how much her family enjoyed the campout, especially the Sunday morning worship gathering.

The culmination of the weekend is an ecumenical worship time followed by the annual business meeting (including humorous awards and door prizes), an Abbott and Costello style comedy routine by Doris' husband Ed and their cousin Dick Larson and, of course a huge pot-luck. For thirty-five years the cousins have sung Grace and her husband Art's favorite hymns; "Amazing Grace," and "How Great thou Art."

The direction of such a big event is shared by each of the six different families, but each new "President" is guided by the Dean of the campout, Gerald and Joann Beckett of Des Moines. By far the most cousins come from the clan of Mike and Marylin Schiltz of Bancroft, Iowa. In a given year, they're represented by anywhere from twenty to thirty members. Donnie Larson, 81 was the eldest cousin to attend this year.

For some, the McCutcheon Campout has always been a part of their lives. In 1969 Verle and Linda McCutcheon of Dow City had triplets, the girls now bring their children and husbands to the campout.

In 1975 the campout was featured in Better Homes & Gardens magazine. The article explained that the reunion was a way to compensate for the challenges of living in such a mobile society.
For the last several years, the campout has been held at the St. Thomas Moore Catholic Youth Camp near Guthrie Center. Cousins enjoyed softball, scavenger hunts, cards, games, and of course campfires.

Because of logistical considerations, the Cousin Campout may need to pick either a new weekend or a new location. But the challenges of the twenty-first century will be well met. The torch is being passed. Gerald and Joann's grand daughter Jessica, a recent Buena Vista University graduate living in New Haven, Connecticut made the bold move of actually volunteering to serve as next year's President.

New playground equipment

2008-09-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Doris Schrieber got a nice grant to pay for the equipment. Bud Gloede volunteered his own time to get it put in in time for kids day, which is the 6th of September, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The adults in the pictures are Mayor Connie Gloede, Bud Gloede and Doris Schrieber and some of the town kids.

One Saturday morning during our coffee, Francis and Ruth Baker, who are in their late 80's,decided to try out the new teeter totter.. I guess the equipment is even for the young at heart.

Post Card

2008-08-06T06:17:00.000-07:00

"Ricketts, Iowa; A Community Working Together
A scene taken from the Ricketts Annnual Steam and Antique Show. Each year thousands of people to observe the many fine exhibits and to watch as the mighty steam engines are put to work powering the threshing machines of many years gone by"

Ricketts Kids' Reunion pictures from Eva Ruth Lill

2008-08-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

The last of Ruth's reunion pictures

2008-08-05T07:09:00.000-07:00

Ruth Lil sent reunion pictures

2008-08-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

Ruth's pictures of the reunion

2008-08-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

More pics from Ruth Lill

2008-08-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

2008 Ricketts Reunion

2008-07-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

"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

2008-07-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

Hope to see you there

2008-07-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Not the same Ricketts #22

2008-07-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

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.

Purple Power

2008-06-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

LWML Mapleton Zone Delegates and Visitors to the IDW Biannual Convention at Camp Okoboji, included Eugene and wife Vivian Ernst from the Tripple Parish churches in and surrounding Ricketts.

2008 Ricketts Kids' Reunion

2008-06-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Rent the Ricketts Shelter House

2008-06-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the shelter house with the new doors.

You can rent the Rickett's Shelter house for your party or reunion for just $25.00. The kitchen has a stove, microwave and a refrigerator for the convenience of the renters.

To reserve the Ricketts Shelter house please call
712-679-2099 or 679-2746

Rain on your wedding day is good luck you know

2008-06-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Ricketts Mayor, the Honorable Connie and her groom Allen "Bud" Gloede on their wedding day. at St. Luke's Lutheran n Ricketts. The wedding was June 7th and everyone had a great time in spite of the rain storm..

Thank You, Veterans

2008-05-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

Ricketts Fire Chief and American Legion Post #66 Second-Vice Commander, B.H. Meyer plays "Taps" after the 21 gun salute as part of Memorial Day observances in Charter Oak on Monday, May 26, 2008.

State Representative Clarence Hoffman cited a famous quote of President Theodore Roosevelt at Charter Oak's Memorial Day services,

“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

Hoffman explained that we need to appreciate our veterans because they have shown how much they care.

“Thank you for how much you care,” he told the veterans in the audience.

Send me your news tips

2008-05-23T07:16:00.001-07:00

Yeah, it's that time of year again- school's out and I need something to do besides painting parts of my house and reorganizing my basement.

If you have any story ideas, or events for me to cover for the Mapleton PRESS this summer, please let me know. Send me names, phone numbers, or email addresses of people I should contact.

I'm especially interested in covering Charter Oak and Ricketts, but will be glad to write about Soldier and Ute too. For that matter, if you have ideas for Schleswig, Castana, Mapleton and Danbury I will be glad to pass them along to the PRESS office.

I am also looking for great ideas for Charter Oak Achievement Days AND anyone from the Missouri Valley area who has any story ideas about RAGBRAI.

Just look for the "Contact Me" button on the right side and it should automatically open your email program. Thanks and see you at Achievement Days!

God Bless the Parents Who Drugged us!

2008-05-02T05:14:00.000-07:00

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question,

"Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?"

I replied: I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.

I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.

I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four-letter word. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields.

I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, and think.

They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place

~Author unknown

Oh for a good old fashioned threshing bee

2008-04-30T18:53:00.000-07:00

Here lies Carl Schnoor's turn of the century thresher. It resides across the lane from Carl and Rosa Schwarz's old farmplace Southeast of Ricketts. The house is being razed this week, victom of one too many lightning strikes, but the threshing machine is still standing.

Happy Hour in Ricketts; April 1957

2008-04-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

Irvin Bartles and Julius Christiansen (tipping hat) get their drinks from Albert Langholdt, tending bar at Whip's Tavern. Got pictures that prove somebody wasn't at home for supper? Send us your stories and memories of Ricketts and we'll post them too.

The Bottom Line

2008-04-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

Customers lined up from miles around to enjoy the food in "the cafe'" (otherwise known as Whip's Tavern). Laura and Whip put on plenty of special deer-feeds and nut-frys through the years.

Santa Claus Day in Ricketts, 1953

2008-04-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

Folks climb aboard Santa's wagon outside of Whip's Tavern on Main Street in Rickett, waiting for a ride. We recognize Ray Pruess in the glasses on the left, Paul Briggle in the fadora hat, and Frankie Dorfler holding the reins (in the double breasted coat) in the front of the wagon. Do you recognize anyone else? Are YOU in this picture?

Send us your stories and pictures of Ricketts memories and we'll be happy to share them.

Detour Ahead, expect delays

2008-04-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

The bridge south of Ricketts, county paved route L51, will be closed beginning April 7.

Graves Construction of Spencer is replacing the existing bridge with a new one and expects the work to be completed around mid July.

Depending on weather and gravel and unpaved road conditions, residents have estimated detours of anywhere from 2 to several miles.

Confirmation Class of 2008

2008-04-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

Kids from the Triple-Parish Lutheran Churches pose after their Confirmation this Spring, with Pastor Ernst.

Not the same Ricketts #20

2008-03-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

Entertainment is a big part of the 2nd Annual Rhea County Ag Day festivities, and 2007 was no exception. Their performers this Angela Davis, Jim Ricketts, Pickin’ and Dumplin’ and the Bush River Band. Bring a lawn chair and sit in the shade while you sip lemonade from the 4-H concession stand and enjoy southern gospel music and old-fashioned bluegrass.

Of course, that's on the fairgrounds in Evensville, Tennessee and therefore has absolutely nothing to do with Ricketts, Iowa, (we're in Crawford County, Iowa, that is). But most of this website is all about Ricketts, Iowa!

If you're from Ricketts, you're invited to their annual reunion, next year it will be on the fourth Saturday in July.

Now, if like Jim the Gospel Bluegrass singer, you're last name happens to be Ricketts, and you think it would be fun to have your family reunion in or around Ricketts, IA- more power to ya! Stop on by the Ricketts Kids' Reunion and say howdy when you're here!

As for everybody else, if you have memories or pictures of Ricketts to share, email them to our webmaster: ted.mallory@gmail.com I'll even accept funny, kitsch, or corny "Not the same Ricketts" ideas. Help put Ricketts on the map!

Smith Family Benefit

2008-03-22T17:10:00.000-07:00

Mayor Connie Bridgeman and pal Tina Briggle serve up the laughs in the kitchen, while the boys manned the griddle and drinks. Lots of folks came in from the cold this Easter Saturday for a good cause.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

Area kids hunted for Easter eggs in the Ricketts Community Center where it was safe, warm and dry- while snow flurries threatened and the wind blew with outside temperatures in the thirties. So much for the first weekend in Spring.

Poulation Boom; New Citizen!

2008-03-17T07:54:00.001-07:00

Riley Leonard Luth born on the 14th of March at 6:31 weight in at 7 lbs and 10 ozs.

Born to Laurie Gress and Richard Luth. He has a older brother 13 waiting home for him. Dezmond Gress

Easter Breakfast!

2008-03-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

The Triple Parish's Lutheran Youth Fellowship (LYF)
will be serving breakfast Sun 23rd
7-9 AM at the Ricketts Community Center

St. Patrick's Day Supper

2008-03-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

At the Ricketts Community Bldg.
Saturday, March 22
5-8 pm
Rubens & Taverns
Free Will Offering

Benefit for the Steve Smith family who suffered from a house fire on Fri eve the 7th. Will be serving corned beef & cabbage, reubens, taverns, grilled cheese sandwiches and chili Also will be a bake sale (of course all homemade)

Ricketts Easter Egg Hunt

2008-03-09T17:46:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 22
1 PM at the
Ricketts Community Bldg.

"Dirt Roads," by Paul Harvey

2008-03-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

What's mainly wrong with society today is that too many Dirt Roads have been paved.

There's not a problem in America today, crime, drugs, education, divorce, delinquency that wouldn't be remedied, if we just had more Dirt Roads, because Dirt Roads give character.

People that live at the end of Dirt Roads learn early on that life is a bumpy ride.

That it can jar you right down to your teeth sometimes, but it's worth it, if at the end is home...a loving spouse, happy kids and a dog.

We wouldn't have near the trouble with our educational system if our kids got their exercise walking a Dirt Road with other kids, from whom they learn how to get along.

There was less crime in our streets before they were paved.

Criminals didn't walk two dusty miles to rob or rape, if they knew they'd be welcomed by 5 barking dogs and a double barrel shotgun.

And there were no drive by shootings.

Our values were better when our roads were worse!

People did not worship their cars more than their kids, and motorists were more courteous, they didn't tailgate by riding the bumper or the guy in front would choke you with dust & bust your windshield with rocks.

Dirt Roads taught patience.

Dirt Roads were environmentally friendly, you didn't hop in your car for a quart of milk you walked to the barn for your milk.

For your mail, you walked to the mail box.

What if it rained and the Dirt Road got washed out? That was the best part, then you stayed home and had some family time, roasted marshmallows and popped popcorn and pony rode on Daddy's shoulders and learned how to make prettier quilts than anybody.

At the end of Dirt Roads, you soon learned that bad words tasted like soap.

Most paved roads lead to trouble, Dirt Roads more likely lead to a fishing creek or a swimming hole.

At the end of a Dirt Road, the only time we even locked our car was in August, because if we didn't some neighbor would fill it with too much zucchini.

At the end of a Dirt Road, there was always extra springtime income, from when city dudes would get stuck, you'd have to hitch up a team and pull them out.

Usually you got a dollar...always you got a new friend...at the end of a Dirt Road!

Not the same Ricketts #19

2008-02-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

William Ricketts was no doubt a descendant of the above mentioned ancestors. He too was born December 6, 1804 in Maryland. He moved to Missouri where he made his living as a farmer. This William was an decendent of another William; a William Ricketts who immigrated to Maryland in 1654 where he made his living as a farmer. In 1642 Edward Ricketts arrived in the USA followed by Frances Ricketts in 1650. Both Edward & Francis are believed to have been brothers. These Ricketts all originated on the Isle of Wight off the Southern coast of Great Britain.

Of course, none of them have anything to do with the town of Ricketts Iowa, but most of the rest of this website does. As far as we know, it wasn't named after anyone named Ricketts who live around here.

Remember, if you're from Ricketts, you're invited to their annual reunion, next year it will be on the fourth Saturday in July. Now, if you're last name IS Ricketts, and you think it would be fun to have your family reunion in or around Ricketts, IA- more power to ya! Stop on by the Ricketts Kids' Reunion and say howdy when you're here!

As for everybody else, if you have memories or pictures of Ricketts to share, email them to our webmaster: ted.mallory@gmail.com I'll even accept funny, kitsch, or corny "Not the same Ricketts" ideas. Help put Ricketts on the map!

Wiebers wins Leadership Award

2008-01-20T09:49:00.000-08:00

Bob Wiebers received this year's Ricketts Leadership Award. To help celebrate this honor are his children Janeal, Dale and Allan and his special friend Burnett, and a bunch of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sunday, January 20, 2008 at the Ricketts Community Building, Weibers was recognized for his many contributions to the Ricketts community with their annual Leadership Award at a pankcake dinner

is a member of the Untied Church of Christ in Schleswig. And now calls Mapleton his home. Although he is not currently living in Ricketts, his heart is still here.

Bob and his late wife Dorothy raised their family on their local farm. During these years Bob played a big part in establishing the Ricketts Community Club in 1967 and stayed active as long as health allowed.

Both he and Dorothy were active with the Steam and Antique shows and the tractor pulls. The Weibers played important rolls in the 75th and 100th Anniversaries of Ricketts and the building of the Ricketts shelter house. Dorothy was an original member of the Ric-Etts in 1972. The Ricketts grocery store, and community building were both efforts made possible by the Community Club through many hours of volunteerism.

Both were active in the Jolly Club, Euchre and whatever took place in Ricketts. Over the years, Dorthy enjoyed being a member of Ric-Ettes, Jolly Club, euchre, bowling, Bible study and her membership at St. Luke Lutheran Church. She treasured the fellowship found in this community.

In more recent years, Bob enjoyed Jolly Club and playing euchre in Ricketts.

The kids remember when they were young and Bob would go to town for coffee, and somehow forget to come home. Dorothy would have to call in to tell him it was time for dinner.

Bob has 3 children, Janeal of Mapleton, and Dale and Allen of the Ricketts area.

Country Churches in the snow

2008-01-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

The Hanover and Soldier Township churches of the Ricketts Triple-Parish Lutheran Churches
I am told that there is a spot on a hill North of town, where on a clear day, you can see all three churches at the same time from the same place. I haven't quite found that yet, but the two that are each about a mile or two outside of town were too pretty not to take pictures of this afternoon.

Citizen of the Year Award Jan. 20th

2008-01-07T06:07:00.000-08:00

The Ricketts Leadership Award Brunch will be held at the Ricketts Community Center, 9:30am-12:30pm on Saturday, January 20th. THey will be serving pancakes, French toast, coffee cakes, sausages and beverages. Cost: adults $5, Children 10 and under $3. Everyone welcome.

Free-Throw Contest

2007-12-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

The Knights of Columbus branch 12487 is sponsoring a Free-Throw Contest January 12, 2008 at 1 PM at the Charter Oak-Ute High School Gym. Kids from the Charter Oak, Dow City and Ute areas are all eligible. Registration begins at noon, January 13. For more information, please contact Randy Staley at 712-678-3844

Good old days

2007-12-29T10:03:00.000-08:00

1970, 1870, what's the difference? It was all about the good old days of steam powered tractors. Man, I wish somebody would bring back those old shows.