Tag Archives: Ripley

Things to Do in Ohio in November

John Rankin House: A Historical Safe Passage for Slaves

Many safe houses along the Ohio River provided a gateway to slaves that had escaped the south in pursuit of freedom.  Having recently visited the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, I became more interested in visiting these private homes and shelters and was curious to learn more about the families that operated them.   My search led me to The John Rankin House in Ripley, Ohio.  This home was instrumental in providing assistance to over 2000 slaves in the 1800s.

Waiting for the tour to begin, I wandered towards the front of the property to check out the scenic view of the Ohio River.   A stone path and wooden stairs lead down a steep decline to the street below and the vista is amazing on a clear, sunny day.

The tour begins in the parlor which is located at the front entrance of the house.  Decorated in its original blue woodwork and hand painted stencil, the house is refurbished in the way it would have appeared in the 1840s.

The character Eliza, from Harriett Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin, is loosely based on the life of a young slave girl who passed through the Rankin home.  The wood burning stove, mentioned in the book, was a central fixture located in the parlor of the home.

Before dams and locks were installed along the Ohio River, it was half its current depth and half as wide.  This made crossing the river much easier than it would be to travel across today. Once the slaves reached Ohio, their first stop was the John Parker House down by the banks of the river. The local Red Oak Presbyterian church was also a haven for slaves between 1862 and 1868.  A light in the window of the Rankin house signaled to Parker when it would be safe to bring the slaves to his home.  From here, the girls of the home would feed their visitors, give them dry clothes and provide them a place to sleep.

Slaves could stay only about four to five hours before continuing their journey.  They would travel along the underground railroad, a series of homes reaching Canada or Mexico that supported the freedom of slaves.

John Rankin was a reverend and staunch abolitionist.  He was forced out of the southern states of Kentucky and Tennessee because of his beliefs and eventually made his home in Ripley.

Moving into the house on the hill in 1822 he paid only $700 for the 66 acre farm. There were nineteen people that lived in the Rankin House which included nine sons, four daughters and a few relatives.

The barns that they owned would also be used to hide slaves.  Eventually, when bounty hunters would be allowed to search properties to find runaway slaves, this would be risky.

Jean Rankin, John’s wife, spent most of her time in the kitchen, while John could be found in the bedroom writing his sermons.  Period furniture appears throughout the Rankin House and the Bible and glasses on display were property of the Rankin family.

The bedroom on the lower level was the master that had a rope bed/trundle bed.  The stenciling found by the bed is original and it was protected by glass as part of the $1 million restoration of the home.

The kitchen has a nice fireplace with plenty of storage space and cupboards.  In the center of the room is a large table for the adults to sit, while the children and servants would stand to eat.  Other amenities included a butter churn, an overgrown wood station with a sink, a candle maker and a coffee grinder.

The girls and boys slept upstairs with multiple children sharing a bed.   Sometimes, during the winter months, the boys would take a place on the kitchen floor to stay warm through the night.

The boys’ side of the room was always messy with clothes and shoes hanging from their beds.  In the event that their parents would need their assistance in the middle of the night, they could quickly dress in the dark and make their way downstairs.

By 1850, bounty hunters were permitted to cross into Ohio to take their slaves back to the south, but they were not allowed to enter the homes.   One night, there was a total of eight bounty hunters that approached the house while the eight children remained inside with their mother. She would not allow them to go outside in fear for their lives.  Jean Rankin stood guard with her shot gun and was prepared to protect her family.  At one point, shots were fired, but it was later determined that there were no fatalities, only an injured bounty hunter who was shot in the leg.   During the time that the Rankin family took in slaves, none of them were injured nor caught while in their care.

Putting their lives in danger to assist slaves in their quest for freedom, the Rankin family are true American heroes. Learning more about them through the tour of their home, I am humbled by the passion of John Rankin and his active stance against slavery.  He truly was a reverend who knew how to practice what he preached.

Update:  The John Rankin House, formerly owned by the Ohio Historical Society, the home is now under the management of the Ohio Connection.

Have you visited the John Rankin House or can you recommend another home that was on the Underground Railroad trail, open for visitors?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly provide your information in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to the John Rankin House and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

John Rankin House
6152 Rankin Hill Road
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 4044

  • Admission Fee:   Adults:  $6, Children and Students age K through 12:  $3,  OHC Member:  Free, Children 5 and under:  Free, Golden Buckeye Card Holders:  $5
  • Hours:  The John Rankin House is open from May to October from 10AM to 5PM from Wednesday to Saturday and 12PM to 5PM on Sundays.  The museum us also open for the Historic House Tour.
  • Amenities:   Available by appointment outside regular museum hours.
  • Scenic View:  Views from the home overlook the Ohio River.
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit: Visitors can schedule private tours and photos can be taken on the inside of the house.  Public tours take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Where to Stay: 

The Signal House Bed and Breakfast
234 N. Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  937 392 1640

Where to Eat: 

Cohearts Riverhouse
18 North Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4819
American Cuisine with a fabulous view of the Ohio River!

Ripley Gourmet Tortillas
6 Main Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4000
People rave over their guacamole!

Fifties Diner
15 South 2nd Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 9328
Cute little diner with American food located along the river!

Where to Drink: 

Meranda-Nixon Winery
6517 Laycock Road
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  248 891 0935

What to Read: 

  • The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead
  • Harriet Tubman:  The Road to Freedom, by Catherine Clinton
  • Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe

The Hike to John Rankin House, Ripley, Ohio

I imagined what it would have been like, a slave, crossing the Ohio River from Kentucky to Ripley, Ohio.  Ahead in the distance, I see the house on a hill.  There is a friendly family that helps slaves, but somehow I need to reach it.  I have been traveling a long way and though I have crossed into free territory, I am still not safe.  The house seems so far away. Will I make it?

There is a steep slope up towards the house and I can still see the light on inside.  I am tired from the miles I have run and cold from the river’s crossing.  I can do this, I can make it to the top.  I am so close and I cannot give up now.

I should be coming up to a wall soon which starts the path up towards the house on the hill.  I see it, just a small pile of stones stacked upon each other.  I hope this is the place.  The woods are blocking my view to the house, but I will give it a try.

I notice that the steep walkway is worn so this must be the way.  As long as I am going up, I will eventually make it there.

I take a quick look behind me and I can see the river just barely between the trees.  This is a great sign so I will keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually I will make it to the top.

The view from here is amazing but I must stay focused.  The light remains on and I am almost to the front door.  Freedom couldn’t be close enough.

Just within steps and I start to wonder if anyone is home.  The light is not visible, but it was on just a few moments ago.  I have reached the last step and just as I am about to give it a knock a woman greets me at the door with a blanket and some food.   I feel safe.  I begin to cry with relief and happiness. They take me in and bring me warm clothes as I sit by the fire.  This is the first day of the rest of my life.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the John Rankin House?  I would love to hear what you thought about your visit and if you can recommend any additional Underground Railroad locations throughout Ohio!  Many thanks for exploring the hike up to Rankin House and wishing you many Happy Travels!!

What to Do and What to See: 

John Rankin House
6152 Rankin Hill Rd.
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4044

  • Admission Fee:   Adults:  $6, Children and Students age K through 12:  $3,  OHC Member:  Free, Children 5 and under:  Free, Golden Buckeye Card Holders:  $5
  • Hours:  The John Rankin House is open from May to October from 10AM to 5PM from Wednesday to Saturday and 12PM to 5PM on Sundays.  The museum us also open for the Historic House Tour.
  • Amenities:   Available by appointment outside regular museum hours.
  • Scenic View:  Views from the home overlook the Ohio River.
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit: Visitors can schedule private tours and photos can be taken on the inside of the house.  Public tours take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Where to Stay: 

The Signal House Bed and Breakfast
234 N. Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  937 392 1640

Where to Eat: 

Cohearts Riverhouse
18 North Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4819
American Cuisine with a fabulous view of the Ohio River!

Ripley Gourmet Tortillas
6 Main Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4000
People rave over their guacamole!

Fifties Diner
15 South 2nd Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 9328
Cute little diner with American food located along the river!

Where to Drink: 

Meranda-Nixon Winery
6517 Laycock Road
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  248 891 0935

What to Read: 

  • The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead
  • Harriet Tubman:  The Road to Freedom, by Catherine Clinton
  • Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Kinkead Ridge Winery and Its Bright Future

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Located in downtown Ripley, Kinkead Ridge Winery is an urban winery that has been producing exceptional wines over the last few years.  I had the opportunity to meet the new owners, Dr. Don Bowers and his wife Anna Marie, during a wine event over the Memorial Day weekend.

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Dr. Bowers provided me a list of his wines that included a detailed description.  I began my tasting with the 2014 Lowell Marie Pinot Gris.  “A nose of pear and melon is followed by a hint of fruity sweetness blending melon and pears with a rapidly developed crispness and a late burst of citrus rinds.  The finish brings to mind Meyer lemon and shows a light minerality.  A fine partner with hors d’oeuvres and milder cheeses, this wine will compliment seafood, white fish and mild chicken dishes.  Serve chilled.”

The 2015 Lowell Marie Viognier Roussanne “opens with sweet white blossoms on the nose with a hint of honey.  The style is off dry with pineapple and apple flavors from the Viognier (grapes) and mild citrus form the Roussanne (grapes). A relaxing refreshment by the glass, it would be enhanced by sharp, dry cheeses and cured meats.  It will pair well with meals of chicken, veal or mild pork featuring creamy sauces and  with shellfish especially seared scallops.  The alcohol content is 15% while the residual sugar measures at 1.5%.  The wine is 70% Viognier and 30% Roussanne.”

The 2014 Roussanne Viognier seemed much sweeter than the Viognier Roussanne, which is the perfect wine for me as I am beginning to learn more about the drier white wines.  “This wine begins with orange blossom and flint of the nose revealing the Viognier.  The flavor is pineapple with hints of tobacco and a bracing mouthfeel.  The mixed herbal note and the distinct finish of lime zest gives voice to the Roussanne.  This Rhone style white wine will complement aromatic cheese and salami, sausage and specialty hams and will being a bracing crispness to rich chicken and veal dishes, enrich scallops, cream sauces and pasta with shellfish.”   A bottle of this wonderful wine is $14.99.

My last sample of white wine was the 2015 Lowell Marie Sauvignon Blanc Semillon.  “This nearly equally partnership of two classic Bordeaux white varieties starts with aromas of lemon and green apple notes.  Reflects a surprising smoothness that would enhance soft creamy cheeses, nuts and succulent cherries, figs or plums.  This full bodied wine complements oysters, prawns, clams, flaky white fish, grilled salmon or tuna as well as chicken or veil.   Serve gently chilled”, this bottle is available for $13.99 per bottle.  I am a huge fan of seafood, so I purchased a bottle so that I could try it with my favorite grilled salmon recipe.

The 2014 River Village Cellars Traminette is a semi-sweet “captures the sweet fragrances of warm evenings, of honeysuckle and wild rose, of water lilies and lavender.  …Like its parent, Gewurztraminer, this wine stands up to the fiery spices of Asian cuisine but this year’s vintage was a bit softer and sweeter for sipping…Serve chilled.”  I enjoyed the spicy aftertaste of this wine which comes from the flavors of nutmeg, rose and star anise.

Described as a “New World hybrid grape with a pronounced character reminiscent of Gewirtztraminer from Alsace”, this wine was made from Traminette grapes provided by McCafferty Bridge Vineyard  and has a very light flavor and fruity aroma.

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Before moving on to the red wines, I enjoyed sampled some of the complimentary cheese and crackers provided by the winery.  Since I love the dry reds, I was so excited to sample the Merlot, a 2014 Lowell Marie.  Described as “light bodied and immediately drinkable, it is an early release especially well-suited for refreshing summer drinks and Sangrias as it doesn’t overpower fresh fruits and takes will to a bit of sweetness  and sparkle.  It also complements lighter outdoor meals and picnics and could be lightly chilled.”  It is perfectly priced at $10.99 per bottle.

Kinkead Ridge’s 2013 River Village Cellars comes from the Chambourcin grapes also produced by McCafferty Bridge Vineyard.  It is “full-bodied, deep-colored with notes of cassis, berry fruit and plum.” This wine is perfectly paired with “beef, lamb wild game and richly flavored cheeses”. Barrel aged nine months, the retail bottle price for this wine is $11.99.  I enjoyed the taste of this wine and loved the aromas of stone fruit.

One of my favorite wines at Kinkead Ridge was the 2013 Estate Bottled Petit Verdot.  “Hand harvested…, this intensely-colored dark purple tannic complex wine displays a fragrant nose with tones of violet and leather.  Small-lot fermentations with hand punch-downs and classic small scale winemaking techniques were used to create this wine.  Aged in premium French and American oak, one can enjoy this wine with beef, lamb or wild game.  Tasting this wine will leave you wanting more!” A bottle of Petit Verdot can be purchased for $24.99 and is well worth the price.

Kinkead Ridge boasts two Cabernets and I enjoyed both of these wines immensely.  The Sauvignon is “hand-harvested…, this wine is dark ruby red, well structured, and complex displaying classic Cabernet aromas of cassis, plum and black cherry.  The process for creating this wine were similar to the winery’s Petit Verdot, also aged in premium French and American oak.”  This excellent wine has a lovely, smooth texture.

The Cabernet Franc, bottled in 2013 was also “hand-harvested…this wine’s fragrant aromas of violet and black cherry precede a taste of full-bodied, richly flavored complexity, with raspberry and spice overtones.”  This wine is perfect with “beef, turkey, pork and rich stews.”

During my visit, I had the opportunity to discuss the future of Kinkead Ridge’s Winery with new owner Dr. Don Bowers.  He is a medical doctor by trade and since I work in the pharmaceutical industry in research and development, I found the explanation of his wine-making techniques to be very interesting…after all, it is all about chemistry.  Dr. Bowers and his family are very involved in the day to day process of wine making.  Having purchased Kinkead Ridge, the established winery has a long list of venues where their wines can be purchased and the owners have  plans for expansion.  I look forward to visiting the winery again in the future and continue to follow the winery’s success.

Have you had the opportunity to try some of the fabulous wines produced by Kinkead Ridge Winery?  I would love to hear about your favorite wines and your experience with the winery if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

I would like to thank Dr. Don Bowers and his family for their time and hospitality during my visit!

What to See and What to Do:

Kinkead Ridge Winery
904 Hamburg Street
Ripley, Ohio   45167
Telephone:  216 551 9093

Where to Stay:

The Signal House Bed and Breakfast
234 N. Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  937 392 1640

Where to Eat:

Cohearts Riverhouse
18 N. Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  937 392 4819

Delicious burger with a fabulous view of the Ohio River!

What to Read:

  • Ripley, Ohio It’s History and Families, by Eliese Bambach Stivers
  • Beyond the River: The Untold Stories of the Heroes of the Underground Railroad, by Ann Hagedorn
  • His Promised Land: The Autobiography of John P. Parker, Former Slave and Conductor on the Underground Railroad, by John P. Parker