The Legend of Old Rip
Posted by: 
QuesterMark
N 32° 24.070 W 098° 49.093
14S E 517095 N 3584917
'Old Rip' is the Texas Horned Lizard that inspired Michigan J. Frog, the logo of the WB from 2001-2005. His story inspired the WB cartoon, "One Froggy Evening".
Waymark Code: WM59T2
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 12/02/2008
Views: 37
From the sign at the site: In 1897 when the cornerstone of the new Courthouse was dedicated, Earnest Wood, Justice of the Peace, who was a member of the Band, noticed his son, Will Wood, playing with a horned toad. The idea came to him to place the toad in the cornerstone. They named him 'Old Rip' and he lived peacefully in this cornerstone until February 28, 1928, wen the courthouse was demolished to make way for a new one. Three thousand persons were on hand to watch the opening of the cornerstone to see how 'Old Rip' had fared. Judge Ed S. Pritchard removed the Bible and other objects, and at the bottom was the toad. Eugene Day, an oil man, thrust his hand into the cavity and lifted up the flat dust-covered toad. He handed it to Frank S. Singleton, pastor of the First Methodist CHurch, who passed the critter on to Judge Pritchard. Judge Pritchard held him up by his tail for all to see. Suddenly 'Old Rip' awoke from his 31 year slumber. "Old Rip" was exhibited in various parts of the United States, including a visit to President Coolidge in Washington. "Old Rip" died of pneumonia on Saturday, January 19, 1929. His body was embalmed and can be seen today in its plush-lined casket, as it is displayed in the lobby of Eastland County's beautiful courthouse.
What's the Real Story?:
Wikipedia adds: "In 1973 the body was stolen and an anonymous letter explained that the finding of Ol' Rip alive had been a hoax and demanded other unnamed co-conspirators should come forth. When no one did, another letter was received stating that the coffin and body could be found in the county fairgrounds. The coffin was found there and returned to the courthouse, though some suspected the body in the coffin was a substitute for the real lizard who now resides in a secret private collection somewhere."
Much more information about the legend and the history can be found in the book, "Unsolved Texas Mysteries" by Wallace O. Chariton, Kevin R. Young, Charlie Eckhardt
Website Source: [Web Link]
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