The Ripon Rabbit
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Misguided Decisions Jeopardized Ripon’s Historic Legacy.
Last year’s ill-advised decisions made by community leaders and the Chamber of Commerce in Ripon, Wisconsin, regarding the relocation of the National historic landmark, the “Birthplace of the Republican Party,” the Little White Schoolhouse, have inflicted irreparable damage to its legacy. Rushed actions and a failure to consider all available options prior to it’s movement last April 2023, have resulted in the removal of this monument from the list of historic places, casting a shadow over its esteemed status.
Prior to the proposed relocation, alarming revelations surfaced that the decision-makers were fully aware of the potential consequences. “Move it and lose it”. Shockingly, they chose to shroud these warnings in secrecy, concealing vital information from the community.
The Ripon Rabbit Hole, responded by sounding the alarm to the public. Yet, instead of heeding the warning, the response was a concerted effort to debunk and discredit these valid concerns. Even the local paper published articles seeking to undermine the genuine threat, providing reassurance to the community with misleading assurances that everything was fine, even in the face of genuine concerns..
Just days ahead of the move, Rabbit Hole revealed that the decision makers were well aware of the potential consequences but opted to conceal these warnings from the community, perpetuating a cover-up until their deception was exposed.
Had the communities, local press, leaders, the Historic Preservation Commission and the Chamber of Commerce exercised patience and allowed sufficient time to explore all feasible options, a positive outcome could have been achieved. By engaging in comprehensive discussions, soliciting expert opinions, and actively involving the community in the decision-making process, a more informed and prudent choice could have been made — one that respected the monument’s historical prominence and significance.
Instead these individuals chose to patronize the community with the false belief that “everything is okay.” Unfortunately, this strategy has backfired disastrously.
The impact of this story reverberates both locally and nationally. Locally, it challenges the identity and heritage of Ripon, Wisconsin, shaking the community’s pride in its rich history. Nationally, it serves as a poignant reminder of the broader issues surrounding the preservation of historical landmarks and the responsibility incumbent upon decision-makers to uphold transparency and integrity in their actions.
Regrettably, the Ripon Rabbit Hole finds itself in the uncomfortable position of having forewarned against these misguided decisions. However, rather than dwelling on the “we told you so,” it now stands resolute in its commitment to righting these wrongs.
The Rabbit Hole has vowed to rectify the ignorant mistakes, passionately advocating for the restoration of the Little White Schoolhouse’s honor and true legacy.
With a renewed dedication to transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of historical treasures, the Rabbit Hole aims to ensure that such invaluable pieces of history are preserved and cherished for future generations, learning from this unfortunate chapter in Ripon’s narrative.
*SEE OUR ORIGINAL POST FROM APRIL 15th 2023 FOR HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE:
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