May the story of Eastland’s famed horned toad Old Rip never rest in peace. It’s too good a tale to let die. And thanks to residents of Eastland County, that’s not likely to happen. H.V. O’Brien’s booklet, “The Story of Old Rip: A Horned Toad That Slept for 30 Years,” was reprinted earlier this year, annual local events commemorate the story, and the Eastland Chamber of Commerce still gets plenty of inquiries.
“So, tell me about this Old Rip” is a comment that Julie Elrod, assistant director of the chamber, frequently hears from visitors from near and far– even from other countries.
The story began in 1897 when a horned toad (horny toad in Texas talk or horned frog to TCU fans) was placed in the cornerstone of a new courthouse that was under construction. In 1928, that building was demolished to make way for another new courthouse, which still serves Eastland County. According to published accounts, a crowd of 3,000 gathered to watch the opening
of a time capsule in the cornerstone.
I then saw one of the party reach down and bring to sight a horned frog which, seemingly, was dormant but after a few minutes showed signs of life.
— Edwin T. Cox
A section in O’Brien’s book tells what happened when the walls came tumbling down and the time capsule was opened. O’Brien quoted local historian Edwin T. Cox, who witnessed the opening: “I then saw one of the party reach down and bring to sight a horned frog which, seemingly, was dormant but after a few minutes showed signs of life.” Soon, reporters and photographers converged on Eastland.
The critter, of course, was dubbed Old Rip in honor of legendary napper Rip Van Winkle. Before long, Old Rip found himself on a tour of the country, even making a stop in Washington, D.C., to meet President Calvin Coolidge.
Safely back home, he lived another year before dying of pneumonia. His body was embalmed and placed in a red velvet-lined casket, which is still on display in the lobby of the courthouse.
Over the years, Old Rip suffered a few indignities, like being stolen as a prank and being picked up by a fragile leg by John Connally as a photo op while campaigning for governor of Texas in 1962.
CARTOON INSPIRATION
Inspired by the legend of Old Rip, in 1955 cartoonist Chuck Jones and writer Michael Maltese created “One Froggy Evening.” The classic Merrie Melodies short tells the story of a demolition worker who finds a frog in a box in the cornerstone of a building that is being demolished. When the frog sings ragtime jazz and dances, the workman has visions of wealth and fame. However, the frog performs only for the workman when no one else is watching.
The character was named Michigan J. Frog and was the official mascot of The Warner Brothers Television Network from 1995 to 2005.
Old Rip no longer suffers indignities–just fame and curiosity. Each February, a ceremony is held at the courthouse where the crowd is led in the “Oath to Old Rip” by O’Brien and the Eastland County Judge. The oath was written years ago by O’Brien and former County Judge Scott Bailey. O’Brien normally leads the oath at the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet but for the past few years his daughter, Amy O’Brien-Glenn, has led it.
In April, Rip’s Ribs Cookoff and Wine Festival is held. The biggest event, Rip Fest, falls on the first Saturday in October, with a parade, car show, vendors, and entertainers. O’Brien, who is in his 90s, is publisher of Eastland County Today, a community newspaper serving several small towns in and near Eastland County. And he still does his part to make sure the “Story of Old Rip” never dies. “It deserves to be kept alive,” he said.
