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Old Rip LbNA #44158

Owner:Boots Tex
Plant date:Oct 21, 2008
Location:
City:Eastland
County:Eastland
State:Texas
Boxes:1
Found by: BeReeves
Last found:Oct 16, 2020
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Oct 21, 2008
Born: ?
Died: 1929

In 1897, a horned toad was placed in the cornerstone of the courthouse in Eastland, TX, as it was being sealed. People remembered the event, but no one thought much of it until 1928, when the courthouse was demolished to make way for a new, Jazz Age model. Three thousand people were on hand to watch the opening of the old cornerstone. Inside lay the horned toad, all right -- flat and covered with dust -- and ALIVE! After 31 years! The toad was christened "Old Rip" and became a national sensation. He toured the US and he met President Coolidge. Local gas stations gave away complimentary toads to customers. Eleven months after his resurrection, Old Rip croaked. His body was embalmed and placed in a tiny, open casket -- velvet lined -- in the lobby of the new courthouse. A horned toad in the velvet-lined casket can still be seen there today, though there is some controversy over just who is being exhibited. In 1973, Old Rip was stolen. An anonymous kidnapper wrote a letter explaining that his conscience would not let him remain silent any longer. He claimed to be part of a larger conspiracy that had hoaxed the nation with Old Rip. He demanded that his accomplices join him in a full confession. When no accomplices came forward, another letter arrived, saying that Old Rip could be found in his coffin at the county fairgrounds. The coffin and a toad were recovered -- though some believe that this Old Rip is an impostor. Eastland County Judge Scott Bailey has been quoted as saying: "This toad is fairly well-preserved. The other was more ... mummified." For more information, go to the Texas Escapes website:

ttp://www.texasescapes.com/FEATURES/Believe_It/Ol'_Rip/feature_night_of_the_Iguana.htm

Directions:

Old Rip (the letterbox) is Resting In Peace in Eastland, Texas, which is on I-20 in Eastland County, about 95 miles west of Fort Worth. Find the courthouse in Eastland (go in and see Old Rip where he lies in repose) then go south on S. Seaman Street for 3 blocks to E. Valley St. Turn left and, after a few blocks, you will come to the red rock gate to Eastland City Cemetery.

To the box:

Drive thru the gate and pass the 3 flags (US, Texas and CSA). Notice the war memorials for all the major wars in which Texas has been involved. At the next road, turn right and park at the large double-trunked oak tree that reaches out to the road. Look right, past the oak tree and find the 8’ tall gray monument that looks like a tree trunk. This is the gravestone of I. E. Line. Next to the monument is a multi-trunk cedar tree. Old Rip lies in the middle of this tree covered with a rock and sticks. Be sure that, when you leave him, you cover him well so that he can’t be accidentally seen.