The Virginia and Scripps Park
The "Scripps name is a name that people from all across America would recognize. The Scripps family was a very affluent family in in the early 1900s and has since become known for their philanthropy. Several members of the Scripps family, including E.W. Scripps, were born and raised in Rushville. In October of 1923, Scripps Park, located at the southwest corner of Rushville, was officially opened to the public. The park and its buildings were a gift from the Scripps Family, specifically by Miss Ellen Browning Scripps, who then lived in La Jolla California. The opening day attracted people from all around the Rushville area. Many were particularly interested in viewing The Virginia building. This building had been constructed to be used for community events. In its days, and even today, it was a beautiful building and very elegant for a town of its size. In addition to The Virginia, there were also small cottages built on the park. According to the Rushville Times, opening day was an eventful day, with an estimated 3,000 people attending. The Rushville Band played on the veranda, refreshments were served. the building was formally presented to the city, a speech was delivered for a memorial tablet to be place above the fireplace, and the American Legion gave a demonstration guard. Today, The Virginia, the small cottages, and Scripps Park still remain. The Virginia still serves as a community center for Rushville. The nearby cottages can be rented for use as well. The park consists for baseball diamonds, a playground, tennis courts, a pond, a swimming pool, and a golf course. Rushville continues to utilize and enjoy the generous gift from the Scripps family. |
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