HISTORY
Abraham Smith, a venturous farmer, moved his farm from Tennessee to the glacial ridge in 1839 and called it his "Farm on the Ridge" or "Ridge Farm." He opened a post office, blacksmith shop, inn, tavern and a general store. 

In 1873-1874, railroads were being constructed which brought in businesses such as a large flower mill, lumber yards, a hardware store, hotel and an extensive grain business.  The First National Bank Bank building (Farmer's Bank) still stands proudly on Main Street. 

Ridge Farm became home for an ice, coal and feed delivery service, barber shop, dentist and doctors and a furniture store. With Ridge Farm thriving, community events became a great source of entertainment with the addition of The Knights of Pythias Band and Ward Park.

During Abraham Lincoln's early years as a lawyer, he stayed frequently in Ridge Farm. This memorial is a reminder of Lincoln's travels through the area on his famous judicial circuit in Illinois.

Churches, schools and organizations grew. Social organizations became a great source of communication, entertainment and knowledge for the people of Ridge Farm.

FAMOUS PEOPLE...

James R. Fletcher - State Representative for two terms

Charles Fletcher - State's Attorney

Paul Hawkins - Inventor of ice cream on a stick called "Good Humor"

Linda Metheny - Olympic gymnast

Margaret Lee Bines Fisher - 1st Vice President of Ilinois Homemakers Extension Federation

Anna Bines - Texas home Economist for the Year

William McKinley Bines - State Representative from 1894 - 1896

John Haworth - Served on Vermillion County's first grand jury

Jaqueline Williams Goreham - Good Will Ambassador for the U.S. Savings Bond Treasury in 1971

Don and Mary Marlow Humrichouse - Missionaries to Kenya, South Africa, 

Ron Dillman - Pulitzer Prize Winner

Una Fisk Pribble - Centennial Queen 1974

Lori Gerard Hutt - Emmy  Award Winner

Harry "Babe" Woodyard - State Senator

Bonner Fellers - Brigadier General, assistant to General Douglas MacArthur

Home of Brigadier General Bonner Fellers


Senator Harry "Babe" Woodyard












Home of Don and Mary Marlow Humrichouse Ridge Farm Museum