Broad Ripple High School - Riparian Yearbook (Indianapolis, IN)

Page 8 text:

THROUGH THE YEARS First hung in 1883, the Ripple Bell was once a vital part of life at Broad Ripple. It called pupils to classes until 1914, when it began a long hibernation in the basement of the cottage. In 1955 the bell was rescued from abandonment, re-dedicated, and given a place of honor in the main hall of the old building. Another symbol of the past is the old Broad Ripple Inter-Urban Station. Today this building stands as a landmark of historical significance and serves an active purpose as an American Legion hall. Though trains still pass the Broad Ripple Monon Station at regular intervals, it is no longer needed as a stopping point for passengers. In its present role as the Whistle Stop Sausage House, the onetime depot adds provincial charm to the area. Now boarded up, the original entrance to the oldest part of the building is an ever-preseni reminder of the school ' s swift growth. This entrance has not been used for many years, and it is virtually unknown to most Broad Ripple pupils and teachers.

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e ' enty-five years sounds like a long time. Many things can happen in 75 years— world po ' vers can juggle their strength, a nation can grow into a giant of ireedom, a baby can enter the golden years of old age. A school celebrating its diamond anniversary soimds like an old school. But after three quarters of a centmy Broad Ripple High School is still yoimg, looking to a bright iutine vhicli will reflect the gro ' th and tradition of a rich past. The seeds of Ripph ' s past were so vn in 1837, the year in -whidi Iloosier pioneers foimded the Broad Ripple commimity. BRHS dates back to 188t ). when Mr. J. S. Ptiett instructed seven pupils in a coiuse of fi e subjects. Despite a fire in 1896, Ripple grew rapidly. (See loiucr l ' ulun ' lakcu in 1925). During W ' orld War I, the armed forces claimed many Ripple boys, bin not even the war coiUd halt the school ' s progress. Mr. Karl o Ammerman, who became principal in 1923, proudly called Ripple the baby grand of Indianapolis. As the commimity developed into a metropolitan area, the school building expanded to provide for Ripple ' s ever-gro- ving needs. (See ul)per picture taiicti in 1961 ' ' !. Ripple became a leader scholastically and physically, in classes and acti •ities. Seventy-five years ha e passed, bringing honors and achie cinent . inipinx ciiunts and advancements, and lca ' ing behind cherished memories ami tr.uliticns. BROAD RIPPLE HIGH SCHOOL

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Gateway to athletic triumphs, the Edgar F. Diede- rich monument is a popular gathering place and an entrance to the Diederich Memorial Field. The field, dedicated in 1951 to the memory of Mr. Diederich, former coach and athletic director, is the scene of Ripple football and track events. One other land- mark on the school grounds is the time-worn sun- dial, located on the northwest corner of the front lawn. The sundial, an anonymous gift donated in 1936, is engraved with designs and quotations. Progressing with the times, the Ripple community does not neglect public interest in history. The out- moded Nickel Plate Railroad engine which rests in Broad Ripple Park is open for public inspection, and children delight in viewing the workings of the locomotive. Summer and winter. Broad Ripple vil- lagers of all ages enjoy the park ' s Olympic-sized swimming pool. Many other recreational facilities attracted crowds to the grounds when they housed an amusement park as early as 1 889. . U .