This year marks the one hundredth year since the closing of Ricketts, the town.  That statement may not sound like something to be exactly celebrated but its history in the scheme of things is worthwhile to the development then and now of Sullivan County.  To that end, we are having our last summer speaker on Sat., Aug. 17th at 1:00 p.m.  Bill Williams, an avid Ricketts enthusiast and also Information & Education Supervisor with the Game Commission’s Northeast Region, will be giving a talk on the history of the town of Ricketts.  This talk will be followed with a guided tour by Bill of the remains of the town located on Route 487.  Both the talk and the tour are open to the public.   Please note that the museum is handicapped accessible but that the walking tour may be difficult for some individuals. 
     The Sullivan County Historical Society, in conjunction with Endless Mountains Heritage, is working with Bill Williams and Charles Petrillo to create an interpretive panel/table sign for to go at the roadside across from where Ricketts was.  This sign will include verbiage and old photos for visitors to learn about the town of Ricketts and the lumbering industry there.  The project is funded by Sullivan County Room Tax grant and will be installed next year. 
     The name Ricketts is derived from Colonel Robert Bruce Ricketts who led the Battery F, 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery during the Civil War.  At Gettysburg, they won fame by ferociously defending their position on East Cemetery Hill.  His development of land he purchased as investment for timber and eventually railroad connection is only surpassed by the present day Ricketts Glen State Park.  All this and more will be covered in Bill’s talk to hopefully satisfy visitor’s curiosity.