June 14, 2026
Greene County is such an amazing place! The Bell Tower Festival and associated weekend activities are such a positive reflection on why we live, work, and play here.
Let me give my perspective on the recap. The opening ceremonies were different, but even better with the changed logistics, with the stage at the southwest corner of the square.
I was impressed with the inductee, Ellie Brown as the most recent TOWER OF FAME awardee. I knew of her community and national service, but unaware of some of the turbulence in her past life. She has certainly demonstrated love and assistance to others when she could have embraced bitterness. Congratulations and thanks to her.
On Saturday I assisted the Schoolboy Soldiers of Rippey along with several others as they prepared for their number 19 slot in the Bell Tower parade. As you Greene Countians are aware it started to sprinkle and then turned to a hard rain as the parade entrants began to line up for the 11 am start.
Such tenacity from these people portraying the schoolboy soldiers. While we were all very wet, they did not whine or complain. I am just so immensely proud of these students who have embraced the story of the 32 students who went off to the Civil War with their two instructors. Dena Boyd, their history teacher, is instilling by example embracing history along with community volunteerism.
Sunday I was torn between the Fishing Derby sponsored by the Greene County Conservation Board and staff, and the Cemetery Walk at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. I chose history by attending and learning about early Greene County pioneers.
The afternoon started with Jennifer Powers welcoming the participants with fiddle music played well on her violin. Sweet treats and a beverage were available while socializing with other guests. This educational and entertaining event was sponsored by the Greene County Historical Society, the Pleasant Hill Memorial Chapel board, the Greene County Genealogical Society, along with the Pioneer Cemetery Commission.
At 2 pm the cemetery walk began, led by Oliver Harris representing the Rippey Schoolboy Soldiers. Carrying a large American flag, he led us from the church to the pioneer cemetery. Several actors stood at the monuments to portray the pioneers: Jesse Perkins/ Darren Jackson; Mary Roberts/Chloe Powers; Harriet McCuen Wilson/Yvette Bardole; Nancy Tucker/Ann Frederick; Truman Davis/Lucas Daniel; GB Burk/ Clay Ross; and Native American/Robby Pedersen.
While all the stories told were fascinating, I found the story of Nancy Tucker riveting. Nancy, was one of the earliest Greene County settlers. When elderly, either 94 or 104, she became ill with influenza. She was treated by a Native American (we do not know his name). He prepared various herbal medicines for her, but she succumbed and was buried on a bluff above the river. Unfortunately, the Native American also died and was buried near her three days later. The burial location later became the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, and it is believed both bodies are buried near the entrance gate from the church yard to the cemetery. The story has been told and retold, but no evidence or marker of the burial is identified.
“We both drank from the same spring,” was a phrase used by both reenactors, indicating a common bond. It rather haunts me as current day language is so divisive between Anglos and persons of other races and cultures.
I also learned that in 1986 Pleasant Hill cemetery was recognized as having the largest Eastern red cedar tree in Iowa with a circumference of 10 feet 3 inches, and 50 feet high. This information may make you the winner of a Greene County trivia challenge.
Thanks to the many volunteers who made this an unforgettable Greene County weekend.
~View from my Window is shared by Mary Weaver of rural Rippey.
