Ripleys Believe It Or Not
Title
Ripleys Believe It Or Not
Subject
Ripleys started off as the winter home for Willam G warden and was built in 1887. Warden was a friend of Henry Flagler and John Rockefeller. He was also the president of the St Augustine Gas and Electric Light Company, In 1941 the building was purchased and made into the Warden Hotel. In 1950 Leroy Ripley purchased the building to store all of his oddities. Guests can visit today to see things like shrunken heads, fuji mermaids, and a wax replica of the world's tallest man.
Description
A sign that reads Ripleys Believe it or Not Museum. Behind it is a castle-like red and cream-colored building,
A historical marker reading " Warden Winter Home. The Warden winter home was built in 1887 for Willam G Warden of Philadelphia. A partner with Henry Flagler and John D Rockefeller in the Standard Oil Company. Warden was also the President of the St. Augustine Gas and Electric Light Company and Fincial Director of the St. Augustine Improvement Company. One of the most imposing private residences in the city. It was the center of winter social activity. Its Moorish Revival architecture and elaborate interior reflect the exuberance of the Gilded Age and St Augustines role as a winter resort. It remained in the Warden family through the 1930's. In 1941 it was purchased by Norton Baskin and remodeled as the Castle Warden Hotel. Baskin and his wife , Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (author of The Yearling.) had an apartment on the top floor. Many writers and other distinguished visitors came here during its decade as a hotel. Locally is known as Warden Castle it has served as Ripleys Believe it or Not Museum since 1950." "Sponsored by Ripleys believe it or Not Museum in cooperation with The Florida Department of State.
A historical marker reading " Warden Winter Home. The Warden winter home was built in 1887 for Willam G Warden of Philadelphia. A partner with Henry Flagler and John D Rockefeller in the Standard Oil Company. Warden was also the President of the St. Augustine Gas and Electric Light Company and Fincial Director of the St. Augustine Improvement Company. One of the most imposing private residences in the city. It was the center of winter social activity. Its Moorish Revival architecture and elaborate interior reflect the exuberance of the Gilded Age and St Augustines role as a winter resort. It remained in the Warden family through the 1930's. In 1941 it was purchased by Norton Baskin and remodeled as the Castle Warden Hotel. Baskin and his wife , Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (author of The Yearling.) had an apartment on the top floor. Many writers and other distinguished visitors came here during its decade as a hotel. Locally is known as Warden Castle it has served as Ripleys Believe it or Not Museum since 1950." "Sponsored by Ripleys believe it or Not Museum in cooperation with The Florida Department of State.
Creator
Mags Mullican
Source
Ripleys Believe It or Not Museum
Publisher
Ripleys Believe It Or Not museum
Date
08/06/2021
Contributor
Mags Mullican
Original Format
signs
Collection
Citation
Mags Mullican, “Ripleys Believe It Or Not,” accessed May 3, 2024, https://publichumanities.omeka.net/items/show/368.