In 1925, Ridgeway’s Fourth of July celebration was just as busy as the one we have this year, if not more so. The day started with a band concert at the bandstand. Everyone then proceeded to the park for speeches, more music and entertainment by a magician. Rev. W. J. Imes read the Declaration of Independence. They then adjourned for dinner and came back to more speeches and music and races. There was a Ladies Nail Driving contest, three-legged races, a boys “Cracker-eating and Whistling contest”, boys and girls foot races, an “Old Fiddlers” contest and a “Fat Man’s” race. There was also horseshoe pitching throughout the day and two baseball games. (Bethany Clipper, Jul 1, 1925) The Ridgeway Methodists beat the Bethany Methodists 10 to 6 and the boys team won their game against Albany 7 to 1. (Bethany Clipper, Jul 8, 1925).
The next day (Sunday, July 5) started with a bit of excitement also, but not nearly as much fun. Two youth, Calvin Bentz of Nebraska, and Boyd Saunders of Kansas City, both 16, broke into A. A. Ham’s restaurant about 5 am, stealing $25. They were seen by several locals making their getaway in a Ford coupe and nearly ran over A. A. Ham on the way to work during their escape. They were traced to Princeton where they were arrested, brought before the judge, and pled guilty. Ham refused to press charges, however, and the boys were released. They had been visiting Ridgeway for the Fourth and Saunders had been working for the restaurant. (Bethany Clipper, Jul 8, 1925).
