Legend of Old Rip
The horned toad that was placed into the courthouse cornerstone as a prank. But 31 years later, it was no prank when the stone was opened and the toad was found to be ALIVE! He toured the nation as a celebrity and was received by President Calvin Coolidge. Although he survived isolation for many years, the stress and strain of public adoration was too much, and he later died of pneumonia. His remains continue to lie in a coffin at the Eastland County Courthouse and his memory is portrayed as “Alive & Kickin’!” Read the complete History of Old Rip.