Our History

History of ROHS

The Downing Era

Passage of resolution creating the Riley Old Home Society by Arthur C. Downing occurred on Dec 19, 1934. Arthur Downing appointed Z. M. Smith, superintendent of Greenfield Schools, as the first President of the ROHS.
Purchase of the Riley Home followed fund drives and much hard work with the deed signed in 1936. A price tag for that building was between $3,500 - $4,000.
Walter Worland became President of the ROHS for two terms from 1965-1969. This time period started the restoration and repairs needed to get the old home in shape for visitors. The only major closing of the Riley home was between October 1944 - July 1946 due to WW2.
Arthur Downing dies at 87 years old on March 21, 1968, ending his lengthy reign at the Riley Home and as ``Mr. Greenfield``, as he was sometimes called. Notable contributors during this time period were: Marjorie Walker, Dorothy June Williams, and Richard Goble.

Moving in

A New home

Harold Sample heads the ROHS from 1972-1975. The John Mitchell residence, the first home east of the Riley Home, is purchased for the purpose of a Riley Museum. ROHS incorporates as a not for profit. In 1976 Thomas E. Q. Williams became the sixth President of ROHS. On September 28, 1977 the Riley Home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Splendid examples of period clothing and furnishings were incorporated into both the home and the museum. The popular Riley Festival was incorporated in 1971.

Organizing

Renovations/Repairs

The 150th anniversary of the poets birth celebration is planned.
Eli Lilly Foundation continues to finance renovations and repairs to the aging buildings. Larry L. Fox became President of the ROHS in 1993, with his term to begin Jan 1, 1994. Conservation work begins to protect fragile artifacts. The gift shop becomes a reality in the late 1980s. A strategic plan was discussed to organize goals and fund raising.
In 1999, John Fleming serves as ROHS President.

Today and to the Future

Recently

The lifetime Riley collection of Robert Tinsley was obtained by the ROHS in 2002. Reorganization of the ROHS breathed new life into the non-profit. Goals were set and moving forward into the future was the only option.