Old Rip, Miracle Horned Toad - Eastland, TX
Posted by: 
WalksfarTX
N 32° 24.076 W 098° 49.093
14S E 517095 N 3584929
In 1897 a horned toad was in the cornerstone of the courthouse in Eastland, TX, when it was sealed. In 1928, the courthouse was demolished and the cornerstone was opened. The horn toad was found alive inside after being sealed for 31 years.
Waymark Code: WMQ7JC
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 01/04/2016
Views: 4
Text from Roadside America:
The toad was christened "Old Rip" and became a national sensation. He toured the U.S. He met President Coolidge.
Eleven months after his resurrection, Old Rip croaked. His body was embalmed and placed in a tiny, velvet-lined open casket in the lobby of the new courthouse.
A horned toad can still be seen in the velvet-lined casket today, although there's some controversy over just who is being exhibited. That's because in 1973 Old Rip was stolen.
A letter arrived, saying that Old Rip could be found in his coffin at the county fairgrounds. The coffin and a toad were recovered, although some believed that this Old Rip was an impostor. Eastland County Judge Scott Bailey was quoted as saying, "This toad is fairly well-preserved. The other was more ... mummified."
Old Rip, real or fake, is still on display in his coffin in Eastland.