About Us
Welcome to Village of Ridge Farm! Our city is defined less by boundaries on a map than by the sense of shared values our residents hold dear. We take pride in maintaining a wholesome lifestyle, rich in cultural history, along with a deep commitment to the preservation of our environment and a progressive approach to local business.
History
Abraham Smith, a venturous farmer, moved his farm from Tennessee to the glacial ridge in 1839 and called it 
his "Farm on the Ridge" or "Ridge Farm." He opened a post office, blacksmith shop, inn, tavern and a general store.
In 1873-1874, railroads were being constructed which brought in businesses such as a large flower mill, lumber yards, a hardware store, hotel and an extensive grain business. The First National Bank Bank building (Farmer's Bank) still stands proudly on Main Street.
Ridge Farm became home for an ice, coal and feed delivery service, barber shop, dentist and doctors and a furniture store. With Ridge Farm thriving, community events became a great source of entertainment with the addition of The Knights of Pythias Band and Ward Park.
During Abraham Lincoln's early years as a lawyer, he stayed frequently in Ridge Farm. This memorial is a reminder of Lincoln's travels through the area on his famous judicial circuit in Illinois.
Churches, schools and organizations grew. Social organizations became a great source of communication, entertainment and knowledge for the people of Ridge Farm.
Famous People
James R. Fletcher - State Representative for two terms
Charles Fletcher - State's Attorney
Paul Hawkins - Revolutionized the Ice Cream Truck with the addition of amplified music
Linda Metheny - Olympic gymnast
Margaret Lee Bines Fisher - 1st Vice President of Ilinois Homemakers Extension Federation
Anna Bines - Texas home Economist for the Year
William McKinley Bines - State Representative from 1894 - 1896
John Haworth - Served on Vermillion County's first grand jury
Jaqueline Williams Goreham - Good Will Ambassador for the U.S. Savings Bond Treasury in 1971
Don and Mary Marlow Humrichouse - Missionaries to Kenya, South Africa,
Ron Dillman - Pulitzer Prize Winner for Public Service in Journalism
Una Fisk Pribble - Centennial Queen 1974
Lori Gerard Hutt - Emmy Award Winner
Harry "Babe" Woodyard - State Senator
Brigadier General Bonner Fellers - Army officer who served during WWII as a military attache (most notably General Douglas MacArthur) and director of psycological warfare
Ongoing Projects
The Village of Ridge Farm is humbly grateful for the people and businesses that make a difference! We are consistently working on projects to help preserve our community and build a better tomorrow for our residents. In an effort to do so, we have on-going projects. Any donations to these projects are appreciated.
To donate by mail, you may use the Village Hall P.O. Box 350; Ridge Farm, IL 61870.
Ward Park/Blakeney Building (P.O. 350; Ridge Farm, IL 61870)
Ridge Farm Veteran's Memorial(P.O. Box 350; Ridge Farm, IL 61870)
Crown Hill Cemetery (P.O. 350; Ridge Farm, IL 61870)
While the village does not maintain these additional community resources, we have provided a mailing address to donate to them directly.
(Please note, each entity has its own designation and donations should be made from the appropriate location.)
Ridge Farm Fire Department (P.O. Box 435; Ridge Farm, IL 61870)
Ridge Farm Library (P.O. Box 349; Ridge Farm, IL 61870)
