I notice that the Post Crescent newspaper ran an article on the final demise of Ripon Foods company. Any remaining cookie production has been sent to other bakeries around the country. A final auction of equipment from the Ripon, WI plant was held several weeks ago. The doors are closed.
It is interesting that the foremost memory of Rippin’ Good cookies was the Outlet Store. Buying imperfect cookie 2nds was the ultimate triumph. Lost cost cookies that were scrumptious. Ripon Foods considered closing the Outlet Store many times because in theory “every 2nd cookie sold detracted from selling 1st cookies at normal prices”. The reality of the situation is that making every cookie perfect is almost impossible and selling the “imperfection” through the “2nd store” was a good promotion.
When the history of Rippin’ Good cookies is recounted in the newspapers, the mention is of Treehouse Foods, ConAgra, and Ralcorp (a division of Ralston Purina). Each company tried to integrate Rippin’ cookies into their businesses and each failed. Those efforts account for the last 15 years. Before that was 75 years of a family business. Horace Bumby bought the cookie business in the late 1930’s, grew it steadily and passed it on to future generations of Bumbys. The genuine concern for employees came from a caring family.
The ultimate demise of the cookie business was the health food craze. Mom and Dads have transitioned to treats with less sugar, less fat, and lower calories. Even the “bigs” like Nabisco and Keebler have seen big drops in their cookie business.
A funeral can be held for Rippin’ Good cookies and the world can bask in sadness, or the world can rejoice in the joy and satisfaction that came with 75 years of delectable treats. Good memories. Rejoice!
Love,
Dad