The Millerstown Tannery, 1800-1928
historical marker
In Millerstown, Perry County, Pennsylvania, the Millerstown Tannery operated from 1800 to 1928. It began in 1800 as the Rock Oak Tannery, constructed by brothers William, Caleb, and Joshua North, marking the town's first industry. The brothers later enlarged it in 1814, renaming it the Jordan Tannery. Isaac McCord purchased the property in 1816. Ownership changed hands several times, with Henry Hopple introducing team power in 1867. In 1882, Charles A. Rippman acquired the tannery. Under Rippman and his sons, J. G. 'Harry' and Charles A. Jr., the tannery modernized its machinery and thrived. It earned the highest award for oak sole leather at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. The tannery employed up to 20 workers. After Charles A. Rippman's son, Charles Eugene, died in 1925, the business closed in 1928 due to a lack of heirs. The equipment was sold in 1942, and the former tannery buildings later burned down in 1955. Today, the site is recognized by a historical marker, erected in 2020 by the Borough of Millerstown and the Historical Society of Perry County, as part of the Perry County Bicentennial and Heritage Trail. This marker commemorates a significant industrial enterprise in Millerstown's history.