04/22/2026
Remembering a Turner Legend: Joan “Tootie” Ricker 🕊️
Turner has lost a true guardian of our heritage. Last week, we said goodbye to Joan “Tootie” Ricker, a woman who was the cornerstone of the Turner Museum and Historical Association.
Tootie’s dedication to sharing Turner's history stretched back to the 1980s. She was the driving force behind the original Turner History Rooms above the Town Offices and eventually was a leader in the transition to our current home in the Leavitt Institute building. Honored in the 2010 Town Report, Tootie spent years procuring artifacts that showcased the strength and unique spirit of Turner's ancestors.
Whether serving as Curator, Historian, or Vice-President, Tootie was diligent in preserving the stories of our ancestors. She believed our history lived in everything—from our industry, business, schools and churches to our farms and genealogy.
While she cherished the 1986 Bicentennial, her heart belonged to the Annual Winter Festival. She loved the caroling in the 1831 Town House, the warm fire, and seeing families gathered together.
To honor her incredible legacy, we will be dedicating the December 2026 Winter Festival of Trees to Joan "Tootie" Ricker's memory. 🏛️❤️
