Our Town: Rices Landing
A sign welcoming visitors to Rices Landing in Greene County. Situated on the Monongahela River, its population was a little more than 400 in the 2010 census.
Playground attractions in Rices Landing harken back to its founding, when its economy was based on its proximity to the Monongahela River.
By Brad Hundt
The Monongahela River runs by Rices Landing.
Driving around Rices Landing on a bright blue day in late April, one thing stands out.
People wave.
Even if they don’t know you and have never seen you before in their lives, they offer a cheerful welcome as you cruise down the thoroughfares in Rices Landing.
“The best part about living in Rices Landing is its small-town feel,” says Ryan Belski, the mayor of the Greene County borough. “That’s disappearing in the rest of the country.”
Indeed, Rices Landing is the kind of place where you feel your blood pressure steadily drifting downward as you explore its streets and stroll along its riverfront. With a population pegged at 463 residents as of the 2010 census, Rices Landing has drawn householders who are lured by its peace and calm, but who also want a relatively easy commute to jobs in places like Waynesburg, Washington and Morgantown, W.Va.
“There are no businesses left in the borough, but we’ve had people build homes in the community,” Belski points out while wearing a Pittsburgh Penguins T-shirt in Rices Landing’s fire hall.
Located on the Monongahela River about 12 miles from Waynesburg and about 28 miles from Washington, the history of Rices Landing stretches back more than 230 years. In 1786, John Rice gave the community its name by purchasing the land on which Rices Landing now stands. It was officially incorporated in 1903. Nurtured by bituminous coal mining nearby and bustling river traffic, Rices Landing became a vigorous, lively community. In the early part of the 20th century, hotels and stores where people could pick up groceries and clothes were established in the borough.
The W.A. Young and Sons Foundry and Machine Shop sits on the riverfront in Rices Landing. Founded in 1900, it operated until 1965. It is now a National Historic Landmark.
The centerpiece of Rices Landing was – and remains – the W.A. Young and Sons Foundry and Machine Shop. Founded in 1900, it stayed in business until 1965, and is considered to be an important exemplar of industry from the early 20th century. William A. Young, the foundry and machine shop’s operator and owner, built it using lumber from his farm, and it initially repaired steamboats. Later on, it provided automobile repairs and added a hardware store.
Although the foundry closed its doors more than a half-century ago as the community and economy changed, it was never torn down. It’s now a National Historic Landmark, with a plaque announcing that it “possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America” affixed to its exterior.
The biggest annual event in Rices Landing is Riverfest. Scheduled for Friday, June 8, and Saturday, June 9, it will benefit the borough’s volunteer fire department and feature two fireworks displays, five live bands, children’s games and more. It starts June 8 at 5 p.m. and June 9 at 2 p.m. The foundry will be open both days, and an all-town yard sale is planned.
For more information, visit www.rlvfd.com, or call 724-592-5765.