The downtown home to Las Casuelas Mexican Restaurant in Ripon has been around for 100 years.

In John Mangelos’ latest book on local history, he notes in “Ripon: Past & Present” that the building at 107 E. Main St. was constructed in 1921 on speculation by Hans Madsen.

The first business to occupy the space was the Ripon Hardware Company followed by a duckpin bowling alley, the Rio Theater (prior to the days of television) and an assortment of business offices.

This is the second book from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press for Mangelos, who has always had a passion for preserving the history of Ripon. His earlier book of a decade ago is "Images of America: Ripon."

"Past & Present" was released in early April, and is currently available at Schempers Ace Hardware, Barnes & Noble, Costco, and Amazon.

"The second book was more challenging," he recently said. "I needed the background of the before and after photos.

"And many of the people who helped out for the first book are no longer alive."

History is knee-deep in the current home of Ripon Roadhouse. According to Mangelos, this was the Odd Fellows building erected in 1886 and once housed the McKee and Reynolds Mercantile on the ground floor, and the IOOF on the second floor. In 1983, Bob and Ann Ide were credited for leading the efforts towards preserving the building for future generations.

"Past & Present" features over 90 pages of before and after photos that Mangelos was able to accumulate over the years via eBay and yard sales. The book tells the story of Ripon's past and present in three chapters — Let's Go Downtown, Home Is Where the Heart Is, and Churches, the Heart of the Community.

For more information, log on to www.arcadiapublishing.com or call toll free 1.888.313.2665.