Casper M. Ruch started the Ruch settlement at this crossroads site between Crescent City and Jacksonville in 1896. On ten acres purchased from J.M. McDonough he built a home, blacksmith shop, warehouse, dance hall, store, and smoke house, curing the meat he sold. A school district known as Log Town No. 3, organized in 1863, later became Drake School, then Ruch School by 1897. The property was donated by James D. Buckley from his 350 acre land grant. The Ruch post office existed from 1897 to 1939 with "Cap" Ruch and his wife, Anna, as postmaster.