The Daily Herald In late March, approximately 160 descendants from families who built, owned and lived at city-owned Rippavilla historic mansion visited the Spring Hill property, many for the first time. Even though some had never met before, the gathering was like a long overdue family reunion. "People flew in from Oklahoma, Kansas, California, Texas, all over. I was astounded, and we were so happy," Rippavilla Inc. nonprofit interim director Scott Smith said. With the pending temporary closing of the mansion's doors looming over the occasion — following the city's decision to terminate its management contract with Rippavilla Inc. — many expected the event to be, more or less, like a "funeral," Smith said. But it turned out to be a celebration, one that connected many long-lost family members with hugs and smiles.