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Clarence City Park
The Clarence Community Park was established in 1958 with the purchase of 12 acres of land from Miss Carrie Stanlake, G. H. Goldsmith and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Steege located on the west edge of Clarence city limits. The purchase of the land for a park was in commemoration of the 100 year centennial celebration of Clarence held in 1959.
In 1958, the Clarence Community Park Association was formed headed by Merlin Hulse as President, Richard Kemmann, Vice President, Glen Wallace, Treasurer and Raymond Doermann as Secretary. The original cost was projected to be $20,000. Under the direction of this group of individuals and many community volunteers the land was cleared in the fall of 1958 and the town was canvassed for donations. The spring of 1959 was a hub of activity with the planting of hackberry and maple trees, the construction of ball diamonds, a restroom/concession stand, two shelter houses and a lighted tennis court. Playground equipment was added shortly thereafter. In the spring of 1960 the Jaycees erected the fence around the tennis court.
The focal point of the park became the “Little Sister of Lady Liberty” donated by the Clarence Scouts and dedicated on July 31, 1960. In the mid 1970’s the eleven point star was added around the base of the statue complete with lighting to accentuate the statue at night. In the winter of 1965 the Clarence Community Booster Association was formed and initially lead by the following: Herb Freese was elected president, Charles Joachim, vice president, David Dewell, secretary, Robert Miller, treasurer, Lester Kelly, Kermit Roelf and Warren Claney, directors and Don Silkman, Town Council representative. Due to contributions from booster members and a very generous donation from the Joe Ditz estate trust fund, the boosters were able to provide a lighting system for the ball field which enabled the town’s baseball team, the Clarence Indees, to play their games in the evenings under the lights. This dream was first realized on Sunday, June 20, 1965. Also added that summer was the refreshment stand by the ball fields, additional bleachers, an outfield fence, public address system and a score board. The pillars at the entrance to the park were erected in 1968 in memory of Joe Ditz.
When Clarence and Lowden schools reorganized in 1973 the park became the site of the high school football games starting in the fall of 1975 until the birth of the North Cedar school district in 1995. In 1978 the Clarence Boosters re-graded the football field to smooth and level it out and added enhanced lighting for football in 1979. Additional bleachers were also added at this time. 1976 saw the Clarence Indee baseball team folded due to a lack of local players. However 1976 saw the birth of the Clarence Lions slow pitch league.
In the early 1980’s the Clarence Boosters added a basketball court and the Lions Club constructed the open shelter in the spring of 1981. Also in the spring of 1981 the Clarence Boosters regraded the football field to smooth it out and make it safer for the players. In the mid 1980’s wooden playground equipment was installed.
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In 1992 a sand volleyball court was added along with the addition of a press box on top of the concession stand. The later 1990’s saw many additional trees planted in the park and along First Avenue due to Clarence’s participation in the Trees Forever Program under the direction of Larry Anderson. In 1999 the wooden playground equipment was removed and replaced with the current brightly colored equipment under the guidance of Don Hunwardsen.
The Clarence Visioning Committee, also led by Larry Anderson was formed in 1998 to enhance various areas around town. Two major projects of the group included re-landscaping the entrance to the park with Stone City Stone pillars and planters. The construction of the planters was completed in the summer of 1999 with recently graduated senior, Mark Stolte providing his landscaping expertise. The second major project was the construction of new “Welcome to Clarence” signs. Due to grants from the Revitalization Assistance for Community Improvement, the Iowa Roadways program and community donations the new signs were constructed with the help of community businesses and volunteers in the early summer of 2000 and dedicated in July. A hitting cage was also installed this summer.
The building housing the restrooms was renovated in 2005. Additional undated restrooms were added on the east end of the building. The addition of a kitchen on the west end of the building was a very welcome improvement to those helping in the serving of community celebration dinners. Another open shelter was also added on the west end of the building. Additional picnic tables were purchased at this time. Team benches on the ball diamonds were remodeled to include a roof so players could sit in the shade and enclosed for from foul balls.
A memorial contribution from Doug and Dawn Muench in 2006 in memory of their daughter, Nicole LeGrand, was the start of a half mile walking trail constructed around the perimeter of the park. Due to donations from Clarence citizens, organizations and businesses the first leg of the trail was started in July of 2007 and completed in October that fall. The trail was built with the volunteer help of 66 Clarence residents under the directions of Bob Hunwardsen, Don Hunwardsen and Kris Plueger. Park benches, trees, and a memorial garden were added the following summer. An outfield fence was added to the west diamond.
Also in 2007 an additional 13 acres on the west side of the park was donated by the Charles Youngker family of Arizona to be used as additional park area. The Boosters seeded the land and graded the north end to create two soccer fields and a touch football field in the fall of 2008. In the spring of 2009 several trees were planted near the west side of the walking trail.
The Clarence park continues to be a hub of activity for young and old and is meeting the original goal of its founders of 50 years ago in building towards an enjoyable gathering place which is a memorial to the city of Clarence and its growth of 150 years.
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Little Sister of Lady Liberty
The Little Sister of Lady Liberty statue was erected in the Clarence Park and dedicated on July 31, 1961 by the Clarence Scout troops. Over 200 of these statues are in 39 states of the United States as well as several U.S. possessions and territories. The statues were the idea of Kansas City businessman, J. P. Whitaker, who was the Scout Commissioner of the Kansas City Area Boy Scout Council.
The copper statues were manufactured by Friedley-Voshardt Company of Chicago, Illinois and were purchased for $350 each in the early 1950’s by Boy Scout troops to celebrate Scouting’s 40th anniversary theme, “Strengthen the Arm of Liberty.”
How did the Little Sister of Lady Liberty end up in Clarence? Clarence Scout leaders Henry Klatt and Richard Fehling were contacted by the Executive Scout Commissioner from the Quad Cities indicating they had purchased three statues and would be willing to give Clarence one of the statues at no cost. The statue had been in storage at Camp Minneata, a Boy Scout camp near Dixon, Iowa for nearly 10 years. The Clarence Scout leaders went after the statue with the stipulation there was to be no publicity as to where it came from and they had to come to the scout camp in the late evening to load the statue so it could leave the area undetected. Once the mission was accomplished the statue was placed on a pedestal in its present position. A large dedication ceremony was held with Boy Scout troops present from many of the nearby communities. In the mid 1970’s the 11 point star was constructed by Arlo and Jerry Hasenbank and financed by the Edwin Schluter estate. The town of Clarence is very proud to feature the Little Sister of Liberty as a focal point of the park.
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L to R: Kendall Kray, Allison Cervany, Molly Pilcher, Brandi Hamdorf, Emily Mostaert
Clarence Jr. H’s 4-H Club
The Clarence Jr. H’s 4-H Club continues to be busy and active in the Clarence Community. The club holds regular meetings at the United Church of Christ in Clarence, enjoys numerous activities and participates in the Cedar County and Iowa State Fair.
The Family Silly Supper, making valentines for the Clarence Nursing Home, helping to collect Food Bank items, and hosting the petting zoo held during the Lincoln Highway Festival are some of our long standing traditions. The club also enjoys going bowling, ice skating, hiking at Eden Valley Nature Park, swimming, picnics, paddleboat rides and paint ball. The club’s travels have taken them to Chicago to visit the Shriner’s Hospital, ride a boat on Lake Michigan and experience the sites along Michigan Avenue. Fund raising activities find the group selling wreaths and swags at Christmas time, Pampered Chef items, Watkins products and cake pans.
The Club continues to show in many different areas at the county and state fairs. Members have shown in child development, camping, citizenship, horses, cattle, market pig, clothing, photography, food and nutrition, self development, and family history. The Clarence Jr. 4-her’s have participated in Share the Fun at the Cedar County and State Fair. This activity involves choosing a topic and organizing activities for others to have fun. The 2008 Iowa State Fair topic was Bubble Fun.
Our current officers are: President: Kendall Kray, Vice President; Emily Mostaert, Secretaries- Lindsay Wynkoop and Molly Pilcher, Treasurer: Allison Cerveny, Historian: Brandi Hamdorf. The club is led by Karen Mackey with help from Vicki Hamdorf and Karen Kray.
The Clarence Jr. 4-H Club plans to continue to grow and help the Clarence community for many years to come. We would like to extend a special thank you to the parents and kids that take the extra time and effort to support 4-H. We are excited to observe Clarence’s 150 year celebration!!
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Harmony Hustler’s 4-H Club
The Harmony Hustlers organized in 1939 with 14 members, both boys and girls. Bob Joslin was the president, Baxter Freese, vice president, Port Stonerook, secretary treasurer and Bob Severin, historian. Projects at the time were beef, swine and forestry. Youngsters from Mechanicsville, Stanwood and Clarence belonged to the club until 1952 when other clubs developed. The club met every other month with Clarence Stonerook as their first leader.
Other leaders over the years have been Durwood Greig, Dan McCaw, Bob Kelly, Jack Ward, Merlin Hulse, King Kelly, Vicki Pruess, Gary Klahn, Bob and Sherrie Schmidt. Assistant leaders over the years have included Roscoe Schilling, Don Bachman, Bob Joslin, Paul Hasselbusch Jr., Jack Ward, Merlin Hulse, Gary Thomson, Jerry Goldsmith, Ron Kress, Bob Schroeder, King Kelly, Rich Kleppe, Gary Klahn, Terry Kroemer, Doug Schroeder, Jay and Michelle Proesch. Present leaders are Vicki Pruess and Rory and Lorna Dewell.
In 1942 there were only 11 members in the club, but by 1976 there were 60. Presently there are 9 members, two of which are 3 generation Harmony Hustlers. Mitchell Schroeder and Jared Dewell, both had fathers and grandfathers that were members. Bob and Devin Schroeder and Larry and Rory Dewell. Other 3 and 4 generation families include: Bob Kelly, leader; Helen Hasselbusch, girls’ leader; Bob Hasselbusch, member; Eric and Mike Hasselbusch members. Port Stonerook, Duane Stonerook and Jason Stonerook, all members. Dan McCaw, leader, Monte, Guy and Sharon McCaw, members.
In 1947 the Harmony Hustlers made $1,400 during the National Plowing contest held at the Earl Elijah farm. In 1964 area 4-H clubs included Harmony Hustlers, Dayton Daises, Clarence Cloverettes, Clarence Cuties and Clarence Junior Homemakers. There were 61 girls and 39 boys involved in these clubs.
In 1973 the club went to Chicago on a charter bus to the Museum of Science and Industry and the Planetarium. In 1979, they returned to Chicago to visit the Niabi Zoo, The Museum of Science and Industry, the Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium. Vicki Dewell Hamdorf was the first girl to become president of the Harmony Hustlers in 1979, 40 years after the club was organized. In 1978 the club won Share the Fun and performed it at the Iowa State Fair. In 2000 they performed “The Story of a Cow” with the Clarence Jr. H’s at the State Fair.
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Girl Scouts
This information has been put together by reminiscences of past leaders. We have done our best to establish as accurate records as possible. However, our Council’s office and many records were destroyed in the flood of 2008.
We believe Shirley Grimm was one of the original leaders of Clarence Brownies and Girl Scouts, starting in October of 1968. Karen Dennis was also a leader from 1968-75 for the Juniors. Meetings were held at the Clarence City Hall. A highlight for this group was horseback riding.
Daisies, a new level for Kindergarten, started in the early to mid 80s. Deb Minar was one of the first Daisy leaders recalled for Clarence girls. Past Daisy Leaders include: Deb Minar, Angie Thompson, Deb Spangler, Kelly Dennis, and Michelle Wendell. In the 90s Diane Berry, Corky VonMuenster were leaders, and in the 2000s, Tina Mason, Jamie Wilhau, Heather Hunter, and Lori Nichols led. Daisies wear blue and work on earning petals for learning the Girl Scout Promise and Laws. In the Fall of 2008, Daises was restructured to include first grade and were now able to sell candy and cookies as fundraisers.
Past Brownie Leaders include: (70s) Chris Williams with Sheryl Wenndt and Renae Hasenbank; (80s) Mary Droll with Liz Drexler, Mary Bixler, Bonnie Tenley, Deb Meyer, Deb Minar, and Michelle Wendell; (90s) Diane Berry, and (2000s) Annette Kanakaras, Collete Mostaert, and Jamie Wilhau. Brownies started as 1stt-3rd grades. Then in 2008, it restructured to become 2nd and 3rd grades only. Brownies wear brown and work on ”Try-It” patches.
Past Junior Leaders include: (70s) Karen Dennis and Jade Derynck; (80s) Sherry Smajhi, Mary Bixler, Liz Drexler, and Chris Pilcher; (90s) Diane Berry and (2000s) Jamie Wilhau, Laura Dahms, Sharon Rouse, and Tina Mason. Juniors started as 4th-6th grades, but in the Fall of 2008 restructured to include only 4th and 5th grades. Juniors wear green and work on more in depth badges.
Past Cadette Leaders are believed to include: (80s) Kris Plueger; (90s) Bobette Shiner, Jade Derynck, Chris Pilcher, and Diane Berry; and (2000s) Sharon Rouse. Cadettes wear tan and included 7th-8th grades until the restructuring in the Fall of 2008 which now includes 6th-8th.
Some highlight from the decades!
70’s – A field trip to see Captain Ernie on the RV show Captain Ernie’s Cartoon Show Boat out of WOC in Davenport (currently KWQC) led by Chris Williams.
80s – King Kelly flew the Cadettes to Chicago for the day with Kris Plueger as leader. This group also biked from Waterloo to Cedar Rapids after raising money through a paper driver. Candy Sales may have started at this time. Juniors went to David Copperfield performance.
90s – Meetings moved to the Methodist church (93). We believe both Clarence and Lowden Troops started meeting together during this decade. Leaders took the girls to the Hawkeye Girls Basketball games.
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Pictures: Daises, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cadets
2000s – In the Fall of 2007, Mississippi Valley Girl Scouts changed to Eastern Iowa Western Illinois. The Juniors lead by Jamie Wilhau were honored to do the opening Flag Ceremony for a Women’s Hawkeye Basketball game.
Girl Scouts have always been known for outdoor adventures such as Day Camps and Over Night Camps. Places visited include Camp Wyoming, Usher’s Ferry, Bloomsbury Farm, and Indian Creek Nature Center. Other fun trips have included “Build a Bear”, Friends of the Animals, movies, lock ins, ice skating, roller skating and bowling. Their major fund raisers include candy and cookie sales.
The girls are encouraged to participate in community service activities such as singing at the Nursing Home, crafts for the Nursing Home, Meals on Wheels, Senior Apartments, donations to the Food Pantry, monetary donations to local churches, community clean ups, and volunteering time to community activities.
The Clarence/Lowden Girl Scout Troops have been considered a Gold Star Elementary School for several years which indicates that half of the school girls were members of the Scout program. On behalf of all leaders and girls, past and present, we thank the community for their support over the last 41 years and we hope it continues!
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Boy Scouts of America Troop 76
In the mid to late 1990’s, several boys leaving the Clarence-Lowden Cub Scout program did not have an existing local Boy Scout Troop to join. These Scouts expressed an interest in entering the Tipton scouting program which was reorganized in the mid 1980’s as Troop 76. Since then, Clarence-Lowden Scouts and their parents have become an integral part of the organization. Kevin Wherry served as assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster. Don Dawson and Rich Edler have been assistant Scoutmasters.
There have been several young men from Clarence who have obtained the highest rank of scouting, the rank of Eagle. Members of this elite group include Drew and Daniel Wherry, Josh Rouse, Chad and Kyle Dawson and Zach Edler. Many of these outstanding Scouts have completed Eagle projects in and around the community. Troop 76 has worked to demonstrate citizenship in the Clarence community through participation in activities such as placing flags on gravesites of soldiers in the cemetery for Memorial Day, marching in parades during Lincoln Highway Days, mowing grass at the roadside park west of town, and working in the Clarence City Park.
Troop 76 is honored to be a part of the heritage of the community of Clarence. We look forward to being part of its future.
The Clarence Area Economic Development Group
The Clarence Area Economic Development Group was incorporated September 28, 1990. The original officers were Roger Freese, President; Don Hunwardsen, Vice President; Arlynn Hasselbusch, Secretary; and Robert Niermeyer, Treasurer. Other original board members were J. Robert Bunn, Jackie Sheldon, Jerry Goldsmith, Todd Thein, Karen Dennis, Bob Murrell, Don Johnson and Paul Chapman, Jr.
The development group purchased 16 acres in two parcels on the west edge of Clarence, on the north side of highway 30. An Industrial Park was developed on this land with sewer lines laid through the property and under the railroad to the sewer plant. A water line was laid to the center of the property. Approximately two acres of the property were sold for the construction of the Wabash Transformer building in 1995. In 2004 Terry LeDoux purchased a lot in the Industrial Park and built Bodyworks Fitness Center. Several lots are still available for future development.
In 1997 the vacant lot in the middle of downtown (location of the former B & K Store) was purchased. This was transformed into a small Memorial Park.
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Edna Zybell Memorial Library
309 Sixth Avenue
Prior to 1940 library services were provided through the state of Iowa Traveling Library with 50 books arriving semi-annually in town and available at the drug store. In 1940 the Wednesday Literary Club along with the Cultus Club wished to have more reading material available in the community. The clubs received support from the town council and space was provided in the town hall. Material and labor was donated as well as books from the community and the Clarence Library opened July 5, 1940. In 1941 the town began levying ¼ mil tax to support the library.
In the past 25 years the Zybell Library has grown by becoming more accessible and with the use of advanced technology. We remodeled in 1994 so the library could serve the physically handicapped. What began with one computer in 1993, is now three computers for use by the public as well as two for the staff, all internet connected. Then by July 2007, we were totally automated with almost 9000 items on record including books, tapes and DVDs. In 1998 we received our first large print books. Approximately 400 individuals and families hold patron cards. We continue to hold story hours for 3 to 5 year olds, and many children participate in a summer reading program. Recently a Book Study group for adults has been organized. These are all exciting events for the library.
The library has continued to serve as a repository for printed historical materials. To assist with providing access to these materials, a recently formed Friends of the Zybell Library raised money to purchase a microviewer to view newspapers on film.
We continue to improve the library interior. A focal point in the children’s room is a mural painted by Jen VanOort. As library usage continues to grow, there is always need for more space and new shelving.
Librarians who have been employed by the Library Board since it has been at is present location include Lois Brink, Wanda MacIntosh, Eleanor Stonerook, Deb Minar, Jodi McAtee, Kim Butler, Karla Tenley and currently, Sandi Brunscheen. Present members of the Library Board are Diane Berry, Arlynn Hasselbusch, Kay Maurer, Doris Kemmann, and Renee Leeper. Everyone is excited to a part of the library and look forward to continued growth.
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Picture: Shirley Geadelmann, a FOZL member, is pictured in the front of the log cabin playhouse that was built to be raffled off during the Sesquicentennial Celebration
Friends of the Edna Zybell Memorial Library
The Friends of the Zybell Library (FOZL) was formed in October 2006 to support the library and its board. We held fundraisers and solicited donations with mailings. With this money we have purchased a compact refrigerator for use with story hours and meetings, as well as acid free boxes and shelving for the storage of historical papers placed in the library for safekeeping. The largest purchase was a microviewer, which made the newspapers on film easily accessible to patrons of the library. The earliest newspapers filmed are from 1884. Genealogists visiting Clarence have enjoyed having the microviewer available. We hope to continue filming newspapers and providing other services for the library as they are deemed necessary.
Clarence Welcome Wagon
Originally founded by the Sunshine Greeters, following the Sunshine 5K Walks for charities, the Clarence Welcome Wagon has been a part of Clarence for quite some time. The original group disbanded due to the health issues of several greeters.
In August of 2006, two local women, Jamie Wilhau and Jen VanOort, made the decision that the Clarence Welcome Wagon had been idle long enough, and began publicizing for businesses to think about what they could contribute to a “welcome basket”. As more people made the choice to become part of the community these ladies felt it was important to make the new neighbors feel welcome and informed about the benefits of living in Clarence. The response was terrific, as local attorney Bradley Norton offered to sponsor the project and gift shop owner, Kathy Robinson assembled the baskets.
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American Legion Auxiliary
Victory Unit #286 of the American Legion Auxiliary continues its service to God and Country founded on the principles of Justice, Freedom, Democracy and Loyalty. The Unit was organized in June of 1921 with 14 members. There are four Gold Star members, defined as members losing a loved one during a war. They are rewarded with having their membership paid by the Unit. The Unit also pays the dues of members residing in nursing homes and the apartments.
Rehabilitation, Child Welfare, Americanism and Community Service are programs set early by the American Legion Auxiliary and remain so today. Rehabilitation includes the purchase of the veteran made poppies for distribution around Memorial Day each year. The Unit assists the Legion Post in the decoration of the graves of veterans from World War I, World War II, Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. This year, the Sesquicentennial year, there were 178 graves marked with a cross, large poppy and flag. There were 31 G.A.R. graves marked as well as 68 Auxiliary members remembered for their service.
Programs exist to help the veteran and his family receive proceeds from the distribution of poppies each year. There are gift shops at the veteran’s hospitals to aid hospitalized veterans select gifts for their family members at Christmas time. The local unit provides gifts each year by sending funds for canteen booklets, picture postcards and treats for several wards on game night.
Each year two books are presented to the Zybell Memorial Library, one each for child and adult, at the Memorial Day program. Service men and women are remembered each Christmas with a card and a monetary gift.
Community service projects include bingo parties at the Clarence Nursing Home, contributions to the North Cedar Post Prom party, North Cedar Lowden Elementary School needs and the Clarence Christmas Bells. The Unit also donates items to the local food pantries.
Flying the flag of the United States, ranks high with the member of the Legion Auxiliary. Flags are available at all times while poles and accessories may be ordered upon request.
The unit has assisted the Legion Post with several projects. These include the chair left to help people reach the downstairs dining area easier, the flag pole in the downtown park and the new roof of the Legion building. Another proud accomplishment of the Unit in 2001 was the placement of the Veteran’s Memorial in the downtown park in honor of all veterans now and in the future.
Victory Unit #286, American Legion Auxiliary, has given 88 years of service to the veterans and community. The Unit will continue as long as there are needs by the veterans to be met.
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Logo
Clarence Victory Post No. 286
American Legion
For 90 years, Legionnaires in this community have: “For God and country, associated themselves together for the following purposes: To Uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of the associations in the great wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state, and nation; to combat the autocracy of might; to promote peace and good-will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctity their comradeship by the devotion to mutual helpfulness.”
Victory Post No. 286 was chartered on November 9, 1919 by veterans of the First World War, meeting at the Red Cross room in Clarence. The first corps of officers included: Lester Kelly – Commander; Clarence Bixler – Vice-commander; J.M. Robinson Adjutant; Arnold Ruther-Finance officer; Clarence Davis – Sgt. At Arms; Arthur Bachman – Historian; and Harold Drake – Chaplain. Fund-raising began within a year to purchase their own home. In the fall of 1920, our Legion Building was purchased by members, selling to themselves, shares of $100 each to raise the $3000 price. Through the years, portions of the building have been used as a theater (1939-1952) and for the war industry during World War II.
Remodeling and renovations have occurred several times during the Legion Building history, beginning in 1952. Veterans and community members alike have donated funds for this worthy cause. Most recently, in 2006, fund raising enabled the Legion Post to install a new steel roof on the building.
Victory Post 286 is more than a home for servicemen. We continue to sponsor Boy Scouts, Boys’ State Camp, and the High School Oratorical Contest. Graves of veterans are decorated each year for Memorial Day when a program is held in observance of our departed. The list of honored dead grows each year.
In 2005, we began a new “Memorial Scholarship” program. We have awarded two $500 college scholarships each year, to relatives of Legion members. Funds for this program come from memorial gifts to the Legion.
The Legion continues to serve as a community center for area organizations. Wedding receptions, dances, dinners, and other group functions continue to be held at our building. Bingo has been held monthly for approximately 30 years. It serves as a necessary funding source for our Post.
Our Post has met its membership goals each year. We currently have 109 members, with 14 remaining from World War II duties.
Current officers include: Commander – Gary Deerberg; Vice-- Commanders – Rich Meyer and Robert Plueger; Finance Officer – Steven Gehrls; Adjutant – Larry Hasselbusch, Chaplain – Carl Kohrt; Sgt. At Arms - Larry (Joe) St. John.
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Picture: 1st row L-R: Kevin Wherry, Kasey Sander, Phil Smith, Dan Sander, Lon Butterbrodt, Ross Osterkamp, Kevin Wenndt
2nd row L-R: Ross Butterbrodt, Timm Wynkoop, Mike Wilhau, Randy Burken, Toby Thurston, Stan Syring, Jeric Armstrong, Dave Mears, Chris Umscheld
Clarence Volunteer Fire Department
The Clarence Volunteer Fire Department originally organized in December of 1891. In May of 1899 a reorganization meeting was held and the name changed to the Volunteer Fire Company. At that time the Department requested full control of all fire equipment and appliances used in drills as well as free water. The City complied. In 1918 the Clarence Volunteer Fire Company was officially established by town ordinance.
From the original ladder wagon, still housed at the department, to the most up to date equipment available, from the clanging of fire bells of yesteryear to the automatic pages set off through the 911 system, the Clarence Volunteer Fire Department has grown and changed through the years adapting to the needs of the community. Today the Clarence firemen continue the legacy of those early pioneers and the Department maintains an entire fleet of modern fire fighting equipment.
Through the years, Clarence has always been able to man an active volunteer fire fighting force. Currently twenty active members meet twice a month for meetings and trainings, keeping up to date with the very latest in equipment and safety procedures as well as maintaining the trucks so that everything is always ready. As the world around us has grown and changed the Department has had to learn new techniques for dealing with chemicals, hazardous materials and the ever increasing number of cars on the highways.
Another important part of the work of the Department involves storm watches. Many of the firemen are trained storm spotters and when a weather event is in the area, firemen are out watching for approaching storms. The Department’s building at City Hall also serves as the emergency shelter for Clarence. The Department is also part of the Mutual Aid system and often is called to respond in our neighboring communities. These reciprocal relationships help provide all of Cedar County with the very best fire protection available.
The firemen are a dedicated group of volunteers who enjoy serving the community of Clarence and are grateful for the support of the community.
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Pictured above show 65 years of progress, the 500 gallon tank hauled in the back of a truck in the 1940’s to the present day 2000 gallon tanker truck. The antique tank was donated by Merlin Hulse to the Clarence Fire Department.
Past Chiefs
| 1926-29 C. A. Merritt | 1944-45 Wayne Merritt |
| 1932-33 G.D. Miller | 1945-51 Lester Clemmens |
| 1934 Elmer Meyer | 1952 Art Peters |
| 1935 Clyde Perkins | 1953-64 Lester Clemmens |
| 1936 John Nil | 1965-70 Tom Clemmens |
| 1936 Vern Freeman | 1971-76 LeRoy Gade |
| 1937 Sam Paul | 1977 Ray McDaniel |
| 1937-38 F.G. Liercke | 1978-86 Marty Hymes |
| 1939 A. B. Huber | 1987-96 Don Johnson |
| 1940 W.C. Liercke | 1997-2008 Pete Kanakares |
| 1941-42 J. E. Shriver | 2008 Randy Burken |
Clarence Rural Fire Association
Early fire trucks did not have the means for hauling water to country fires. In the early 1940’s the local firemen said it would be nice if they had a thousand gallons of water to help with the country fires. This request was made known to the rural Clarence community by a notice sent to all farmers and renters informing them of a meeting at the Legion Hall.
Robert Kelly explained the request by the fire department. The farmers that attended were in favor of helping with the water project and proceeded to elected Kelly as chairman and treasurer with Merlin Hulse being appointed as secretary. Those attending suggested a $5.00 donation per farmstead each year. Penny postcards were mailed and the response was very good. This donation request was done on a yearly basis.
The next step of the project was to build the water tanks. It was decided to make two 250 gallon tanks so they could be hauled in pick ups and be positioned between the wheel wells. A 500 gallon tank was also made and transported on a flat bed truck. There were many offers to haul the tanks when needed. These tanks were then used until the local firemen were able to purchase a tanker truck.
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Back row: Bernard Freese, Mary Ann Fehling, Minnie Baltisberger, Rosemary Meyer, Walt Wiebke, Pete Helmold
4th row: Marie Fisher, Rhoda Flockhart, Dorothy Holtz, LeRoy Pruess, Gary Oster
3rd row: Darlene Gade, Arlene Oster, Alyce Weatherwax, Margaret Helmold, Eleanor Thompson, Velma Kintzel, Merlin Hulse
2nd row: Ray Conrad, Margaret Dunbar, Olive Olsgard, Sally Meyer, Darlene Hulse, Fern Gadke, Beulah McDaniel
1st row seated: Jeanette Brendes, Nellie Koth, Leona Dewell, Vivian Ebert, Virginia Carlson, Ruby Mohr
Absent: Edna Hartwig, Marge Moffit, Alberta Martins, LeRoy Martins, JoAnn Wenndt, Velma Huebner, Betty McVay, Louise Hasenbank, Delores Ruther, Helen Thies, Rosalyn Bergman
Clarence Senior Center
In September, 1973, a meeting was held to form a Senior Center. Grover Penningroth was chairman, Everett Oetting, treasurer, and Bernice Oetting, secretary. Board members were Rev. Calvin Schumacher, Anna Klatt, and Henry Feddersen.
The board applied for a government grant of $700 from the Central T.R.A.I.N. office in Davenport. This was approved. A plan for use of the money had to be sent to T.R.A.I.N. by Oct. 1973 with monthly reports to follow.
After exploring several locations the city hall basement became the meeting place. The first director was Bernice Oetting. She was paid $35.00 per month After three years, she retired and Florence Hunwardsen became director. Later June Bergmann took over, followed by Velma Huebner. The following ladies have aided the director: Nellie Koth, Vivian Ebert, Ruby Mohr, and Margaret Dunbar.
Originally, the center sent out 170 post cards to people 60 years and older. For the first meeting on October 17, 1973, 62 people showed up. The group agreed to meet every Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. Two people serve snacks for the afternoon except on the second Tuesday which is pot luck. Average attendance in 1973 was 48, but in 2007, it was 30.
Activities include crafts, pinochle, canasta, 500, rummy, dominoes and court whist.
Some years, the center has nominated a member to compete for Outstanding Senior Citizen through the Heritage Agency.
Music usually started the meetings. Henry Feddersen, Walter Hartwig, Roger Baldwin and Leora Pruess were the musicians.
Because the steps into the city hall basement made access difficult, the group looked for another place to meet. The Clarence Telephone Company offered its meeting room to the group. They have met there since 1993.
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Back Row: Alberta Thein, Nadine Pasold, Dorothy Claney, Jeanette Brendes, Ina Haack, Dorothy Holtz, JoAnn Wenndt, Maxine Eilers, Gary Oster, LeRoy Martens and Leonard Kruckenberg
Middle Row: Rhoda Flockhart, Irene Hasenbank, Darlene Gade, Margaret Conrad, Delores Ruther, Ruby Mohr and Alberta Martens
Front Row: Vivian Ebert, Louise Hasenbank, Virginia Carlson, Olive Olsgaard, Arlene Oster, and Margaret Dunbar.
Sunday Night Singles
In January of 1993, the organization called S.T.A.R. held their first meeting with Helen Hansel as acting chairman. Later they changed the name of the organization to S.N.S., Sunday Night Singles, due to a conflict with the Community State Bank—Stars.
There were twenty-two charter members with Helen Hansel elected as the first president. At one time, there were 68 members. To be a member you must be single, over 50 and live in Cedar County. Today we have about 30 members and meet the fourth Sunday of every month, with the exception of December.
Charter members who still attend are Minnie Baltisberger, Leona Dewell, Nellie Koth, and Alberta Thein. Other charter members were: LaJane Debner, Evelyn Deerberg, Judy Feldman, Mary Ann Fehling (who only missed one meeting), Eleanor Geadelmann, Helen Hansel, Lois Hartig, Leona Hunwardsen, Lavera Kleppe, Gladys Ostrander, Leora Pruess, Delores Remington, Milda Resewehr, Mary Lou Ruther, Bernice Schaefer, Vera Schluter, Leonard Schweitzer, and Glenn Wernecke.
Current officers are: President- Gary Oster, Vice-president- Dorothy Holtz, Secretary-Alberta Martens, and Treasurer- Rhoda Flockhart.
