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History of Clarence Newspapers

     The first newspaper venture is said to have been before our city was named Clarence and was called the Onion Grove Record. It was edited by M. Cummings, at the time a leading merchant and as dry a wag as ever graced a sanctum. It was only an advertising sheet but contained many items of local interest and was a spicy little sheet. The venture lasted only two or three issues due to the editor’s move to Omaha.

     In 1868 Judge E. R. Thayer brought the first printing press to Clarence and established The Iowa Age but the paper lasted only a year as he moved to Clinton where he printed the Clinton Age for many years. Then came the Clarence Gazette published by Crane & McLaughlin, two lawyers. However, this paper didn’t last long either. The next paper in existence was the Independent, started by E. L. Derby and sold to D. W. Carothers, naming the paper, The True Delta, who again sold to Wood & Wooster. These two gentlemen were not successful and the office material reverted back to Mr. Carothers who took the outfit to Wheatland.

     In 1879 the Clarence Sun was established with the aid of two enterprising Clarence boys, George Williams and Dana McNeil. They obtained a miniature printing press and both became experts at job printing. They sold the business to John W. Owens, from Geneseo, Illinois in 1881. The files of the Clarence Sun go back to Friday, May 9, 1884 at which time it was owned by M. Spurlock who also came from Geneseo, Illinois. On December 1, 1884, Owens regained ownership from Spurlock and edited the paper until March 25, 1892 selling to George Crawford. He ran it only for a few months to July 16, 1892 when it was sold to Clark Smith.

     Mr. Smith published the paper for five years when Charles A. Seaton took over the reins on July 15, 1897. Mr. Seaton had run the Oxford Mirror at Oxford Junction for several years. The Sun under his leadership changed the publication day from Friday to Thursday. On September 1, 1898 Chas. A., as many knew him, sold the paper back to Clark Smith and headed for Muscatine, working a job with the Muscatine Journal.

     The ownership of the paper bounced around to several people in the next few years. On July 14, 1899 F. W. Compton took it over and on February 22, 1900, J. C. Lewis ran the Sun for eight weeks when Smith & Cottrell became the owners on April 12, 1900 with Chas Smith as editor.

     On February 22, 1901, Chas. A. Seaton once again became the owner, having disposed of his shop in Muscatine. This was the start of a long time ownership by the Seaton family. On the 1st of January, 1937, Chas. A. Seaton & Son (Harlo Seaton) became the owners. After the death of Chas. A. Seaton, Harlo Seaton became the editor on October 14, 1941. On February 1st, 1952 the price of the paper advanced to $2.00 a year. The price had been $1.50 since 1884. The newspaper office was located on the south side of Lombard between 5th and 6th Avenues. Later the office moved to the second floor of the building on the northwest corner of 6th Avenue.

     On May 1st 1963, the Seaton family’s reign came to an end after a total of 63 years and 15 weeks in the newspaper business in Clarence when the Pioneer Press from Mechanicsville, Stanwood Herald and Clarence Sun all merged to create the North Cedar Press with Hugh Doty as editor followed by Sally Taylor in November of 1973. This paper was in existence until the end of 1975 and gave way to today’s paper, the Sun-News, a consolidation of the Clarence Sun and the Lowden News with volume 1 No. 1 printed on January 1, 1976 with Sally Taylor continuing as editor. The subscription price was $6.00 per year. In February, 1986, Pat Kroemer took over as editor and continues to the present. Today the price of a one year subscription is $22.00

     The Clarence Community Newsletter was founded in the spring of 2006 by local citizen Jen Van Oort. After moving to Clarence in 2005, Van Oort saw a need for a local news source that could disseminate information regarding community events, municipal updates and notices. Content is contributed by local citizens, as well as from neighboring towns. The newsletter was distributed via postal mail and e-mail in its early days, but has now gone high tech, being available online at the city of Clarence website in addition to subscribers on an email list.

“Local newspapers are a weekly diary of what is going on at the time
They are more than just a chronicling of gossip and business news
They give you an insight to daily life”…..Anonymous

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     Most of the information on the following “Clarence Through the Years Timeline” was gleaned from the pages of the Sun News and its predecessors. Some of the information you will read here was taken verbatim from the pages of the papers. In other cases, due to constraints of space, we need to condense and reword articles. The committee gratefully acknowledges the publishers, editors, reporters and photographers who through the newspapers recorded the history of our community.

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Pictures of Margaret Spear Robinson and William S. Robinson

1860

G. M. Gilbert and wife were the first residents of Clarence. They arrived in 1858 and built a small house in what is now the center of the business district. The town grew rapidly, and by 1860, some 200 people resided here.

The Smith Brothers of Tipton opened a hardware store.

Hooey and Bonesteel had made a grocery store out of the old railroad car that had served as the first depot. Passenger trains were in service.

On Sunday, June 3, a most devastating tornado swept into the township from the northwest. It struck a house standing north of (the current Kevin Kelly farm), demolishing the house and killing the occupants. It proceeded east following the creek and struck another house on the site of the (current Ed Decker farm) killing the entire family. The tornado sucked up the water and mud from the creek and just as it got opposite the house at the site of the (current Karl Kost) farm, it let loose a blast as from a gigantic hose and plastered the house with mud and sticks.

To Matthew Springstead Esq., Onion Grove, Cedar County, Iowa
From, N. Pearson, Cato, New York July 8, 1860

     Respected Relatives: I heard your letter read at Father’s yesterday, which told something of the wonderful tornado at the West. We have had a full statement of it previous in the paper. We feel thankful that it did not reach your domain. It must have been a terrible whirlwind if reports are true…You speak of farming on land that costs but $2.50 per acre, in its rough state will cost $40 or $50 per acre when you add all the fixings. Then look at the inconvenience of living and the tho’t of living so far from your nearest and dearest friends, and the low price that grain brings. When you come to sum it all up, you will find that good land in York State at $50 or $60 per acre is so much better than living in fear of such tornadoes. May God spare your lives in such a State is my wish upon you… You had better sell and start your boots for Cato (N.Y.). May the Lord spare you do so…Love to all, yours as ever. N. Pearson. (Note: The Springsteads lived where Ron Hasselbusch now lives. ) Letter shared by Alyce Weatherwax.

1861

The (post) office at Onion Grove was discontinued and moved to Clarence on April 2, 1862.

Almost a whole company was raised in this community during the Civil War. It was Company G of the 31st Iowa Infantry. Carlton Frink, 20, lost his life in the Battle of Shiloh. He was the only person from this community to lose his life in the Civil War.

1862

Margaret Spear Robinson (left) and her husband Thomas settled in the timber near Mill Creek in 1844. Their son, William S. (right) was the first child born in the township. Mr. Thomas Robinson was the first postmaster.

L. B. Gere made the suggestion to change the name of our town Onion Grove to Clarence in honor of his native town of Clarence, New York. Lombard Street was named for Lombard Street in London, which is to London what Wall Street is to New York.

The first decade of business men in Clarence were quite prosperous, drawing from a substantial area of industrious farmers.

Onion Grove, Jan. 9, 1862
     To Ajdt. Gen Baker—We the ladies of Onion Grove Station send to your care 41 pr’s socks, and 12 pr’s mittens which we wish forwarded to Co. E, 11th Reg., Iowa Volunteers. When last heard from they were at Lookout, Mo. Louise L. Davis, Sec’y L. I. Campbell, Pres’t.

1863

President Abraham Lincoln signed the emancipation Proclamation on January 1.

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(Reprinted from the 1959 Centennial Book) While the railroad was building, the Iowa Land Company was organized. The purpose of the company was to control the location of stations along the line of the road. When the line of the road was established, Joseph Ball was the owner of the northeast Quarter of Section 27, and the entire south half of the same section About the time the statin was established, the Iowa Land Company bought from Mr. Ball the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 27, 40 acres for town purposes. That forty acres was south of Lombard Street. James Laughrey owned the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 22, and Daniel Lesley owned the west half of the southwest quarter of Section 23. These tracts extended north from Lombard Street across the railroad track, and were also purchased by the Iowa Land Company. The forty acres above referred to, as purchased from Ball, was subdivided into town lots by the Land Company, as was also a part of the eighty acres purchased from Laughrey. This survey covered the original plat of Clarence.

     (Continued reprint from the 1959 Centennial Book) In 1865 Fred Hecht, K. H. Reed and A. Piatt bought the balance of the northeast quarter of Section 27, and all of the south half of the same section, and laid off what was known as Hecht’s Addition to the town of Clarence. In 1867, Charles M. Gilbert made an addition to the east side of Clarence, which is known as Gilbert’s Addition…The lots laid off on the Laughrey track north of the railroad were never improved. In 1865, L. Phelps contracted with the Iowa Land Company for that part of the three 80 acre tracts lying north of the railroad. Before the deeds were executed, he contracted the west eighty to James Huff, and the deeds were made to Mrs. Huff. The east eighty, with the exception of the part of it south of the railroad, and known as the Phelps’ Triangular Addition, was deeded to George Bauman, leaving Mr. Phelps in possession of all that part of the middle eighty north of the railroad. After the title was confirmed in him, Mr. Phelps petitioned to have that part of it included in the original town plat vacated, which petition was granted, and the land is now used for farming purposes.

1864

     There was a large frame hotel located across the alley to the east from our present day laundromat. That building burned in the winter of 1878-79.

1865

     About 1865, the first public school house was built on property along what is now 6th Ave. It was a small one-room frame building. Prior to this some people held “select schools” in their homes. Allegedly there were 15-20 dwellings under contract, plus 2 fine churches to be completed this year.

1866

     Clarence was incorporated.

     On 5-17-1866 Clarence had 3 dry goods stores, 2 grocery stores, 1 variety store, 2 harness shops, 2 blacksmiths, 1 carriage and wagon shop, 1 silversmith, 1 hardware store, 6 doctors, 2 taverns, 6 warehouses, 2 milliners and 2 saloons.

     (Continued reprint from the 1959 Centennial Book) In 1865 Fred Hecht, K. H. Reed and A. Piatt bought the balance of the northeast quarter of Section 27, and all of the south half of the same section, and laid off what was known as Hecht’s Addition to the town of Clarence. In 1867, Charles M. Gilbert made an addition to the east side of Clarence, which is known as Gilbert’s Addition…The lots laid off on the Laughrey track north of the railroad were never improved. In 1865, L. Phelps contracted with the Iowa Land Company for that part of the three 80 acre tracts lying north of the railroad. Before the deeds were executed, he contracted the west eighty to James Huff, and the deeds were made to Mrs. Huff. The east eighty, with the exception of the part of it south of the railroad, and known as the Phelps’ Triangular Addition, was deeded to George Bauman, leaving Mr. Phelps in possession of all that part of the middle eighty north of the railroad. After the title was confirmed in him, Mr. Phelps petitioned to have that part of it included in the original town plat vacated, which petition was granted, and the land is now used for farming purposes.

1864

     There was a large frame hotel located across the alley to the east from our present day laundromat. That building burned in the winter of 1878-79.

1865

     About 1865, the first public school house was built on property along what is now 6th Ave. It was a small one-room frame building. Prior to this some people held “select schools” in their homes. Allegedly there were 15-20 dwellings under contract, plus 2 fine churches to be completed this year.

1866

     Clarence was incorporated.

     On 5-17-1866 Clarence had 3 dry goods stores, 2 grocery stores, 1 variety store, 2 harness shops, 2 blacksmiths, 1 carriage and wagon shop, 1 silversmith, 1 hardware store, 6 doctors, 2 taverns, 6 warehouses, 2 milliners and 2 saloons.

1867

     It was announced in the paper that the people of Clarence had subscribed $2000 for the purpose of procuring the removal of the Rochester Mill to this place. The foundation for the new mill was already laid and the contract for putting up the frame was let.

     Charles M. Gilbert made an addition to the east side of Clarence.

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Picture: Wagon and Carriage Shop of J.G. Baumann Cedar County Atlas 1875
Picture: The first Clarence School
Picture: Masonic Building, Clarence, Iowa

1868

     The Clarence Cemetery was laid out on 8 acres north of the city. The purchaser of any lot gets a warranty deed from the Town.

     The first graded school building in Clarence was erected at a cost of $9,000 including the grounds. It was a wooden building of two stories; four large school rooms, two recitation rooms, and one music room, and a small library.

1869

     The three story brick building currently housing BoJacks’ II tavern was erected. At the time it was built the third floor was deeded the Masonic Order which was their quarters until 1979.

     There are 135 dwellings in town in 1869.

     The Dayton Valley Wesleyan Methodist Church building was erected.

     There are two grain elevators in successful operation. Horse power is used in both of these elevators. There are other warehouses near the railroad through which many hundreds of thousands of bushels of grain were shipped to Chicago and other markets.

1870

     W.D.G. Cotrell established a bank. The Post House is established as a hotel.

1871

     From 1862-1871 the business of Clarence was exceedingly prosperous. The effects of the great fire in Chicago in 1871 were felt here to some extent. However, the business men have no reason to complain for want of patronage or scarcity of money. The surrounding country is occupied by industrious, energetic farmers who raise a large surplus of grain and stock for which a ready cash market is always found through the shipping facilities offered by the railroad. History of Cedar County, 1878

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Picture: Plow used by one of the first settlers in Cedar County Cedar County Historical society
Picture: This cabin is typical of that used by the early settlers. It is now stands on the property of the Cedar County Historical Society.
Drawing of horses pulling plow

Ad: George D. Evans & Son, Dealers in Agricultural Implements and Grain. Threshing Machines, Reapers and Mowers, Corn Shellers, Corn Cultivators, Plows, Pumps, and everything pertaining to the interest of the Farmer. We also deal in Hard, Soft, and Blossburg Coal, Wood Cement, etc. Cedar County Atlas 1872.

1872

     W. W. Larson was arrested for selling liquors without a license. He was fined $10.60.

     L. P. Thompson is interested in buying, packing and shipping poultry. He fitted up buildings for this special purpose, and from the 1st of December to the 1st of March, his yard and house bustle with activity. He buys poultry from all parties of the country, receives it by wagon and car loads, dresses it, freezes it, packs it and ships it to Boston and other Eastern markets by car loads. He received in return, as the market demands, fresh oysters and codfish in car lots. History of Cedar County 1878

     This (Clarence) is a thriving town on the Chicago and Northwestern railroad in the north part of the county, 47 miles west of Clinton. It has been incorporated, is a place of considerable importance and a good shipping point for grain and (live) Stock.

1873

     September 21, 1873. A Sunday school as organized for the Evangelical Lutheran Church with six teachers and fifty-two scholars. History of Cedar County

     A blacksmith shop operated by Vincent Curley was opened. On the 27th day of May, it became unlawful for any stock, horses, mules, cattle or hogs to run at large.

1874

     W. H. Blair opens a drug store. He came from Springfield Township. He continued in the same building using it as a store and residence for more than 25 years.

1875

     Silas Crocker and Albert Wilcox opened a shop on Ames street, a little west of the railroad buildings. In ordinary times, they employ five men. They manufacture lumber and spring wagons, carriages, etc. that have a good reputation for strength, durability and excellence of mechanism.

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Drawing of spinning wheel and butter churn and buggy

1876

     March – 1876 – The city fathers passed a law that no boy or girl under 21 years of age is to be allowed to visit the depot at train time unless on business.

     A publication called “The Clarence True Delta” contains four pages with five columns to the page. Conn and Burton are the editors and proprietors. The paper lists 3 attorneys, a dentist, 2 doctors, the Pacific Hotel, a billiards hall, a harness maker, a boot and shoe store, 3 general stores, a jeweler, blacksmith, Millinery, bank, undertaker, baker, lumber hardware, 2 drug stores, a furniture store and a lumber yard.

     S. Wilson started to manufacture barrels, casks, etc. The Scotch Iron Harrow was manufactured by Curley and Scheffer. Jay Snyder also manufactured wagons and carriages. John Brinskey, in addition to wagon.

1877

     Wm. and Mary Baker were brought before Mayor L. Johnson for petty larceny. William was given 15 days in jail. Mary threw herself on the mercy of the court and was fined $10 and told to conduct herself in a more lady like manner in the future.

     In July, twenty-five Indians were camping in a grove near Clarence.

1878

     According to the Cedar County History, published in 1978, the following names were residents of Dayton township: Thomas Robinson, John Hecht, Sr., Perez Frink, Nathaniel Dewell, Jacob Schaaf, Jessie Britcher, David Claney, David Bixler, Peter Gortner, Edmund Elijah, Gabriel Sawyer, James Greig, H. G. Simpson, John Bauman, Seth Sylvester, George E. Smith, John Hoffner and Henry Goldsmith. Many Clarence folks had pioneer ancestors who settled in Springfield, Massillon and other surrounding townships, but these families put their roots down here in Clarence.

     Clarence Total Abstinence Society This society was organized in March, 1878, and was the outgrowth of a temperance reform movement, commenced in February. Toward the last of that month, C. W. Phillips, of Richmond, Ind., an inferential temperance worker, was invited here to deliver a series of lectures. Under his labors, about 400 persons signed the Murphy pledge, and donned the blue insignia of good faith and honest determination. Following this revival, steps were taken to organize a total abstinence society. The society meets semi-monthly . The meetings are devoted to literary entertainments, social intercourse, discussions and the advancement of the cause of temperance. The society is in a prosperous condition and doing a work of usefulness. History of Cedar County

1879

     Silas Crocker has obtained patents for the following: Nut lock, fence post, wagon-bolster, and foot baths for horses. The foot bath for horses is said to be an excellent invention, and one that commends itself to all practical horse men.

     Marshall Moriarity was brought before Mayor Johnson Mark Burke on March 10, for selling beer on Sunday. Burke pled guilty. He was fined $7.50.

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Drawing: These drawing here were copied from the Atlas of Cedar County published in 1885. It can be seen at the Cedar County Historical Society Building in Tipton.
Picture: Res. Of H. G. Coe Clarence Cedar Co. Iowa
Picture: The same house in 2009 at the corner of Ball St. and 7th Ave.

1880

     According to the Clarence Gazette - April 8, 1880 - Chas. E. Crosby, editor. There were two attorneys, one dentist, two millinery lades, one shoemaker, two general stores, one hardware store, one meat market, one bakery, and two drug stores in business in Clarence.

     Hogs were quoted at $3.76 to $4.00, corn 27 to 28 cents, oats also 27 to 28 cents, potatoes 25 to 35 cents, butter 16 to 20 cents, and eggs at 8 cents.

     Davis Hall was completed in July 1880 and was 26’ x 74’, with a gallery at one end, 14’ x 26’, and a stage of same dimensions at the other, seating capacity was 550.

1881

     The Red Cross is founded by Clara Barton

1882

     Clarence Sun – June 8, 1882 Mr. Geo. Williams, editor “ We shall certainly be compelled to suspend publication at the end of this three months - about the 22d inst. - if our advertising patronage don’t increase. Instead of increasing as we hoped it would when we started the paper, it has somewhat diminished. We know the paper is small but give us a chance to enlarge it and we shall certainly do so.”

1883

     An international agreement on Standard time established 24 time zones around the world.

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1884

     There are no empty houses in Clarence; this is evidence of its thrift and growth. Our school advantages are good, our ministers are “sons of thunder” and the churches well filled at every convocation. The moral tone of the community is par excellence. Our merchants are carrying heavy stocks of goods in every line and can supply their customers with every needed article of merchandise at as low prices as can be bought elsewhere. Stock is steadily on the advance and our stock men are on the alert with big hearts and open pocketbooks to pay every cent that the market will bear for what ever the farmers have to sell. Grain is being threshed and is going into the market at fair prices, considering the amount that has been raised. The corn crop is in a manner made, and is the best we have had within the past ten years. Drooping souls, life up your heads; the millennium is dawning and our redemption from three years of financial burden draweth nigh. The pulse of trade begins to quicken and the world moves again.

     The people of Oxford Junction conceived a new manner of celebrating the Fourth of July. The saloon keepers buried their last keg of beer and preformed funeral services over it and erected a tombstone with twelve verses written upon it…we did that the 27th day of June, three years ago, when the votes of 30,000 freemen proclaimed in tones of thunder, “The Saloons must go”. The cries of orphans and broken-hearted widows was at last heard and a just God helped our cause to prevail. Our Iowa boys made their first mark high on the “roll of fame” at the battle of Wilson Creek, Mo., during the late war, and Iowa will help lead the U.S. to prohibition…..M.M. July 13, 1884

1885

     NEW TELEPHONE LINE - Poles are now being erected between here and Stanwood for the new telephone line, and it is expected to have the line in operation this week, unless the wet weather prevents. When completed we will have a direct line west to Cedar Rapids. The line from here to Tipton will be taken down and line run to that place directly south from the main line, at a point one mile east of Stanwood. …Another change that we learned of from Mr. Leary is that the central office here will be transferred to the hotel and be under the control of Mr. Stephens, who had charge of the office at Mechanicsville before moving here…It is among the possibilities that the line will be extended eastward to Wheatland, the present terminus of the line west from Clinton, giving a direct line between that place and many points in Illinois and Cedar Rapids. With the many improvements noted and the satisfactory service promised it is hoped that our citizens will give the line a more liberal patronage.

1885

     PROCLAMATION In conformity with a resolution passed by the citizen’s meeting held last Tuesday evening, I hereby call upon all people to join in the memorial services on the funeral day of Gen. Grant, to be held at the Presbyterian church Saturday, August 8th at 3 p.m. Great in the esteem of every soldier he was equally great in the heart of every civilian … Let every farmer, every merchant, every mechanic - everybody - lay aside the ordinary occupations of life on that day and I especially ask all business men to close their places of business that afternoon between the hours of twelve and five o’clock, and that they, together with all citizens, appropriately drape their premises in mourning. THOMAS ELIJAH, MAYOR

     MAILS - Owing to a decrease in the depot force here, the morning mail west will be carried by and returned on the train arriving here at 7:11 in the morning. This will give us but one mail direct from the east, that arriving here at 7:06 in the evening. As there will be no one at the depot to attend to selling tickets and checking baggage for the early train west, parties will have to attend to that the evening before. The train will stop as heretofore.

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1886

     ROAD CHANGED - For years there has been a greater or less fight made over the road running northeast from Onion Grove to the Valley Church. Last winter a petition was circulated…asking the Board of Supervisors to vacate the old road and open a road running north from the Massillon road at the west line of Mrs. Chisholm’s farm through the middle of Section 12 and intersecting the old road about a quarter of a mile this side of the church. A counter petition was circulated and duly signed by parties interested asking that the old road remain…On the condition that the McConkie Brothers, who were the most interested and on whose land was a slough which the new road was to cross would make the road good across said slough, they (the Supervisors) ordered it (the new road) opened. Thus the old road which formerly followed up the creek bottom for miles is being transferred onto straight lines, quite a piece still farther north having been changed some time ago.

     Our public school opened the fall term Monday with a good attendance, the number enrolled in the several rooms being as follows: Primary room, 43; Intermediate room, 24; Grammar room, 33; High school, 47. - total 127 scholars. The Secretary’s reports shows a school population of over two hundred…it will be seen that there are many more children who are neglecting to take advantage of the benefits accruing from an education that can be so cheaply obtained…This will be a matter of regret in after years, as you can learn by asking any man who has attained his majority and neglected his schooling.

     Postmaster Werder moved the Post Office into the Hecht building Wednesday, which has been entirely repainted and cleaned up on the interior. Mr. Werder has added 31 new lock boxes, making a total of 56 of that kind. Back of the office will be arranged a reading room with tables, chairs, etc. where all will be welcome to sit down providing they comply with the rule upon entering there, viz: “No Smoking Allowed.”

1887

     COMPLIMENTARY - The following appeared in an article recently published in the Cedar Rapids Daily Gazette relative to our little city. “…it will be well to state that Clarence is the greatest reading community along the line of railroad that passes through it. So says the postmaster, mail agents, and everybody else who has anything to do with the mails that are thrown off here. It is said there are more Chicago, Clinton, and Cedar Rapids dailies subscribed for there, two to one, than any other place of its size in Iowa. This fact alone speaks loudly for the superior intelligence of the resident and that high degree of intellectuality which is only acquired by the perusal of and familiarity with the best literary publications of the age.” March 25, 1887

     Five car loads of hogs were shipped to Chicago Monday – three loads by A. W. Maley and two loads by Scott & Elijah. Among those to Maley were sixty head by Elijah Garrison averaging 805 pounds and sold for $5.85; fifty head by Frank Claney averaging 846 pounds and sold at $5.40 per hundred; forty head by James Claney averaging 818 pounds and sold at $5.40 per hundred; twenty head by James Davis averaging 834 pounds and sold at $3.83 per hundred. Those shipped by Messrs. Scott and Elijah were lighter hogs and were all bought at $3.00 per hundred. Dec. 1887.

     COUNCIL PROCEEDING On Motion of L. M. Johnson, the Mayor and the Street Commissioners were instructed to make arrangements for the lighting of street lamps at a salary of $70 for the year. March 8, 1887.

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1888

     For the benefit of those who desire to take advantage of the privileges of leap year we make note of the following compilation of people, which was recently made at a meeting where the question was discussed: There are in Clarence and the immediate vicinity, thirty-three old maids (perhaps some of them would modestly object, claiming that their age would exonerate from this class), thirty-five widowers, thirty-six widows, and thirteen bachelors. Now we have done our duty in presenting these facts, and if this social inequality and relation is not changed, it is not our fault. April 1888

     We have heard of several compliments of our village of late. Praise given for the number of her beautiful mansions, the high standing of her young people in the educational line, its shaded thoroughfares, and her populace of church going people. Disturbances among inhabitants seldom occur. July 20, 1888.

     The tax levy for Dayton township is as follows: Teachers’ fund, 4 mills; contingent tax, 2 mills; school house tax, 1 1/2 mills; corporation tax, 2 mills. The levy made by the county is as follows: State, 2 mills; bridge, 2 mills; poor 1 mill; county, 2 mills; county school, 1 mill; insane 1/2 mill; making the total tax for Dayton township 16 1/4 mills and for the corporation of Clarence 28 3/4 mills. Sept. 14, 1888.

1889

     The result of the canvass for aid for the drought stricken sufferers of Faulk and Spink counties in South Dakota is a noble record for our people to look back to in future years, and the generous heart that prompted their liberality should put to shame many other communities. There were about 1,800 bushels of corn, nearly 500 bushels of oats, about 40 bushels of potatoes, 9 barrels of beef and pork, about twenty sacks of flour, 12 large sacks of corn meal, a quantity of beans, and a large supply of clothing, boots, and shoes, many of the articles being new, the donation of our merchants. A total of four car loads of supplies were sent.

     Messrs. Charley St. John and Alvin Osbourne have set a mark for fast huskers by husking and cribbing one hundred bushels of corn each in eleven hours, the crib being half a mile from the field. The work was done on the farm of S. W. Cole, near the Pleasant Hill church.

     (There are) 60 businesses in town, 3 grocery stores, 2 meat markets, 2 restaurants, 2 Justices of the Peace, 3 physicians, 3 blacksmiths, 2 hog and cattle buyers, 2 banks, 2 building contractors, 2 druggists, 3 general merchandise stores, 2 millinery shops, 2 attorneys, lumber yard, coal and agriculture, boots and shoes, hardware, jeweler, clothier, furniture, hotel, livery stable agriculture implements, buggies and wagons, insurance, dentist tailor, dressmaker, book and shoemaker, creamery, and city scales.

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Picture; threshing machine and steam engine in the late 1890’s - near Clarence

1890

     Fourth of July Celebration Reading of the Declaration of Independence by Miss Jennie Shearer, at 10:15 a.m. Oration at 10:30 a.m. at the Grove. Presentation of flags to the schools of the townships and town at 11:30.

     Sports - The purse for horse race has been increased from $15 to $20, to occur at four o’clock. There will be two shooting matches for purses of $10 each instead of one as first planned. Ascension of a 20 foot balloon at 4 o’clock. Exhibition of day fireworks at 7 o’clock in the evening. Grand display of $265 worth of fireworks at 8:30 o’clock which occurs north of the depot.

     One of our citizens who is close observer of passing events, informs us that last Sunday, during the morning services in our churches, he counted one hundred and fourteen teams hitched at convenient points on our streets patiently serving their creator by awaiting the return of their masters from their respective services. The fine day together with the general observance of the Sabbath by the people of the community and country surrounding filled the various churches there being services in all of them, Methodist, Presbyterian, United Presbyterian, Lutheran, Catholic and German Evangelical.

1891

     Visited by Flames Shortly after two o’clock on New Years Day, while most of our people were partaking of their noonday repast and in pleasant conversation discussing the ups and downs of life, business and social, during the year that had closed and planning for future actions during the year that had just been ushered in but a few short hours before, the cry of fire rang out upon our streets and soon a large number had hastily gathered at Hecht & Thorn’s store, where great clouds of smoke were seen issuing from the basement and storeroom … Strong efforts were made with buckets of water to bring the blaze under control but to no avail and soon the flames broke forth and in a short time what but a little while before was one of the busiest portions of our little city was a mass of ruins … How the fire originated is a mystery that will probably never be solved.

     The ladies of the Cemetery Association have done good work in beautifying the grounds, and now desire to make the approach more pleasant by grading up and finishing the new road leading thereto and for this purpose they ask for men and teams to turn out next Tuesday, Oct. 21st. Now is a good time to do this work and we trust the ladies’ appeal will not be in vain. Turn out and donate a few hours work to this worthy cause.

     From one wind mill tower south of town Tuesday, seven steam threshing machines could be counted, besides one or two horse power machines which was in that territory.

     Mr. Fred Hecht has sold 240 acres of his land east of town to Fred Resewehe for $50 per acre. This farm is nicely located, being only a mile from town, and will make Mr. Resewehe a nice home.

Page 155
Ad for Hardware, Tinware and Cutlery

1892

     COLLISION! - Tuesday at one o’clock as Nov. 18, east bound C&N.W, local freight was standing on the main track in front of the depot, detached from the engine, (when) a special east bound freight came in contact with it, telescoping and completely wrecking a freight car that was attached to the rear of the caboose, the caboose, and the car in front of it. Two flat cars that were at the front end of No. 18 were also wrecked. The boiler head of the engine on the rear train was smashed in and the smoke stack knocked about 40 feet. Mr. John Voss of Grand Mound was on board. He was taken to the Clarence House and medical aid summoned. After the collision, the freight car was standing in a perpendicular position in the front end of the engine of the special which also went half way through the caboose.

     The question of a future fuel supply is becoming an interesting one. The statistics of the railroads of the country show that 1,500,000 tons of coal have to be hauled each day in the year to feed the fires that are kept burning by our 62,000,000 people. How long is the supply in sight going to last us? Will it hold out until science shall give us some means of generating heat other than the burning of fuel?

     $1.87 1/2 PER FOOT Our line of $2.75 hand turned, extra fine, bright Dongola Shoes. For Fit, Style, Quality and Durability, they are not excelled by any shoe in the market. FRED HECHT.

1893

     The railroad workmen have nearly finished their work here. They are now completing the platforms about the depot. A new platform has been placed at the north side of the track, and all east bound passengers, after purchasing tickets, should mount the cars from this platform.

     What would become of the now valuable available conveniences if the citizens of this place and this community instead of patronizing our home merchants for the goods they daily stand in need of, were to send or go to other or larger towns for them? The town would very quickly become depopulated, no markets, no stores, no blacksmith shops, no anything at all would exist here; the value of farm and all other property would decrease. So accordingly as people help home institutions, they help themselves proportionately. This of course, includes the butcher shops, doctors, dentists, lawyers, barbers, stores, and all other business places including even the printing office.

     The man whose farm is fenced with Page (Woven) Wire Fence may sleep well at night; there is no cause for his slumber to be disturbed with thoughts of animals breaking into grain field, or being seriously injured on the fence. It has passed the experimental stage and enables Iowa farmers to raise horses free from “Iowa trade marks” - that is barbed wire cuts and scars … this fence is made in many styles from the 2 feet hog fence or 3 feet high yard fence to the 5 feet field and poultry fence with gates to match.

Page 156

1894

     Every Iowan should read the following and then throw up his hat and then call for three cheers for our great and matchless state. Among the forty-five states in the union, Iowa stands first in total corn product, first in the production of potatoes, first in the production of factory butter, first in the production of swine, first in the production of milch cows, first in the aggregate grain production per capita, first in the production of hay and only second in the number and value of cattle, and the number and value of horses. Iowa stands fifth in the production of bituminous coal.

     CHURCH NEWS - Next Sabbath, after 25 years of service, the Methodist Church of this place will celebrate its Silver Anniversary. The invitations, which were printed at the SUN office and contain on the first page an engraving of the church, printed in silver, and the invitation in black, contains the program of the services. The Diamond M.E. Church five miles north of this place is being moved to Massillon, after an idleness of about 10 years. It has now started upon the mission for which it was originally intended. Twelve men from Massillon, including the preacher, were moving it Tuesday.

1895

     Ever since it was announced two weeks ago that the Cherry Sisters would visit Clarence, everyone was wondering what kind of an entertainment these young ladies would put upon the stage. At last the eventful night came and with its advent came the renowned actresses. The entertainment was all it has been represented to be, tons of talent, beautiful costumes, and carloads of fun … It can be truly said “the entertainment was a howling success.” Quite an audience was in attendance, and many of them say the performance was worth five times the price of admission. After the performance as the sisters were going from the opera house to the hotel, some young men - though they are unworthy of the name of men -threw some eggs at the young ladies. Their aim sad to say was good, and the garments of the young ladies were bespattered with the broken eggs. The action of these young men was a disgrace to themselves and to the fair name of Clarence. A man that will stoop so low as to be engaged in such barbarous pastimes will bear watching. No person with any respect for himself or his mother will treat women in this manner. Shame on you, boys.

     The bicycle craze which has reached a high pitch here in the last few months, is merely a small sample of what it is in many places. The very low price of bicycles this year has placed them within the reach of nearly all classes of people. In Clarence and vicinity there are about fifty of these machines, representing an outlay of probably not less than $3000. Not only are they a great convenience, but many times are a great savings in labor. A team can be kept at work while the bicycle is brought in play to go to town or do errands which would require the team to be taken from plow, mower, or cultivator, thus stopping the work. There is nothing wrong with the bicycle and it is here to stay.

     There has been much said about women wearing bloomers, and it appears as yet that the men are undecided upon the matter. We say that if women want to wear pants it is their privilege and no one should try to prevent it. She wears the coat, vest, tile, and cravat, now let her jump into the pants if she wants to, but she must wear some external sign that we may know her when we see her.

     A brick building was erected by Clark Smith for a Printing Office. The Post Office moved joined it in 1897. The two shared this building until 1935 when both moved to the corner building across main street.

Page 157

Ad for C & N W Timetable

Ad for Clarence Livery, feed and Sale Stable

1896

     If the city council wishes to gain the everlasting gratitude of the ladies of Clarence, they will endeavor to rid the town of tramps. A very effectual way of doing this is to provide a big woodpile and a few buck saws. There is nothing that looks more terrible to these fellows then a few hours work before their meals and lodgings are provided.

     Rev. Chaffee has rented his fine large farm of 240 acres for another year to Hans Detman for $840. J. J. Dexter has rented his farm of 180 acres to E. W. Clinton and Herman Smith for $700. Lizzie and Alice Hoyman have rented their farms of 100 acres and 80 acres respectively to Henry Koeger for $4 per acre. John Nicoll has rented out 240 acres of his father’s farm to Ira J. Kough and 80 acres to C. Anderson, all of $3.50 per acre.

1897

     Two hundred loads of crushed rock have been ordered hauled from Allen Frink’s quarry to be put upon the streets of Clarence. There is a law providing for a special tax levy in the interest of good roads and $100 is the amount apportioned to Clarence. This $100 is the amount to be expended in hauling and the town will pay for the rock and putting it upon the street in proper shape. While putting rock on the streets and seeing that the city funds are somewhat limited, why would it not be well to hold a pile of stone in reserve for the accommodation of tramps?

     C. B. Hecht has put up in Fred Hecht’s window a revolving pedestal upon which to display goods. It is quite ingeniously devised being operated by water power. It is so constructed that it can be made to operate at almost any rate of speed, and at a cost of but 3 to 4 gallons of water a day.

     While looking around to see where you can get the most for your money, don’t forget to call at S.A. Dean’s Meat Market where you can get 3 lb. steak for 25 cents, 3 lb. sausage for 25 cents, 3 lbs. bologna for 25 cents, 3 lbs. pork for 25 cents, or 3 lbs. lard for 25 cents.

Page 158
Picture: Two houses
    All are glad they saw a real cyclone as long as it was coming anyway- but they don’t want to see another. No one ever got a better view of a cyclone that did the Clarence people. At E. Sawyer’s place west of town, a piece of scantling was driven clear through the house coming out of a window on the south side. His team of horses were left standing on the barn floor, though the barn and other buildings were destroyed. May, 1898.

1898

     On the inside of the SUN this week begins a new continued story “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson. Read it.

     J. L. Escher put in public view in front of his establishment a clock which has electric connections with the regulator in his store enabling the public to tell the time of day from almost any place on the business street.

     The mail crane which formerly stood on the north side of the tracks has been put in place on the south side and a sack is caught every week day by the west bound Colorado Special, putting Clarence again in connection with Stanwood and other local points west. The present arrangement bring us mail at 7:13 (daily) and 9:10 a.m., 2:37 and 6:52 p.m. The last mail however is only a pouch mail from Clinton. Mails are sent out as follows: 8:10 a.m., 2:37 p.m. and 12:02 a.m. Mail for this last train closes at 8:30 p.m. Patrons should remember that no mail is sent west at 6:52 p.m. but goes at 2:37 instead.

1899

     William Thompson is building two nice cottages on the lots north of the Methodist parsonage. The cottages will be 14 x 26 with an addition of 14 x 16, one and a half stories in height and with cellar under all. But few people realize the importance of this place as an egg market. At the present time here are shipped out of Clarence about 2,500 dozen eggs a week, while earlier in the season they would have run up to about 3,500 or 4,000 dozen a week.

     Stoecker and Martzahn next week place their business upon a basis that seems to be gradually but surely gaining favor, that of cash. As Mr. Stoecker said a few days ago, “It is not altogether what we lose on bad accounts that this system is being inaugurated for the purpose of offsetting, but I believe we are carrying accounts for people who have money in the banks and are drawing interest, while we are compelled to wait for our pay until the money earns profit enough to pay us.” Credit is unjust to the merchant, but cash is always fair.

     The value of the ice crop put up here this year will be somewhat of a surprise to people who have given it no thought. Each year sees more ice houses being built, especially by the farmers. The number of tons put up so far is 840 tons. At the regular retail price, $8 a ton, the value of the ice crop figures up the neat sum of $6,720. If the ice men are enabled to fill all their contracts, the grand total would reach nearly $10,000.

     The traction engine belonging to Wm. and Chas. Monahan broke through the county bridge 1 1/2 miles west of town last Monday. Before reaching the bridge the boys were warned that it was unsafe to attempt to cross it, but they decided to risk it rather than make the long journey around it. Upon arriving at the bridge they started the engine straight across, then jumped off. The engine went to the middle of the bridge, took a sudden turn, broke through the side of the bridge, fell into the creek, righted itself, tore through the barb wire fence, and back onto the road, where it was corralled by the boys and the journey continued as if nothing had happened.

Page 159
Picture: 300 block of Third St.; Now Sixth St.

Ad: Geo D. Onions. City Dray No. 1. Prompt attention to all kinds of draying. Special facilities for handling pianos, organs, furniture and all heavy goods. Rates reasonable.

Ad: J. L. Escher

1900

     The city has purchased the interest of the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) in the hose house, has widened the door and put in a stove. A committee has been appointed to make other necessary improvements and to purchase suits helmets, axes, etc., for the fire company. The non-partisan (W.C.T.U. Women’s Christian Temperance Union) will meet with Mrs. McCartney on February 15 at 2 o’clock.

     The Old Maids Convention to be given at the opera house tomorrow (Friday) night promises to be one of the most enjoyable events of the season. The young people have spared not time or pains to make this one of the best entertainments ever put on by local talent. The program is full of fun and from beginning to end, besides much of literary merit. The proceeds will be devoted to the organ fund of the Presbyterian Church. Come and give the young people your patronage.

1901

     Henry Baumann and George Onions have each purchased two lots from Fred Hecht, next to West Lombard St. and will erect thereon as soon as possible, two houses of very similar construction and facing north. They will be 24 x 26, two story with nine foot ceilings. Mr. Baumann and Mr. Onions took the four lots between Lombard Street and W. F. Sanctuary’s home, but intend to re-plat the corner lots so as to get the north frontage on Lombard Street. We are glad to see these gentlemen make a move to supply homes for the homeless.

     The non-resident tuition collected by the Clarence schools the past school year was $450. There may be more paid in as there is yet chance for scholars to enter. This speaks substantial praise for our school.

     Teachers, take notice that H. E. Whitney, president of the school board of Dayton Township, will be at the Clarence Savings Bank, to sign contracts with them on Saturday, March 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. Frank Buckley and Barney Curley traveled to Davenport to see Ringling’s Circus.

Page 160
Picture of phone book page

Ad: Geo. E. Smith, Druggist
Fred Hecht, Real Estate

1902

     Telephones. - The switch board of the Clarence Telephone Company was put in place in what will be the central office over Lohman’s store yesterday. The board is for 100 phones. A number of homes and business places in town have the inside wiring already done, and the work of putting up the wires in the alleys and streets progresses every day. The original north rural line is now cut into two lines. The Clarence Telephone Company found it necessary to report their calls again this week. There are 171 phones now listed on the sheet. We predict that the company will have to issue a third call sheet before long.

1903

     January: The sale of the Lutheran church took place last Saturday. The building brought $290 and the lot $360 and were both purchased by Samuel Shuck. The bell was sold to the Dayton Valley Wesleyan Methodist church for $35. April: The bell of the old Lutheran church was taken down this morning by Rev. Mack assisted by S. W. Spaulding and prepared for shipment to Willis, Kan. The members of the Valley church concluded they did not wish it in their church, hense its sale. We heard one man express regret at its departure and say it was the best tone bell in town.

     The hours the telephone exchange will be open on July 4th will be the same as on Sunday- 8 to 9, 1 to 2, and 5 to 6.

Page 161
Picture: South side Lombard St. looking east
Picture: Corner of Smith St. and Eighth Ave.

Ad: Dr. E. E. Rowser, veterinary surgeon

Ad: Dr. J. E. Smith, physician and Surgeon

1904

     The Clarence Colts played ball at Stanwood last Saturday and won the game 12 to 10. The line-up of the Colts was as follows: R. Tiffany p, C. Cottrell c, W. Huff ss, K. Ogilvie 2b, I. Bixler and J. Grieg lb, H. Schaaf 3 b, E Richmann, c, J. Robinson rf, R. Sylvester lf.

     The receipts at the graduation exercises last Friday evening were $53 which is $10.30 more than last year.

1905

     January: The ice harvest is underway.

     A German mask ball will be given by the old German Dancing Club in Cottrell’s Opera House, Clarence, Friday Eve., January 20. Good music by Sobotka’s orchestra. John Kanzmeier of Wheatland will be present with costumes. Dance tickets, 75 cents. Spectators, 25 cents. Supper at the Cottage Hotel, 50 cents a couple.

     June: The special election to bond the town to build gas works was quiet, the total vote including the 43 votes by the ladies, being but 178. The result showed 160 votes for (117 men and 43 women) and 18 against. This outcome means that Clarence will at last have what she has needed for years - good street lighting, and put the town on par in this respect with some of our neighbors. Business houses and homes will also be supplied with gas for fuel and light.

Page 162
Picture: hog herded town main street
Picture: lady picking fruit

1906

     Quake Wrecks San Francisco. Freightful Seismic Shock. Shatters Half of the Town.

     The Clarence Cemetery Association held its annual meeting at the home of Mrs. Dr. Williams and elected the officers. A committee was appointed to confer with Mr. Onions in regard to replacing the old sidewalk leading to the cemetery with a cement pavement. While the ladies realize this is a great undertaking they feel assured that the interest and generous support that have always characterized the citizens of Clarence and vicinity in our beautiful little cemetery will not be withheld. In order to start the Cemetery Cement Walk Fund the Clarence Dramatic Club has consented to reproduce the war drama “From Sumter to Appomattox.” It will be given at the opera house on Friday evening, April 20th.

1907

     Another big stock shipment went from Clarence to the U.S. yards on Tuesday night. There were nineteen car loads and were owned thus: Fred Decker, seven cars cattle, M. Siple, two cars cattle, Frank Ballou, two cars cattle, E. Kirkpatrick, two cars cattle, Raymond Bixler, car cattle, Louie Goldsmith, car cattle, Wm. Ruther, car cattle; Chas. Engelking, car hogs, J. H. Miller and Wm. Carrall, two cars hogs. All the shippers named except Mr. Miller went to Chicago.

     Drinking fountain paid for. The following letter was received which explains how the debt on fountain was paid, and was received with appreciation: Cedar Rapids, Iowa July 6 ‘07 Mr. Charles Seaton, Dear Sir: When in Clarence the other day I drank from the new fount. It is certainly a much needed and an attractive improvement and the water cannot be beat. There however is one thing about it that I cannot understand, and that is why there need be any trouble raising such a small amount of money for such a great improvement and one in which every one receives the benefit, and especially in so wealthy a city as Clarence. I enclose you my check for $4.16. Wipe out the debt, it is a disgrace to the town. Yours truly, J. P. Ferguson

Page 163

Ad for Hanna & Timpe Co., special prices on Canned Goods

Ad for The Cottage Hotel, Miss Jennie Meehan, proprietor

1908

     Notice. All manure and other refuse must be removed from the barns and alleys within the corporate limits of the town of Clarence, Iowa, by May 30th. Any such remaining after that date is liable to dealt with as a nuisance.     By order of the Mayor

     The big around the world auto race is scheduled to go through Clarence. The Studebaker came through first with part of its crew staying at The Cottage House.

1909

     The R. Elsner Department Store is about to install a new McCaskey register.

     Special sale on plumes and reduction on all hats at Ella Buchan’s millinery store.

     Gus Albert has purchased the James Davis farm of 160 acres at a consideration of $140. Possession will be given next March.

     The Lincoln penny has been placed in circulation.

Page 164

Ad for Geo. McLeod, attorney at law

Ad for clothes?

1910

     Our lace curtain business has been away beyond our expectation, but we still have some very fine patterns left. McCarty’s

     Sugar is going to go up right along, you had better take advantage of the low prices at Elsner’s Dept. Store.

     Big special in high grade china berry bowls, one-day sale only, Saturday, April 16th, 50 cent value for 25 cents at Elsner Dept. Store.

     Seed Corn for Sale - Reid’s Yellow Dent; 1908 crop; germ test of 95%. Home grown. Price $2.50 per bu. In the ear. Orders can be filled if taken soon. Not more than 500 bu. Left. Samples on request.

     The school bell called the children to their places on Monday morning when the teachers took up the school year’s work.

     The total enrollment is 194 as against 182 last year. Of this number 104 are boys and 90 are girls. The enrollment according to rooms is as follows: High school, 41; grammar, 36; intermediate, 44; 2nd primary, 35; 1st primary, 39. 48 pupils have enrolled who pay tuition.

     The drinking fountains have proved to be a great advantage in many ways. They are appreciated by every member of the school.

     Clarence population 662.

1911

     Having purchased the jewelry stock of the late J. L. Escher I hereby solicit the patronage of the people of Clarence and surrounding country enjoyed by Mrs. Escher and son, Ben Escher. I will continue to carry in stock a full line of jewelry, watches, clocks, silverware, cut glass, fancy dishes etc. and do guaranteed repair work. Place call at the store. Leonard Fictor.

     Will demonstrate the Gossard corset at Mrs. C. R. Williams’ Wednesday, March 22, also take orders of all kinds of made-to-measure garments for ladies, to be delivered before Easter. Mrs. N. Harman

     Solid gold cuff buttons, set with genuine chip diamonds, from $4.00 to $5.50 a pair at Fictor’s. One gross of Sterling silver thimbles at 39 cents each, the regular 50 cent kind, at the Jewelry Store.

     List of letters remaining uncalled for in the P.O. at Clarence, Iowa, for the week ending Jan. 20, 1910. Doublier, Swarrum and Jones, Mrs. Sarah. When calling for the above please say “Advertised” Chas Smith P.M.

Page 165

Ad for King-Wilder Grain Co.

Ad for Donkle Bros.

1912

     SURVIVORS OF TITANIC WRECK NUMBER 868 Officials of the White Star Company Admit That 1,232 Persons Went Down With World’s Largest Vessel. COLLIDED WITH ICEBERG First Steamer to Reach Scene of Atlantic Disaster Could Only Pick Up Survivors, Mostly Women and Children, Who Had Been Placed in the Boats - Loss on Ship and Cargo will Total Between $25,000,000 and $30,000,000. I t is Asserted.

     A carload of wheat flour has arrived at Elsner’s Store. Stop in early for your needs. October 10, 1912.

     Lost: Black purse containing a dollar bill and a little small change. Finder please return to this office.

     The enforcement of motor vehicle laws are at last coming closer to home. In fact all the smaller towns are paying more attention to the regulations. Marshal L. L. Burton has been looking for offenders who come within the scope of the ordinance recently passed by the town council. Last week Elmer Sawyer was fined $5 and costs by Mayor John Greig for failing to display a rear light on his auto. The marshal also filed information against Dr. J.E. Smith for exceeding the speed limit. Addison Dwyer was assessed a fine of $5 and costs, in all $9.85 at Tipton last Wednesday for excessive speed on a motorcycle.

     January 1, 1912 showed the records of the previous year at 105 marriage licenses, 11 divorces and 300 births in Cedar County.

1913

     July: Those attending the Methodist and Presbyterian churches are making complaints of motorcycle drivers cutting out the mufflers on the machines when going by the churches during services. Autos do not arouse so many complaints.

Page 166
Picture: Paul Rix and Paul Hasselbusch Sr.
Picture: 600 block of Lombard Street

1914

     The franchise to provide electrical service was granted to Wapsie Power and Light by a vote of 129 to 14 on March 30, 1914.

     Assets of First National Bank on April 14, 1914 were $262,172.94

     Another high point in farm rent was reached yesterday when Henry Engelking rented his 160 acres farm north of town to Hans Leutjohann for $1440 a year plus one half the grass seed. Farmland seems to be advancing and consequently rent will advance. So far Mr. Engelking has reached the highest mark in this locality.

     I am now ready to do up lace curtains. Mrs. Wm. Rummel

     Guyer and Shriver will install a bath tub in the rear room of their barber shop for the use of the public.

     The foot ball game last Thursday when Lowden played Clarence resulted in a victory for the home team 20 to 0. $17 was taken in.

1915

     The Board of the Independent District of Clarence at their March 20th meeting elected the following teachers for 1915-1916. H. E. Irons, Superintendent, $1200; Hazel Kemerer, Principal $65, George Davis, Assistant $62.50; Grace Deming, Grammar $57.50; Jessie Kent, Intermediate $55; Arly Glendinning, 2d Primary $59.50; Mrs. L. B. Ramsey, Primary $62.50 and Victoria Aylesworth, Music $32.50.

     The season has arrived when Saturday night is a busy one in Clarence. Autoes are coming and going up to a late hour. On two blocks of the Lincoln Highway last Saturday evening at 8 o’clock there were thirty-five autoes standing, making a regular auto show. The stores were all kept busy till close to midnight.

     Assessor H. C. Bauman has found the total taxable value of all property in Clarence amounts to $136,583. There are 102 men under 45 years age and 122 men over 45 years of age. Dogs 14.

     For the best results, purchase an Eastman. Eastman Kodaks are easy to operate and the high grade lenses and shutters will insure you a sharp, clear picture. I have Eastman’s in all grades from $1.00 to $61.50. Len Fictor, Jeweler.

     The assets of Clarence Savings Bank on February 24, 1915 were $299,130.94.

Page 167

Ad for Overland auto

Ad for Fry’s garage

Ad: Conrad Baade & sons, contractors & builders

1916

     Regular Attendance at School Desirable. The attendance in the Clarence school is more regular than that is most schools which we have know, but there are a few pupils in the lower grades who are sometimes taken from school for many days. There seems to be an idea in the minds of some that these pupils can be returned after a long absence and take up the work as if they had been in school. This is a mistaken idea, and the lower the grade the more difficult it is for the pupil and the teacher. We believe that if parents could know exactly how much loss even a single day meant to the child, they would see, to it that nothing except sickness would keep a child from school. H.E. Iron, Supt.

     A great change for the better came to the hotel in Clarence when the house as reopened for business under the name Hotel Diven. The traveling public has been greatly inconvenienced during the weeks that the house has been closed.

     The grammar students will present a musical program at the school. Admission fee, adults, 15 cents and 10 cents with the proceeds going to the Victrola fund.

1916

     Hoffner Bros. are getting settled in their new garage. It will furnish the traveler all that can be desired in a place to leave a car. It is fireproof, roomy and easy of access. (Motor Inn)

     March - The A. R. Brink sale saw corn going for $1.10 a bushel, potatoes, $3.40 a bushel; hens $1.20; cow $101; horse $238, brood sow $41.

     The band stand from the intersection was moved to Oxford Junction over the new bridge, as the old one was too narrow.

     A $2 donation will pay for the hospital keep of a soldier for a day.

Page 168
Picture: Tillie, Freda and Wilma Krafock

Ad for International Harvester Farm Wagons

1918

     Nov. 12, 1918 – WW I ends. The terms of the armistice with Germany were read to congress by President Wilson. Fred Dewell recently sold his 160 acres farm north of Clarence for $262.60 per acre.

     A fund accumulated from entertainments at the school house has become sufficient to purchase a motion picture machine which will be installed to be used in school work.

     As the tractor is rapidly becoming recognized as a necessity in modern farming H. D. Kemmann Sons have arranged for a tractor school to be held in The Clarence Opera House. No admission fee will be charged. Motion pictures showing tractors at work will be shown.

     Emil Spille and Harry Decker who late last year purchased the Clarence Clothing Company are offering fur coat specials, Sheep Skin lined, was $15 now $12.50; Dog Skin, was $22.50 now $17.50; and Russia Calf $31.50 now $25.98.

     The coal shortage that Clarence has been pretty free from, has at last closed in on us. The schools will be dismissed tonight till next Monday when a car of coal may be on hand. There is coal on the way but the movement of cars is slow and there is danger of confiscation by town on the way.

1919

     The Clarence Co-Operative Company was organized February 5, 1919. Articles of Incorporation have been made. The capital stock of the company is $20,000.

     The airplane which passed over Clarence at 5:55 last Friday evening is a Cedar Rapids machine, the first one to be owned by that city. The 22 year old pilot from Lisbon piloted the plane owned by Cedar Rapids Aero CO. He left Chicago at 2:20 Friday and was in Cedar Rapids about 6:30. One stop was made for gas at DeWitt. The North-Western railroad was used as a guide in making the flight. Local interest in this airplane is the fact that John Miller, owner of Your Furniture Store in Clarence is treasurer of the company that owns it. Abe Smulekoff, who is also known here, is secretary of the company.

Page 169
Picture: courtin’ in the 1920’s

Ad for L & H Dept. Store

1920

     School consolidation carried last Saturday by a vote of 50 to 13 in the country and 71 to 20 in the town school district, with one ballot spoiled. So close has been the vote in other towns that some who were anxious for it to carry here were afraid it would not carry, but the margin proved to be a substantial one. April, 1920

     August 26, 1920 – The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, written by Susan B. Anthony, was signed into law granting women equal voting rights.

     American Legion Post, at Clarence was incorporated on September 15, 1920.

     Monday’s election brought out very nearly every voter in town - 182. The ticket headed by E. A. Spille for mayor was elected. The hose house bond issue carried 130 to 44 by the men’s vote and 3 to 1 by the women’s vote. The four ladies who voted were: Pearl Marvin, Flora Davis, Marie Martzahn and Ida Ballou. March 1920.

     The plans for the new city hall are now complete. The size of the building is 80 x 24 feet 8 inches. An excavation at the center of the building will furnish room for a furnace and fuel. The front room 29 feet deep will be used for the fire fighting apparatus and will have four built in voting booths. To the rear of this room is the council room to the west and to the east will be two jail cells and the hose tower. At the rear, fronting on the alley, is a machine room 27 feet deep. May 1920

1921

     Notice to Chicken Owners: Complaints have been filed with the mayor that certain owners allow their chickens to run another people’s property. All chickens must be kept in a tightly fenced enclosure. To avoid trouble, observe this ruling. Emil Spille, Mayor

AD: Get your formaldehyde at the drug store.

     The International Chautauquas began a five-day course of entertainments at Clinton Wednesday. The same talent in part will appear at Clarence next week. July 28, 1921

Page 170
Picture street in Clarence
Auto on mud road?

Ad: New American Gas Stove

1922

     The Lincoln Highway folder just issued speaks thusly of our hotel: “Clarence, 194 miles from Chicago, 333 miles from Omaha. Hotel Omachi, west end of village, right (north) side. One of the surprises of the L.HY. trip. Modern conveniences obtainable, immaculate rooms, large and airy, with clean linen and best of beds. Meals home cooked by master of homecooking art. Chicken dinner regular during season. Moderate prices. This is an advised stopping place.” September 8, 1922

     Hotel Omachi meal hours: Breakfast 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. Dinner 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Supper 5:30 to 7 p.m. All meals, including Sunday dinner, 50 cents. Let’s go. June 1, 1922.

     A tonic will pay Eat prunes every day. We sell quality prunes. The L. & H. Dept. Store

     It appears Clarence is the first town in this part of the state to successfully receive programs sent out from the radio stations throughout the country.

1923

     Arnold Pruess has about completed arrangements for the opening of a feed mill in Clarence. The veterinary building at the rear of the oil station has been purchased from the Hawkeye Oil Co. and will be remodeled to make it suitable for the feed grinding business. A Monarch mill has been purchased, which will be driven by two 25 horse electric motors.

     Own a Ford under the Ford Weekly Purchase Plan - $5 down and $5 per week. Clarence Motor Co. May 17, 1923

     Come one and all to the M.E. church supper and program Friday, May 11 at the M.E. church. Supper will be served from 5:30 until all are served. Menu: Chicken pie, mashed potatoes, pimento salad, rolls and butter, pickles and cheese, ice cream, cake, coffee. All for the small sum of 40 cents. May 10, 1923.

Page 171

Ad: The Hayes improved four-wheel planter

Ad: the New Magnavox – C. Z. Mack’s Tire shop

1924

     A few items we are selling which are money savings to our customers:

     1 large Fairbank Golddust – 25 cents 1 large pink salmon – 25cents 2 large Kellogg’s corn flakes – 25 cents Powdered sugar, l lb. – 25 cents 10 cents oil sardines, 1 dozen cans – 60 cents 36-inch heavy percales, per yd. – 20 cents Look over our new line of men’s shoes. Ask us about sugar by 100 lb. sack. Clarence Cash Bargain House. Decker & Woods June 19, 1924

     The Mayor has given notice that the shooting of firecrackers, etc. will not be tolerated on Sundays.

     For Sale: Reid’s yellow dent seed corn $3 a bushel

     For Sale: Buff Orphington eggs for hatching $3 per 100, $1.75 for 50. April 10, 1924

     Don’t be among the ones that have to wait. Bring in your plow lays and cultivator shovels now and get them sharpened before the rush. 15 cents each. C. Z. Mack. April 17, 1924

     Seed Corn Contest Two best ears $3; second $2, third $1. Two ears must be tied together with husks. Bring them in to A. W. Lyle. October 9, 1924

1925

     A pie social will be held at Legion Hall, Friday, the 13th, by the American Legion Auxiliary. Sale of pies will begin at 7:30. Every lady in the community will please bring a pie to be sold at auction and each gentleman is requested to bring a fat pocket book. A pleasing entertainment has been planned to follow the sale.

Page 172
Picture – railroad tracks

Ad: Dr. J. B. Lane, Dentist

Ad: Fordson Tractor, Clarence Motor Company

Ad: Merritt’s Barber Shop

1926

     The Volunteer Fire Co. and the Mayor and City Council and Fire Chief sanction a plan of the Clarence Motor Company to secure a new Ford fire truck, hose and chemical outfit. Please respond quickly and generously when solicitors call. January 14, 1928

     Dayton township got its name when (Polk Township) was divided into three townships (Dayton, Fremont and Massillon) for Massillon, Ohio and the two Republican candidates running for President and Vice President, John C. Fremont and Wm. Dayton. The Sun’s source was given as Gordon Smith.

     CREAMERY TO BE BUILT - The meeting of those interested in establishing a creamery in Clarence held last Saturday was well attended and officers elected. It is stated that 500 cows are sufficient to support a creamery. We are now in excess of that number. March 6, 1926

     Fisher’s Harmonyx Orchestra played Tuesday evening in a contest at the Majestic theater, Cedar Rapids. A gentleman who is a stranger to both orchestras playing that evening said that the Fisher orchestra played far the best, but the judges call it a tie. February 25, 1926

1927

     Liberty Theater Notes Saturday, January 29, Rudolph Valentino in “The Sheik” This is Valentino’s best picture so don’t miss it.

Page 173
Picture; girl sitting by river?
Picture: Merle Fedderson’s 1928 Ford Model “A” Coupe

Ad: Chicago & NorthWestern Ry.

Ad New Idea spreaders

1928

     ANNOUNCEMENT: After January 1st, 1928, the L. & H. Dept. Store will be conducted on a STRICKLY CASH BASIS. All business is turning very rapid toward cash. Manufactures and jobbers are demanding cash for their products. All parties owing the L. & H. Store are kindly requested to settle their account in full by cash or bankable note by January 1, 1928. Signed A. H. Licht

     AIR PORT FOR CLARENCE - Attend a meeting to be held in Legion hall on Monday evening, March 19th. No admission charge. What will be our possibilities as an airport? Several gentlemen from Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce will speak on what Cedar Rapids is doing. Welcome to all. Come.      Committee

     It isn’t always a 40 or 45 cents dinner that is the cheapest. We have one price to all, 50 cents Lincoln Cafe. Lloyd and Gusta

1929

     At the Liberty theater this week, Norma Sharer staring in the “The Waning of Sex”

     The Lincoln Highway is now the world’s longest road a total of 3, 331 miles. October 3, 1929

     For out of state travel Clarence is now being served by four bus lines.

     Grover Penningroth took possession of Merritt Meat Market.

     Geo. Miller has now taken ownership of L & H. Store and looks forward to providing good honest service.

     STOCK MARKET CRASH October 29, 1929. Black Tuesday. Stocks lose 12.82% on Monday and 11.71% on Tuesday.

Page 174
Picture: little children

Ad: Depression Prices – Ruth’s beauty shop

Ad: Kinney’s Hdwe.

1930

     Notice - Wall paper and window shades can now be purchased at the Rhatigan Drug Store Frank Albert will be rebuilding his house which recently burned. This will be the third house on this lot, the first occupied by Frank Fell, 30 years ago and Frank Albert at the time of this springs fire. (Presently Alfred Christopherson house at 402 Sixth Avenue.)

1931

     First National Bank to be merged with the Clarence Savings Bank. The combined deposits on March 25th when the official statements were made, amounted to $605,545. May 7, 1931

     Boy Scout Troop to be formed. The assistant executive of Buffalo Bill Area, Boy Scouts of America, was in town and met with a group of boys who are interested in scouting in Clarence. March 31, 1931

     Notice: Parents are requested not to call the school house by telephone during school hours except in extreme cases of emergency. Board of Education. January 13, 1931

     Hot Lunches for week beginning March 23rd. Monday - Creamed eggs, peanut butter sandwiches, cabbage and banana salad, cocoa, cookies. Tuesday - Salmon soup, plain rolls, orange jello, whipped cream and nuts. Wednesday - Baked beans, brown rolls, fruit mixture, cocoa.

Page 175
Picture; making loose hay

Ad: Walter Kemmann – Good Year Tires

Ad: Masquerade Dance, Legion Hall

1932

     Tacker Bakery is now serving country routes with goods daily, which is a very nice arrangement for the farm homes where everyone is too busy to come to town. Elmer Kline pulls the load in a specially built trailer.

     For Sale - Outhouse in good condition. H.B.

     Superintendent Keith Benner salary is set at $2000 and Principal Jenna Beadle will receive $1350.

     The average per pupil cost in 1932-33 was $76. Estimated for 1933-34 is $52.

     Cedar County reported 5482 cars and trucks licensed with 5748 drivers licenses issued.

     Farmland is reported as selling for $90 an acre.

     On the vote to repeal prohibition, Clarence voted 259 yes and 131 no. Cedar County vote was 3232 yes and 499 no.

     Supt. Benner will be paid $1800 and Principal Jenna Beadle will be paid $1125 for the next school year. The depression forced a reduction in salary from the previous year.

1933

     Clarence plans 75th celebration August 26, 1933 was set as the date for the annual summer gathering and it was announced by Gordon Smith that it was actually the 75th anniversary of Clarence.

     Used Car Bargains: 1927 Chevrolet Coach - $100 1928 Chevrolet Coach -$100. 1930 Ford Tudor Sedan - $350; 1930 Chevrolet 1 1/2 ton Truck $350. H. D. Kemmann Sons. January 21, 1932

Page 176
Picture: John Dettmann and Ray Steege

Ad: Clarence Savings Bank

1934

     The Clarence Catholic Church and the lot have been sold by the Davenport Diocese to John Dettmann for $410 with some reservations, and will be torn down and the material used in house building to supply a need now felt. When transportation was less available, especially on Sunday, the church was of some use, but now the members here don’t mind, in fact enjoy the drive to Mechanicsville and their attendance is much more regular. The corner stone bears the date of October 21, 1877. October 4, 1934

     The John Dettmann houses in west Clarence made their appearance in pictures in last Sunday’s Des Moines paper. The west building is shown as “before” and the east one as “after”. The comment tells of the purchase of a one-room rural school house, moving and remodeling into a home with basement and furnace at a cost of $1200. October 26, 1934.

1935

     The Swartzell store on Monday passed into the hands of Howard Claney, who has been connected with this business almost since it was opened in September, 1929. The store will continue as at present … with a formal opening on February 9th. Miss Lavera Kintzel will take a position in the Claney Grocery Store.

     Dance at Hiway Gardens Two extraordinary dates await you at their popular pavilion: Saturday May 4th, Tom Owen and his WLS orchestra and entertainers in old time and modern music at the low price of, gents 40c, ladies 25, tax included. Tuesday, May 7th, Emil Flindt and His Varsity Orchestra will be there. You know Flindt. Prices 40 and 35 c. May 2, 1935

     Chicken Supper. Don’t forget the annual chicken supper of the Evangelical Ladies’ Aid to be held June 1st. Serving starts at 5:00 o’clock at the Legion hall. Price, 24 c and 14 c. Menu: Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Creamed Chicken, Meat Loaf, Pineapple Salad, Buttered Buns, Pickles, Cake, Pie and Coffee. Be sure to come.

Page 177
Picture: South of Clarence
Picture: Alfred Koth with binder

Ad: Dr. H. A. Bouschlicher

1936

     More bobsleds were seen in town last Friday than any one day in years. Farmers banded together and opened their roads and came on to town to carryout a load of groceries that they were all short of not having been able to get away from home for several days. January 23, 1936.

     Iowa - Rising temperature Friday, Snow probable … The past week has brought us plenty of old fashioned winter. Saturday morning everyone had to dig themselves out of an additional fall of snow that drifted. January 23, 1936.

     The coal supply in Clarence has so far been ample to take care of the home needs and also to let a few customers in other towns take away a limited supply. Dealers have handled the situation justly by proportioning the deliveries.

1937

     The ice cream cabin located on the Cities Service station lot opened for business yesterday afternoon with a grand rush. It is doubtful if there was a kid in town that was unable to locate a nickel for two cones. Neither did the grownups miss the bargain in refreshments. Miss Reva Yock was kept busy packing cones and containers. The ice cream is manufactured in Oxford Junction. May 6, 1937

     The Dayton Creamery Company Cold Storage and Locker Service plant will be open for public inspection on Wednesday, July 14 at 8 p.m. An opportunity will be given at this time for selecting and renting the locker you will want and dates for butchering call be arranged.

Page 178
Picture: 1936 Essex

Ad: State Theatre

Ad: H. D. Kemmann Sons

1938

     The State Theatre opened Friday evening to a good patronage and has continued to do a good business since. Durwood Greig has the position of manager, Clarence Yock, assistant manager; ticket sellers, Miss Helen Christophersen and Miss Marie Freeman; ushers and ticket takers Lloyd Meier, Elroy Long, Russell Robinson and Wm. Freeman. May 8, 1938

     Land sales are shown at $127.50 and $130 an acre.

     A highway patrolman on Saturday picked up a trucker with a load of horses who paid $2 and the costs for having an overload. April 8, 1938

     Dayton township hogs sold at top and near top prices on the Chicago market last week. The extreme top of the Tuesday trade, $8.25 per cwt. was paid for 73 head of 216 lb. butchers. The same day 39 head of 284 lb. brought $8 per cwt. April 21, 1938

1939

     The new steel water tower was completed Monday and filled for the first time that day. The filled tank was connected with the mains on Tuesday evening at 7 o’clock. January 31, 1939

     Iowa Electric Light and Power Co. was granted an additional 25 years franchise by a favorable vote of 189 yes to 98 no.

     The abandoned Presbyterian church was sold on Tuesday by the Presbytery to Alvin and Walter Kemmann at $1100. It will be made into a sales room for automobiles…Removal of the seats and pulpit furniture to a Cedar Rapids church will follow. March 23, 1939.

Page 179
Picture: Looking east down Lombard Street in the early 1900’s. (Note: The hotel stood where the vacant lot is just east of the current city hall.)

Ad: Stock’s Standard Service

Ad: A. W. Lyle

1940

     The Wednesday Literary Club got permission from the town council to use City Hall as a library. They asked for donations of books to get started. The formal opening of the library was July 1st with 550 books.

     Every Monday is Married Folks’ Night at Phillips Roller Rink.

     The State Theatre advertised “Air Conditioning”.

1941 WAR DECLARED JAPANESE BOMB PEARL HARBOR DECEMBER 7, 1941

     Dec. 11, 1941

     While all the requirements brought about by this week’s world developments (Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor) are being covered thoroughly by the daily papers, this thought comes to mind: Those who sit in security in Clarence, and in all the communities spread over the land, have little to offer as compared to the mental and physical load the young men are called upon to carry. Actual war aggravates the situation many fold over what has taken place up to now. The young men need every kind of support that can be given for the benefit of their welfare and they will get it from this community.

     The Omachi Hotel is sold and will be torn down. “Omachi” stands for Omaha-Chicago. The original hotel was the west portion and later, or around seventy years ago, the square portion was built….changes in modes of travel have killed nearly all of the small town hotels. Traveling men no longer have to stay away from their homes in making their territories.

     There are buses going both east and west twice a day. There is also a daily train to Chicago and one to Denver.

Page 180
Picture: A gas station stood just north of the Edna Zybell Library on the site where Banks TV once was
Picture: Harry Decker’s Clothing Store
Picture: War Ration Book Four

1942

     Allotments of automobile tires for Cedar county for the month of January has been received. For passenger automobile, motor-cycle, and light trucks, 17 tires and 14 tubes; for trucks and busses, 42 tires and 35 tubes. No more than 25% of the quota can be issued in any one week of the month.

     Your old scrap iron is needed for manufacturing of war equipment.

     The Legion appointed a committee to canvas farmers for scrap iron.

     Sugar is rationed. Make application for canning sugar at schools. One adult can apply for an entire family unit.

     Feathers of ducks and geese are important to make sleeping bags for troops.

     There are designated stamps in the ration book for a pound of coffee.

     Gas ration books were issued. If you need more gas for some reason you have to go to Tipton to apply.

     PRE-MILITARY SCHOOL ONLY ONE IN THE STATE

     An unusually large and enthusiastic crowd was congregated on the main street of Stanwood last night to observe the drill of the Axis Benders (from Clarence). Sergeant (Lester) Kelly announced the beginning of a new class for Tuesday and invited anyone from the neighboring town who seriously wished for the training to enlist in the group…

     It looks like a long war and undoubtedly men from 18 -20 will be drafted, and it is the training that will bring a man thru…Call it what you like, it is the price of victory.

     There were several registrations for the war effort.

     (1942) A chairman has been named to be in charge of the special national defense registration committee to handle the voluntary registration of all local Legionnaires and World war veterans for possible future national defense service…

     (Feb. 19, 1942) Fathers and sons came to City Hall on Monday to register. Those that did were between the ages of 20 and 21 and 35 and 45. Clarence had 98 register.

     (April 30, 1942) 164 men between the ages of 45 and 65 registered at the city hall on Monday.

1943

     Kitchen fats were to be strained and stored until one pound was accumulated. Then it was taken to local meat dealers for storage so the fat would not become rancid. Two pounds of waste fat supplied enough glycerin to fire five anti-tank guns shells.

     Volunteer canners at the school house under the direction of Mrs. Mingst and Ethel Shriver have canned 950 quarts of food for the hot lunch program.

     Volunteers who prepared Red Cross surgical dressings donated 3,163 hours during 1943 preparing 30,000 dressings.

     Gas stations were open for 72 hours per week. A schedule was followed.

     “Gone With The Wind” was showing at the State Theatre.

     The PTA held a meeting but no coffee was served. “Let’s hope they (the government) don’t ration pie.” Coffee was removed from rationing on July 29, 1943.

Page 181
Picture: Bixler’s Feed Store

Ad: Bixler’s Feed Store

Ads: war savings bonds & stamps

1944

     Because the general feeling was that the War would be over soon, a V-Day (Victory Day) program was planned. V DAY PROGRAM – Schoolhouse If hostilities cease between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. program to begin at 10 a.m. If between the hours of 7 a.m. and 12 noon, program to begin at 2 p.m.; and if between the hours of 12 noon to 7 p.m., it will be held at 8 p.m.

Advance of Colors – American Legion

Pledge of Allegiance – led by Boy Scouts

National Anthem – Community Band, Audience

Prayer – Rev. Chamberlain

Scripture Reading – Rev. Mittler

Community Singing – led by United Service Women

Prayer – American Legion Auxiliary

Talk – Raymond Doermann

Music – High School Band

Speaker – Mr. Henry Irons

Prayer – Elder U. J. Fike

“America the Beautiful” – Band and Audience

Taps

     Both churches in town will be open all day on V Day

     Please clip this program for your own use.

     The prevalence of scarlet fever had closed the schools and other gatherings for at least two weeks. It also cancelled the county basketball tournament.

1945

     The D-X oil station reopened for business after being closed since war restrictions got too heavy a load for the business. Tank wagon service resumed.

     Orlo Baltisberger and Lawrence Kline formed a partnership to take over Miller’s store. This was the site of a general store for years, ever since Hanna built the original building.

     A Clarence man is wearing his wife’s underwear, a little tight for him, but he’s getting by. Those who married big women are right in line to weather the shortage provided the women have enough for both. Men’s underwear, like sugar, is short because the ceiling price was placed so low that the producers went on strike. Result- no sugar and no BVD’s.

Page 182
Picture: Clarence Jr. Legion Baseball Team 1947.
Back row: Merlin Geadelmann, Rich Meyer, Robert Hartig, Bob Miller, Dick Elijah, Fred Miller, manager “Doc” Ralph Rowser.
Front Row: Ronnie Goldsmith, Don “Pender” Claney, Forrest Smith, Ken Joslin, Dale Schroeder, Merlin Hasenbank

Picture: Creamery Workers - 1946. L to R: Bob Shriver, Wilbur Gottschalk, Dorothy Miller Claney, Leroy Gade and Henry Thies

     “You’d better get a market basket if you expect to get your groceries home. Sacks and boxes are getting more scarce daily, and your merchant is not to blame. Help out by returning these necessities.” “Return milk bottles so they can be kept busy. We cannot buy more so please don’t let bottles sit around in the way idle.” Voulker’s L and L Dairy.

     Summer Band Concert every Saturday Night. Rehearsals on Friday nights at 8:00.

     Archer Airstrip Opening Clarence Stonerook farm - 4 1/2 miles south of Clarence. Licensed Instructors and Plane Rides.

     Price of haircut - 60 cents. Price of shave - 35 cents.

1947

     Rouse’s White Castle ice Cream Stand opened for business on July 9. The local ice cream factory is thus announced to be ready for business.

     Le-Hi’s to open Aug. 11, 1947 with free ice cream. They are open on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

     Fourteen new homes have been started in Clarence. The weather has helped, but lack of workers and materials have caused delays.

     There were once nine barns on the alley between 4th and 3rd streets, plus an ice house. Now only one barn remains.

     “We asked for your help in getting bottles into circulation, but that did not work, so from now on, the only way you can get milk is to have an empty bottle in trade.” L and L. Dairy

     The second WMT National Clean Plowing Contest will be held on the Earl Elijah farm on Saturday, April 26. A 70 acre field of cornstalk ground will be divided into plots for the contest. Careful plowing controls the European Corn Borer.

Page 183
Picture: This display stood at the park on Main Street listing WWII servicemen.

1948

     All of the boys of Clarence High School and some of the faculty men participated in a tree planting day under the direction of the local members of the Cedar County Conservation Club. The planting took place on the farm of Dr. J.E. Smith. Five hundred trees were planted.

     Clarence is now on the air map. On the roof of the Post Office – Printing Building, the name of the town is spelled out in letters 7 feet high while on the roof of Henry Thies’s building next door to the west, there is painted an arrow 15 inches wide and 20 feet long with the latitude and longitude. The paint was donated. Wilfred Liercke and Harlo Seaton did the work.

     Robert Hartig, 17 years old, who has gained much admiration here at home for his baseball skill, is among the 120 promising young Iowa baseball players selected by Chicago Cub coaches and scouts for manning teams to compete in the Friday and Saturday exhibition tournament climaxing last week’s big KRNT Cubs Try-Out Camp and Talent Hunt. Robert’s team was defeated in the semi finals. Note: He signed with the Cubs in the fall of ’48 and played his first year in ’49.

1949

     School buses carried 83 children from this area to swimming lessons in Marion.

     Looking through this observers window (editor of Sun), it is concluded that more women and girls appear downtown in slacks than in skirts. Years back, that was frowned on, but not now. Men won’t accept articles for wear that are unhandy and become a nuisance. Why should the women? Let ’em dress in comfort.

     Mrs. Lloyd Phillips used a bow and arrow to shoot the skunk that had been bothering her ducks. She shot him in the head.

     The baseball game on the school diamond next Sunday afternoon at 2:00 between Clarence and Calamus should get all the baseball fans out to see Robert Hartig of the Elizabethtown, Tenn. League team pitch.

Page 184

Club and Organizations during the War Years

     According to The Clarence Sun, each of the clubs and organizations listed met regularly during the war years. This certainly shows the ability of the Clarence community to survive the demands of a war, both financially and physically, and still accomplish the day to day tasks of home, farm, and business. How did they do this with none of the appliances or conveniences we have today?

500 Club	Kensington	PTA
American Legion	King’s Daughters	Royal Neighbors
American Legion Auxiliary	Klatter Klub	Social Service All Day Quilting
Boy Scouts	Masons	South Prairie
Cultus Club	Missionary Study Club	Twilight Club
Delta Dek	ONO Club	United Service Women Incorporated
Eastern Star	Partners in Study	Wednesday Literary
Embroidery Club	Past Matrons	Women’s Guild
EZ Aces	Past Presidents’ Auxiliary	WSCS
Farm Bureau	Prairie Flower Aid Society

Page 185

Full page ad for Claney’s J.S. Store; Miller’s Dept. Store; Clarence Food Store; White’s C.F. Store

Page 186
Picture: Dr. and Mrs. J. E. Smith

Ad: Baltisberger & Kline Ad: Fred Miller

Ad: State Theatre

1950

    A severe fire left the Curley family north of Clarence homeless…Next Tuesday an all day Kensington will be held at the Legion Hall to sew for the family…Volunteers helped to build a home for the family.

     Prices at Penny’s Meat Market: Ground Beef - 43 cents per lb.; Hand carved bacon - 49 cents per lb.; Pork liver - 19 cents per lb.

     Television sets are on the increase in Clarence. In a single half block the 4th aerial has appeared in the last couple of weeks.

     The drinking fountain at the post office corner will soon be opened for the warmer months. It will have its 3rd bowl which will be of iron and china coated. The first two china bowls couldn’t hold up. The first one broke from freezing on Oct. 16 and the second one, also all china, was bumped into by a small truck. The third one being of all iron should service. The first fountain with the horse trough was bought by subscription but when the horses did not come to drink anymore, the present style of fountain was installed. Seaton paid for it as well as the replacements.

     DOCTOR’S Day - A parade at 11 a.m., in which all who were brought into this world by Dr. Smith are asked to participate, sponsored by the Clarence Commercial Club will open the festivities of Doctor’s Day on Friday, Sept. 1st. At noon an all community basket dinner will be held at the school house to which all from Clarence and surrounding communities are invited. A special program featuring “Through the Years with Dr. Smith” will be presented during the afternoon. In the evening Dr. Smith, his immediate family and medical associates will be honored at a 6:30 dinner to be held in the Evangelical church.

1951

     Grand Opening of the Cities Service Gas Station. Rich Fehling is the operator. (Note: this was on the property where Casey’s now stands.)

    National news: A two term limit is placed on the Presidency.

    In February, the Girls Basketball Team played Gilman in a district tournament game at Coe College in Cedar Rapids. The icy roads made travel difficult. The bus left Clarence at 5:15 and arrived at Coe at 7:40 p.m.

    The Big Snow began on Sat., March 10 and ended Tuesday. A total of 19 inches of snow fell. There was not school Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Many places were open to trucks with chains only.

Page 187
Picture: Howard Dewell sends 5 loads of cattle to Chicago
Picture: Band Shell
Picture: Back row: Bill Holmstrom, coach, Junior Dierks, Robert Woode, Norman Paul, Merlyn Bixler, Phillip Tuetkin, Eugene Hill.
Middle row: Mike Dotseth, Marvin Rathmann, Jim Meier, Lou Krafock, King Kelly, Ronald Kreinbring.
Back row: Ron Kress and Dale Bixler, managers

Ad: live better electrically!

Ad: E. C. Hasenbank Produce

1952

     The State Theater closed. The Hill family has operated it the longest since it was opened in 1932.

     A band shell was erected in back of the library. It was dedicated on July 12.

1953

     Construction of WMT-TV is progressing nicely. Regular programming hopes to begin by September 27.

     The Boys’ Basketball Team played in the State Tournament in Iowa City. They were defeated in the second round by Roland 42-41.

     Legion May 7- The American Legion voted to remodel its building and take what was the State Theater as part of the new Legion Hall. Oct. 1. - The last sign of a movie theater was removed to continue work on the Legion Hall renovation. The remodeled Legion Hall was dedicated the following spring - May 1954.

Page 188
Picture: The new elementary wing of the school. The gym is at the left
Picture: Train depot

Ad: Auctioneers, Wilbur Colby and James Irons

1954

    The new D-X Station is being constructed on the old hotel lot (now the vacant lot across the street east of the current City Hall). It is fast taking shape. Burrel Oberholser and Wilmont Lendt will be the operators. The Grand Opening will be held Oct. 8th and 9th.

     Local train service is gone. The train will no longer stop in Clarence. Four buses will stop going each direction daily. (*Note: The train did make a stop in 1958 to pick up the Senior Class for the class trip to New York City and Washington, D.C. They were probably the last passengers picked up at the Clarence depot.)

1955

     `The Ground Observer Corps is organized. It is needed for our protection of surprise attack by enemy planes. An observation tower is being built south of the school. (It was discontinued on Jan. 31, 1959) The new elementary wing of the school will be inspected on September 25th. Social Security is extended to include farm operators and laborers, effective Jan. 1st. The Iowa State Tax is raised from 2 -2 ½ %.

Page 189
Picture: Jerry Gallagher, coach, Marcia Robinson, Nancy Parker, Kay Ward, Carol Thien, Phyllis Decker, Pat Niermeyer, Anne Ward, Theo Meyer, chaperone.
– Front: Arlynn Kintzel, Kay Hasselbusch, Sandy Woode, Karen Krafock, Karen Geadelmann, Dorothy Turner and Mary Ann Meyer.

Picture: ANOTHER STATE TRIP – Clarence, runnerup in the Fall state high school tournament, earned a berth in the 1958 spring meet last week by coming from behind to defeat Immaculate Conception of Cedar Rapids, 6-5, in a substate final at Lisbon.
In front, from left Richard Behrens, Fred Freese, Dave Dewell, Bob Schroeder, Gary Roelf, Bob Meyer, Darrel Bunge, Ed Decker.
Back row: Dave Bowers, Alan Meier, Curtis Greig, Steve Klatt, Floyd Byson, Dennis Witte, Gary Joslin, Kenneth Frey, Lynn Baldwin.
Picture: Bob Woode’s ’57 Chevy

1956

     A tornado east of Clarence created much damage on the farm of Mr. and Mrs. Harley Dallege. The house, corn crib, hay barn, machine shed, and hog house were all damaged.

    The Clarence Bakery completed thirty years under the management of Mr. and Mrs. Howard J. Tacker. As a place of business on main street this is thought to be the oldest in number of years under the management of the same people. Others who have been in their profession in Clarence longer than the Tackers are Dr. J. E. Smith with more than 50 years behind him, and Dr. J. B. Lane, who has practiced dentistry here close to 35 years. Fred Phillips, though not maintaining a place of business has been painter and paperhanger in the community more than 35 years continuously. Are there any others?

1957

     The Cardinal Girls make their third straight trip to the Sweet Sixteen in Des Moines. They defeated Lake Park in the first round, but lost to Garrison 45-37 in the second round

    The High School Baseball Team was the runner-up in the Fall Tournament, losing to Bancroft St. John’s 2-0.

    Car owners must remove cars from the streets on Friday night before midnight so that streets can be cleaned early Saturday morning.

1958

     Robert Yock bought back the family farm of 80 acres north of Clarence. John Bauman had paid $770 for it at one time, but Robert paid $28,000 to get it back into family hands. His family was the second to settle in this area. Indians still roamed the area when his ancestors chose to live in Dayton Township.

     The last service of the Dayton Valley Wesleyan Methodist Church was held in July. The church was organized on Sept. 12, 1856 and is the oldest religious organization in the Clarence Community. It is the second oldest church building in Cedar County.

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Picture: This is the backdrop for the pageant “Once Upon A Time” given at the park for the Centennial Celebration
Picture: Farm Progress show

1959

     Clarence is now authentically 100 years old. Approximately 2000 attended the pageant each night with a good crowd remaining each night for the dancers on the 100 x 120 foot dance floor, teenagers largely on Friday and the older dances on Saturday. The bleachers were well filled for between 1000 and 1200 for the dedication service on Sunday morning. The impressive dedication service was climaxed by the very fine sermon on “Four Lessons From Nature” so appropriate for an outdoor service given by Rev. Robert Fauth of Chicago, reared in Clarence and a graduate of the Clarence Community Schools in 1933. The weather for our Centennial gave us two fine nights. The Sunday worship services were threatened with rain, but got by with a few sprinkles. The afternoon was spoiled by rain and the whisker judging and crowning of the Queen Miss Kay Hasselbusch was held at the Legion Hall. It is a fine memory now, one that many people will say took a lot of work, but we had wonderful cooperation. Again as the heading on this page says - A Big “THANK YOU” is extended to cast and workers of the Centennial.

     220,000 ATTEND FARM PROGRESS SHOW AT THE ELIJAH FARM LAST WEEK

     Folks came from far away to attend and to watch the different makes of farm machinery in action out in the fields, and to inspect them at much closer range in the exhibit area. There were 250 exhibits on the grounds and if a person would have only spent 2 1/2 minutes at each one, they would have spent 10 ½ hours to see the whole exhibit area.

     The weather was perfect for the two days, September 23rd and 24th being on the partly cloudy side. A light shower on the night preceding the show stopped the dust from flying on the opening day. At one time traffic on Highway 30 was back to within a half mile of Mechanicsville on the west, beyond Lowden on the east, and a mile south of Wald on the south. The crowd began to arrive before 6 a.m. on the first day and by 2 a.m. on the second day. The suppliers of the food stands did not believe that the eating places would run out of food the first day, but many of the food items were out of supply by 1 p.m. on Wednesday. On Thursday, the supplies were adequate. The food stands run by the churches of Cedar County and the 4-H soft drink stand were well patronized. And so ends the excitement of big crowds of people in the Clarence area for this year. We have had two community projects at which folks worked and played together. What relief it is all over with. Wonder what next year will bring.

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Picture: In December, Tacker’s Bakery, run by Howard and Myrtle Tacker, closed their doors after 35 years and a few months of service to the Clarence community. The work requiring Howard to be on his feet 12-20 hours a day 5, 6 and sometimes 7 days a week was taking a toll on his health leading to retirement.

Picture: Art Claney in Claney’s Royal Blue store on Lombard in the early 1960’s

Ad: Royal Blue Food Store Specials

Picture and Ad: Christiansen Implements

1960

     ` Norman Frahm opens Holiday Laundry featuring Maytag equipment. Wash - 20 cents Dry - 10 cents.

    The Clarence Jaycees were busy in 1960 with many projects. They erected the fence around the tennis courts and conducted a car safety check in the spring, held a beef show on 6th Avenue in July and opened a Youth Center in October at the west end of main street with donations from the Clarence community.

    In the fall the first meeting of school boards from Mechanicsville, Stanwood, Clarence and Lowden was held to discuss plans for possible reorganization of the school districts.

    In December I-80 opens south of Tipton to the Quad Cities providing a faster route to the area. It is nice to travel on a road where one is not slowed by truck and heavy car travel.

1961

     On May 29, Joe Ditz, a bachelor, passes away at the age of 93 leaving a sizeable estate to several organizations in town. Funds from his estate helped to finance many projects in Clarence in the coming years such as the construction of the Municipal Building, the Clarence School Library, baseball lights at the Clarence Park, the remodeling of the Legion Building and St. John’s UCC Church.

     In July Dr. George Utley, a native of Manchester, Iowa and graduate of the University of Iowa Medical School, started his practice in Clarence. The former offices of Kreinbring and Doermann were remodeled with the volunteer help of men from the community. Stock was sold at $100 per share to finance the project. Dr. Utley’s reason for being a doctor is “I just want to do something worthwhile.”

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Picture: Hank Klatt and Duke Smothers, mail carriers, Vern Freeman, postmaster, Bernice Fedderson and Alice Cosgriff, clerks The present day U.S. Post Office on 6th Avenue was completed and opened in December with Vern Freeman as Postmaster.
Picture: Farmers Elevator

Ad: Bill Banks TV Sales

1962

     On July 1st the Wapsi 8 Conference disbanded. A new Wapsi Conference expanded to include twelve teams. The new conference includes the original Wapsi 8 teams of Lisbon, Lincoln (merger of Mechanicsville and Stanwood), Olin, Clarence, Lowden, Oxford Junction and Midland. New schools joining will be Bennett, Wheatland, Calamus, Lost Nation and Delwood.

     KCRG-TV, Cedar Rapids, announced Channel 9 will add ABC-TV to its fall schedule this year. The colorcasts will begin the week of September 23, 1962. The first colorcast will be the Sunday night movie, “the Big Country”.

1963

    The Farmers Elevator Cooperative finished a $750,000 feed plant on the east edge of Clarence. The dedication ceremony in September saw over 15,000 people in attendance from Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois and several other states. The name later changed to Land O Lakes.

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Picture: Chapman’s

Picture: The “Boss Lady”, Mrs. Kennedy likes her coffee and is proud to claim the coffee which attracts scores of customers to Le-Hi’s daily. Stop in for your next coffee break or the next time you want to eat out…You’ll enjoy it.

1964

     The Clarence Cooperative purchased Ruprecht Lumber Company in February. The Co-op will move their elevator office in to the store and office area.

    Clarence became the first small town in the area to announce its intention of following the larger cities in adopting daylight savings time. DST ran from April 26 until October 4.

    In May 61 cars left the Northwestern railroad tracks between Clarence and Lowden resulting in over $300,000 of damage. All communications along the rail line, telephone, telegraph and railroad signal lights were disrupted.

    Natural gas comes to Clarence. The gas travels more than 1,000 miles before reaching your range and furnace. Mayor Paul Busching officially opened the value on Wednesday July 29th.

1965

     Main street will soon be taking on a new look with the sale of Rhatigan’s Drug Store. The Clarence Savings Bank purchased the adjacent store with plans of future expansion. Bumcee’s Tavern building was purchased by Paul Chapman to open a gift, medicinal and furniture store. This opened in July under the management of Paul Chapman Jr.

     Nearly two dozen farms were damaged on Palm Sunday, April 11 as a tornado ripped a half mile path 20 miles long in Fairfield, Springfield and Massillon townships. Clarence farmer Richard Dircks lost his life due to injuries received from the storm.

     In December Vern Freeman retired as Clarence Postmaster after 31 years of service. Bernice Fedderson was named officer in charge until a new postmaster was named.

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Picture: In November, 1957, Robert Miller was named new postmaster succeeding Vern Freeman
Picture: Future site of Clarence Nursing Home -2nd Avenue looking north
Picture: Board of Directors L to R: Robert Kelly, Paul Busching, chrm, Wayne Saunders, Dr. George Utley, Henry Klatt, Durwood Dircks

1966

     Scout activities in Clarence were praised by the President of the Buffalo Bill Scout Council. There are 78 boys in Clarence scout troops at various levels.

     This year the Dutch Elm disease hit the area in full force. As sad as it may seem there is little one can do to fight the disease other than cutting down and destroying the trees that are diseased or dead to eliminate nesting spots for the European elm bark beetle.

     In May, a fund drive was started to raise money for a new nursing home at the corner of 2nd avenue and Smith Street. Prompted by a gift of $150,000 from the Joe Ditz estate the community has started to raise another $100,000 to construct a 40-50 bed nursing home.

     Stan and LaVonne Maurer purchased Ken Morehead’s insurance business, started in 1915 and named it the Maurer Agency located on the NW corner of Lombard and 6th Avenue. It is now one of the oldest agencies in Cedar County.

1967

     The Clarence Community School Board approved a new base salary of $5,750 for new teachers for the 1967-1968 school years.

    J. Robert Bunn, Marion, has been named Executive Vice President of the Clarence Savings Bank succeeding retiring C. Wayne Saunders.

    In July, towering above the Clarence skyline, the Co-op builds a 200,000 bushel grain elevator. The structure triples the Co-op storage facilities.

    Wayne Syring joined Elwood Hasenbank in business on October 1st. The name was then changed to Hasenbank Feed Service, Inc., located on 5th Avenue and Ames Street.

    A 23 car train derailment occurred in October on the east edge of Clarence at the Oxford Junction Road Crossing.

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Ad: Chapman Funeral Homes

Ad: Dettman Implement

1968

     On March 3 the Clarence Nursing Home opens. The cost of the 30 bed structure is $175,000. Hired by the board of directors were Naomi Johnson as administrator, Bernice Schaeffer, charge nurse, Bernice Schnipoweit, head cook and W. C. Liercke, maintenance.

     In October three units of Girls Scouts, Brownies, Junior and Cadettes were chartered. The program was initiated by the efforts of Mrs. John Fedderson who reported 13 girls had signed up for brownies, 27 for junior and 17 for cadettes.

     In November the first Clarence Christmas decoration dance was held at the Legion Building with music provided by the Johnny Ketelson Band. Proceeds from the dance will be used to purchase Christmas decorations for main street.

     Marcia Irons purchases the old shoe repair shop in December and opens a beauty shop called Fashion Flair.

1969

     The Clarence Motor Company expanded their business as they purchased the old City Hall and Fire Station from the city for $3,750.

    John Dettman, long time businessman in Clarence retires. Dettman went into business for himself in 1927 selling Hudson and Essex autos and added the Chrysler line of cars down the road. In 1931 he added farm machinery to his line of sales. He purchased the Hatch and Brockman Lumber Company of Ames Street between 5th and 6th Avenue in 1941. Some years later Dettman sold the Chrysler line to Howard Thein, and carried only New Idea and Allis Chalmers farm machinery. Also retiring is Ed Greim, a 40 year employee of Dettman’s.

    Ralph Christianson, former owner of the John Deere Implement store, opens Christy Jewelry in his home on the south end of 7th Avenue. His services are jewelry sales and licensed watchmaker.

    The Methodist Church adds a new educational wing.

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Picture: Ken Richmann poses by a painting which depicts the nature of his business of smoking meat in addition to distributing sausage and cured meats in Eastern Iowa

Ad: Clarence Motor Company

1970

     In January Ken Richmann assumed ownership of Penny’s Meat Market from Grover Penningroth, founder of the business. Grover retired after 41 years of active service to Penny’s.

     The Clarence JC’s noted their 10th year charter, forming in 1959.

     Chapman’s stopped providing ambulance service to Clarence in February due to increased costs and government regulations.

     Howard Thein observes 25 years in Thein Motor Sales dealing in Dodge and Chrysler car sales. The business was purchased in 1945 from John Dettman.

1971

     Don Hunwardsen and Rodney Walters held an open house in their implement firm that was purchased from John Hunwardsen, Don’s father.

     A proposed school merger vote between Clarence and Lowden was held in March. The vote passed in Lowden by 57 votes but failed in Clarence by 39 votes.

     A building permit was issued for a car wash to be constructed on the corner of 1st Avenue and Ames Street to Paul Chapman Jr., Roy Ganzer and David Buchanan.

     In June Noel Mast, Industrial Arts teacher in Clarence High School bought the businesses of Hartwig Electric from Walter Hartwig and the Clarence Cleaners to create Clarence Hardware and Clarence Cleaners. The new venture features plumbing, heating, wiring, small and large appliance sales as well as dry cleaning.

     George and Ev Ibsen left farming to acquire the old Christianson Implement Store to start G & E Farm Store selling Triple F feeds and garden supplies.

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Picture: In May the Clarence Co-op begins construction on 4 concrete silos, 78 feet tall. Work will go on 24 hours a day with two crews working 12 hour shifts. The elevators will be ready for storage in August. The picture above shows the site just prior to the building of the new silos.
Picture: Clarence Watermelon Days. Jack Shriver and Grover Penningroth serving free watermelon.
Picture: Dr. Paul and Dr. Stresemann

1972

     Ellis “Sonny” Stonerook is Clarence’s newest business opening a plumbing and heating business from his home on 201 Lombard Street, the former Earnest Kintzel home. Stonerook will also be available for snow removal, remodeling and other odd jobs.

     The first church service was held in the new Clarence UCC church on May 14 and dedication ceremonies were held in October. The new bell tower features a bell purchased by the congregation in 1892. The old UCC church was razed in August.

     Winston Wessel, longtime IH implement dealer in Clarence goes out of business selling the building to Everett Bixler Trucking.

1973

     In January voters in the Clarence and Lowden school districts vote to merge the two schools by a combined margin of 53%. Classes start in the fall. The new mascot is a Rebel.

     Steve Maurer joins his parents in the Maurer Agency.

     Dr. S. G. Paul retires after 38 years as a veterinarian in the Clarence community. Mrs. Paul was credited with the Clarence slogan “Small in Numbers, Large in Community Service” . Dr. Paul sold his house and business to Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Stresemann.

Page 198
Picture: Dr. Frederick Drexler opens a dental office with Henry Thies his first patient
Picture: Remington Grocery
Picture: Jim and Milly Sawyer

Ad: Gade Motor Co.

Ad: Wayne Paul

1974

     Ron Remington purchases the Royal Blue grocery business from Howard Claney. His goal is to try to fill the everyday needs of his customers. The Clarence Cooperative opens a petroleum center east of Felco buying the Arco fertilizer plant. J & M Shoppe - Collectible and Antiques a business owned by Jim and Milly Sawyer, starts a first full year of business having opened the store in October of 1973 in the building that housed Liercke’s Electric. The next year they purchased the barbershop next door for storage. The business has around ten thousand items for sale.

1975

     Paul and Ruth Kennedy sell Le-Hi’s, after 15 years of ownership, to John and Maureen Hasenbank.

     Rosalie Sheldon is named the new city clerk replacing Lloyd Phillips.

     The Clarence Indies baseball team disbands due to lack of local players. The Lions Club start a slow pitch softball league at the Clarence Park.

     In December the North Cedar Press publishes their last issue. The new official newspaper becomes the Sun News, combining the titles of the Clarence Sun and Lowden News.

Page 199
Picture: Don Johnson

Ad: Yoder Feeds, Bob Plueger

Ad: Hasenbank Feed Service

1976

     In June Don and Karen Johnson, Durant natives, moved to Clarence and started their own business, Johnson Electric out of their home. Johnson sells and services, alarm systems, garage door openers, central air conditioners, gas furnaces and water heaters.

     Le-Hi’s changes ownership again as Babe and Barb Shriver take over the restaurant in July.

     Clarence holds its Bicentennial celebration, “Clarence Fest ‘76”. A beef show, punt pass and kick competition, bike rodeo, parade, slow pitch softball and a pork chop dinner were the featured activities.

     The Ambulance Association formed to raise funds for an ambulance and educate the public as to the need for the service. The ambulance was placed in service in October.

     August found Ron Hebdon taking over the former Chapman Sundries to operate Hebdon Pharmacy.

1977

     In January the Common Sense Highway Association forms to oppose the IDOT plan to develop US 30 into a four lane highway through Cedar County.

     Residents are asked to conserve water in February due to a series of water main breaks and decrease in output of the main well. The city council announces in March a new well will be drilled.

     July finds the Ruprecht Lumber Company and the Tacker Bakery buildings being razed to make room for the Co-op to build a new office on the site.

     Train derailments become a common happening with 15 cars leaving the rail in September and 10 cars in October east of Clarence.

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Picture: Petroleum manager Harley Conrad pumps the first tank of Gasohol for Ralph McIntosh as the Clarence mayor looks on.

Ad: Karla Chapman

Ad: watermelon seed spitting contest

1978

     Mary and Cecil Morse purchase Baltisberger Department Store moving here from California.

     February saw 61 straight days of below freezing temperatures.

     In June Gasohol came to Clarence. The Cooperative Service Station was one of five locations across the state to market the new fuel mixture which consists of 90% unleaded gasoline and 10% ethyl alcohol made from Iowa corn.

     In August Gary and Melinda Quint purchase Bank’s TV and Radio business and names his new venture G & M Electronics which sells and repairs consumer electronic equipment including TV’s, CB’s, scanners, antennae and alarms systems, video tape machines, radios and microwave ovens.

1979

     In January Pat Lambert, of Monticello opened Lamberts Carpets, Floor Coverings and Draperies.

     In August 150 people attended an open house for the new Methodist parsonage.

     The CLEA proposed an increase in base salary form $10,200 to $12,700.

     Work was completed in November on the west access road to the Clarence Cemetery.

Page 201
Picture: Gary and Arlene Oster
Picture: The Clarence Savings Bank hosted an ATM Harvest Festival to introduce the Automatic Teller Machine. Banking can now take place 24 hours a day. When receiving a demonstration from Tom Jepson and Nancy Kress, customers received a free ticket for a meal and dance on October 29th

Ad: Clarence Clothing & Shoes

1980

     Donald Jr. Hegarty purchases Bill Kirchner’s share of ownership joining Leon Mensing in the Clarence Motor Company. The company sells a full line of Ford cars, light pickup trucks and specializes in heavy truck sales and service. Clarence Motor Company has 5 experienced mechanics, Melvin Riedesel, 34 years, Don Von Muenster, 14 years, Elmer St. John, 9 years, Randy Brown, 4 years and Gene Horman, 3 years. Warren Goldsmith has been partsman for 7 years and Mary Ann Fehling has been the firm’s bookkeeper for the last 33 years.

1981

     On May 2 Gary Oster and his mother Arlene open a sandwich and ice cream shop in the former Phillips 66 station

     Casey’s, a convenience store and gas station, held its grand opening on Friday and Saturday August 21 & 22 on the site of the old Gulf gas station.

     Cake Crafts opens in Clarence in October managed by Helen Lund and her sister Norma Krofon. The business located on the south side of Lombard offers cake baking and supplies, household items and sewing supplies.

Page 202
Picture: Pat Thein of Thein Motors receives the Five Star Service Award. “Five Star” membership is the highest service award a Chrysler Corporation dealer can earn.

Ad: Remington’s Grocery & Meats

1982

     The Rebels Girls’ Golf Team captured the 2nd place trophy at the state tournament held in Atlantic in June.

     June 26, “Save Our Community” group sponsored a Festival Day at the park. Featured events were a Beef Show, Country Store, Senior Citizens, Quilt Raffle, Tug O’War, and wet T-shirt contest. A ham dinner was served at a cost of $3 for adults. This organization replaced the Jaycees and JayceeEttes.

     August saw large amounts of rainfall with many complaints about water in the basements. The Clarence Fire Department pumped 25” of water out of the Legion basement.

     The Legion Hall received a face lift with many Legionnaires assisting with the work in July and August.

1983

     With work anticipated at the Onion Grove Quarry there is concern about remaining graves at that location. Portions of several headstones were available but they had been moved to nearby farm in the past. After much discussion and being unable to find any burial remains, it was agreed that no graves remained in the area.

     In June Greta Havel purchases Clarence Clothing from Henry Thies and names the store “The Clothing Corral.”

     Cheese and butter distribution will be held at the churches for those qualifying with income guidelines.

     Merlin Geadelmann, Brown Swiss dairy farmer, had the top scoring cow “Janet” in the state.

     Dan and Jen Lange purchase Remington’s Grocery and Meats and name it “Lange’s Grocery and Meats”.

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Picture: Clarence-Lowden food service personnel pose behind the serving counter in the new secondary center kitchen. They are, left to right, Bettelou McVay, Minnie Baltisberger, Delores Frey and Millie Muhs

Picture: This photo of the late Mabel Woods was taken outside the Clarence Nursing home in August of 1976. Mrs. Woods was a resident of the home for 10 years. Ad: John E. “Jack” Williams Masonry Construction

Ad: J & M’s Shoppe

1984

     Nov. 1984 - Reagan wins Cedar County in Presidential Race 4609-Mondale 3103.

     Dayton Township approved Reagan by 200 votes. Fairfield also voted Republican 108-48 and Massillon 112-71.

     Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has officially announced its plans to open a discount department store in Tipton. The 34,875 square-foot store will be located on the east side of Highway 38 North. The store will offer 36 departments of general, name brand merchandise at everyday low discount prices.

    Taken from Siftings by Adelia Liercke July 26, 1984 Some of us had the pleasure of observing our town’s Centennial, and now 125 years of Progress (the Quasquicentennial Celebration). If our community can continue to work together as it did during the months of preparation that brought off this event to almost perfection, we can surely predict that we will forge ahead with the same force our ancestors exhibited to get us where we are today. Thanks, Clarence, I’m glad I live here!

1986

     Kensington group has been sewing rug rags to help disabled since ’22. The ladies of the American Legion Auxiliary’s Kensington group collect cotton, denim, and double knits to tear into strips for making rag rugs. The women tear the rags into strips and then, in their special way, fold, and sew the ends. The strips are wound into balls of about one pound each. The balls are taken to Tipton where the rugs are woven to the desired lengths. The Clarence group is one of the few in the area that still makes rag rugs and sends the proceeds to the veterans’ rehabilitation centers and hospitals.

     It was 50 years ago that Dr. Harold Bouschlicher came to Clarence and set up his chiropractic office in his residence at 401 8th Ave. Bouschlicher was born at Wheatland. When he was 14 a dynamite cap blew up in his face causing the loss of eyesight. He attended Braille and Sight Saving School at Vinton where he met his wife, Evelyn. He graduated from Illinois National College of Chiropractic’s just before starting his practice here. His office contains many modern pieces of equipment like a talking blood pressure machine, diathermy, ultra sound, and examination table that reclines automatically. He is especially proud of his working relationship with the medical doctors in the area. The town honored Dr. Bouschlicher and Dr. George Utley on July 24. (See Dr. Utley’s interview in this book.)

     Frahm’s saw mill burned to the ground in a matter of half an hour June 21. Frahm had just listed the business for sale Saturday morning.

     Bob Joslin was named President of the Iowa Farm Bureau. He served January 1986 to December 1987.

     Robert J. Dircks named Pork All-American. He is the third generation Master Pork Producer.

1987

     Taken from Siftings by Adelia Liercke - July 21, 1988. “Remember when telephones were big wooden boxes that hung on the wall with a mouthpiece sticking out in front and a big black earpiece, called a receiver, hung on the side. The ringer bells were above the mouthpiece like a couple of eyes glaring at you. If you wanted to call someone, you cranked the handle on the side, giving the combination of rings, picked up the receiver, putting it to your ear and if someone was home on the other end, you were in business. Every patron had a specific ring. It could be a long ring and two shorts, three longs, two shorts, or any other combination assigned to that patron… If you wanted to call someone out of the local company’s area, you gave one long ring and the office operator would answer. You gave her the area you wanted and she would connect those phones. There must have been ten or twelve patrons attached to one circuit and when you heard another’s phone ring, it was a real temptation to quietly pick up your receiver and listen in. Sometimes they’d even butt into your conversation.

     A 25” Zenith Color T.V. Console model was available for $499.95.

     Oster’s Drive-In had 938 Easter eggs on the tree near their building. They had a Guessing Contest and offered $5, $10, and $20 prizes.

Page 205
Picture: The Clarence Senior Center is proud that the “Clarence Trio” has played before every meeting for the past 13 years. Members are Henry Feddersen, Roger Baldwin and Leora Pruess Picture: Ray McDaniel retired after 37 years as manager of the Clarence phone company. Picture: Dan Chapman, right, joins his father, Paul Chapman, Jr., (left) and his grandfather Paul Chapman, Sr. (center) in serving Clarence as Chapman Funeral Homes.

Ad: Thein Motor Sales

Ad: Christophersen Electric

Ad: Roger D. Freese, Attorney at Law

Ad: Johnson Electrical Services

1988

     The Clarence city council announced the purchase of a computer from Computer Services Company, Mechanicsville. The package cost $3,295. The computer has arrived at the city hall and the clerks are currently being trained to operate it.

     In June, temperatures hit 101 degrees with bare ground temperature as high as 153 degrees. There was only .02 inches of precipitation. We reached the 100 degree mark 4 times in July with July 31 setting a new record with a high of 104 degrees. We have seen the mercury reach the 100 mark 9 times during August, a new record. It is the driest weather since 1934. On August 25, the drought ended.

     Emma Kammeyer dies at the age 107. She is believed to be the oldest living person in the history of Cedar County.

1989

     This edition of the Sun-News was printed with soybean oil based ink instead of the usual petroleum based ink… There are said to be many advantages to the use of the ink, but the price presents a big obstacle… ”The most important aspect of the soybean inks is the fact that we are using something we can provide for use right here in the U.S.”

Page 206
Picture: Clarence, we’re glad you are here” are the words new residents are greeted with along with gifts from the local businesses, pamphlets and brochures explaining what is available in the area. The original greeters were Bonnie Hunwardsen and Arlene Krafock, pictured above, along with Joyce Coppess and Judy Leeper.

Ad: Claney & Corbett Ad: Hair Country

Ad: Crazy Horse Saloon

1990

     CAEDG - Clarence Area Economic Development Group forms to bring new business to town. The group purchased 15 acres on the west end of town for future developments. Roger Freese is elected president of the organization.

     Elda Licht heads up the Cedar County Volunteer Services. She matches volunteers to help with the needs of individuals.

     Basic 911 emergency is now available to all subscribers of the Clarence Telephone Company both rural and city.

     The C-L Rebels Boys Track team scored 26 points at the State Track Meet in Des Moines finishing second in class 1A under coach, Scott Mahmens. Their practice track is the streets of Clarence.

     Iowa Governor Terry Branstad declares Cedar County a disaster area in June after Mother Nature dumped 7”-10” of rain in the area creating widespread damage to roads, bridges and cropland.

     Custom Shirt Tales opens business in the building formerly located in the Ray Doermann Agency. The business operated by Penny Mizaur and Bryce Taylor custom designs T-shirts, hats and jackets. The couple also operates the Crazy Horse Saloon.

     In September, Sunshine I is held to raise money for charities. The event was organized by Ed Biegert, UCC interim minister and St. John’s members. Activities include 10K biking, running and walking events, a 1K children’s fun run, a wheelchair race, food and entertainment.

1991

     The Clarence Lowden and Lincoln school boards met throughout the year to discuss whole grade sharing.

     In June the Clarence City Council starts a mandatory recycling program to reduce volume at landfills. Prior to recycling 20-22 yards of garbage was hauled to the transfer station. Once recycling began this amount was reduced to 5 years per week.

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Picture: Karen Dennis and Barb Gritton plant marigolds in barrels along Lombard Street to emphasize the CAEDG’s theme “Go for the Gold”
Picture: Gov. Terry Branstad, Roger Freese, President of CAEDG, Mayor Mike Ellingson

Ad: KKD Enterprises

Ad: Pioneer – Robert J. Dircks

Ad: Hunwardsen Equip.

1992

    Wendell Strosahl opens a sports bar called Wendell’s Place after purchasing the bar from Joe Campagna on the corner of 6th and Lombard.

     Delmar Gade’s new business “Shirts and Stuff” opened May 1st in the former Clothing Corrall and Clarence Clothing location. The business specializes in screen printing. Delmar will spend his time on the road selling while his daughter, Lisa Miller, will run the store.

     Larry “Joe” St. John purchased the former Ray Doermann office to open a car repair shop in the rear off Ames Street.

     The Clarence-Lowden School board indicates to Lincoln they are more interested in a complete merger rather than whole-grade sharing.

     Governor Terry Branstad presented a certificate for the Community Economic Preparedness Program. The CEPP Award is presented to a community when they have successfully completed the requirements set by the state department of economic development. Clarence was the 107th community to receive the award.

1993

     The old Ford Garage is converted into a bar by the name of “Prairie Rose” under the ownership of Joe and Patty Hellstern.

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Picture: HAF (Hunters and Fishermen) Club sponsors first children’s fishing afternoon. It was a hot afternoon but 25 boys and girls gathered at Jim Bixler’s pond south of Clarence June 28 to fish. The afternoon was sponsored by the East Central HAF Sports Club. After two hours, the weights of the fish caught were totaled. The top four places received a cash prize. The kids were then treated to hot dogs and pop furnished by the club.

Picture: Elda Licht, Clarence, coordinator of Volunteer Services of Cedar County, accepted the Governor’s Award of Outstanding Service from Governor Terry Branstad in a ceremony in April in Clinton. She was nominated by the Department of Human Services.

Ad: Clarence Telephone Co.

1994

     Researchers at Iowa State University are conducting a study of changes occurring in Iowa’s rural communities. Clarence is the community selected in Cedar county. The 150 households in Clarence receiving questionnaires were selected at random from the telephone directory. The information obtained will be used to measure rural Iowans’ opinions and attitudes about community life.

     Beginning June 19th, all long-distance calls must include the area code or the call will not be completed.

     9-1-1 is here! All residents of Cedar county can now dial 911 for an emergency response from area law enforcement agencies, fire departments and ambulances. When the 911 call is received at the sheriff’s office, the caller’s address, phone number, and fire, ambulance, and law enforcement agency will appear on a computer screen.

1995

     New Lagoon Proposed. The proposal is to build a three cell controlled discharge lagoon to replace the existing plant. The lagoon will provide 180 days of storage for the highest wet weather flows recorded. Two new pumps, each with a pumping capacity of 400 gpm will be installed. This will avoid any need to bypass during extreme flows. This project will be funded by a $111,000 Community Development Grant, local funds of $139,000 and potential state funds of $477,000.

     The Edna Zybell Library has received a box of audio books. These are excellent to listen to in the car on a long trip. The library had an open house in July to feature their newly remodeled rooms.

     “Balloons and More” is opened by Kathy Robinson in April.

     Wabash had an open house at their new facility on Nov. 17.

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Picture: Roger Freese
Picture: Clarence Family Medical Staff, l to r: Lauri Scott, Jen Lange, Ed Gehrls, Vickie Irons, Karen Bachman

Ad: Ham & Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry

Ad: Clarence Park Day

1996

     The Clarence Family Medical Center has moved to their new location at 411 First Ave. The new facility offers a wider range of health care services, providing the community with a comprehensive state-of-the-art medical center. This new facility is a cooperative venture between the Clarence Nursing Home, the city of Clarence and St. Luke’s Hospital.

     The Clarence Nursing Home will host an open house to celebrate its recently opened south wing. The 5,000 sq. ft. area includes a new dining room, a private dining room for resident’s family gatherings and board meetings, a new kitchen, laundry facility and 2 private resident rooms.

1997

     Children attended the combined Bible School of St. John’s UCC and the Methodist Church from Aug. 4-7. A Biblical marketplace was constructed on the church lawn, including a well made from mud bricks, bakers selling flat bread, and a basket shop.

    Roger Freese was named recipient of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 1997 Personal Achievement Award for MDA’s Eastern Iowa Chapter. Roger is involved in the Cedar County ARC, Founding Board of Directors of the Cedar County Workshop, Advisory Committee of the Tipton Group Home, Cedar County Bar Association and the Clarence-Lowden School Board. He was also the founder and president of the Clarence Area Economic Development Group. Roger had lived in Clarence all his life. He is an attorney-at-law and Cedar County Magistrate. He and his wife, Mary, have 2 sons, Eric and Paul.

    Clarence Cooperative Co. introduces Cardtrol Plus. The new system is much easier to use and will now accept most major credit cards and fleet cards 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

    Dale Torpey, president of Community State Bank, announced that the Bank has purchased 3 acres of land from Lorence Thien on the east side of Clarence. The land will be used for a housing development. There will be approximately six 100 foot lots in the development. It is anticipated that the lots will be fully developed and ready for houses to be built by May 1.

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Picture: The Clarence Cemetery Board establishes an Avenue of Flags honoring the veterans. The flags flew the first time on Labor Day weekend.

Picture: “Can Man”, Gib has ridden thousands of miles around town, mainly on old bikes he has spruced up, picking up cans for pocket money.

Picture: Clarence was named a Tree City USA recipient and presented the award by Governor Terry Branstad. Accepting the award were l to r, Larry Anderson, Kim Venner and Pat Hasenbank. Since 1996, under the Trees Forever Program, several hundred trees have been planted in Clarence.

Ad: Balloons & More

Ad: Lange’s Grocery & Liquor

1998

     Looking through this observers window (editor of Sun), it is concluded that more women and girls appear downtown in slacks that in skirts. Years back, that was frowned on, but not now. Men won’t accept articles for wear that are unhandy and … this paragraph was not finished in the book

1999

   & The Clarence Visioning Committee received the Rookie Award at the 29th annual Iowa Community Betterment Recognition Day.

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Picture: Shawne Koch, Lexi Hoffmeier and Lindsey Niermeyer proudly display the state championship.
Picture: King Kelly has led kid games at Festivals for over 25 years

Ad: Bingo, Legion Hall

Ad: Leeper Construction

Ad: Cedar Valley Interiors

Ad: Al Christophersen

2000

     For the third year, Clarence was named Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The “Welcome to Clarence” signs were erected and dedicated.

     Oster’s Drive-In closes their doors after 20 years of business. A unique feature of the business was a crab apple tree decorated with up to 5,500 plastic eggs in the spring.

     2000 was quite a year for North Cedar athletics. Five athletes signed National Letters of Intent to further their athletic careers in college which were, Shawne Koch, Ranae Pruess, Brad Schneider, Ryan Kedley, and Jamie Cavey. The North Cedar boys’ basketball team coached by Pat Kedley advanced to the state tournament but were defeated by the eventual state champs, Ft. Dodge St. Edmonds, 48-45, in the quarterfinals. The boys track team advanced 5 events to state led by Ryan Kedley, placing 1st and setting a new state record of 47.43 in the 400 dash. Andy Kahl and Kristina Carson placed 2nd in the state Co-ed Golf Tournament.

     The biggest thrill for North Cedar came in March when the girls’ basketball team, coached by Mike Bixler, was crowned Class 2A state champions with a win over Council Bluffs St. Albert by a score of 49-45.

2001

     In April a new storm siren was erected to signal the threat of a tornado.

     In June the city purchased its own garbage truck and recycle trailer to begin their own service on July 1 once the contact with Waste Management expires.

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Picture: A tornado on July 20 caused severe damage to buildings and crops north of Clarence including this damage at the Ron Hasselbusch acreage

Picture: Seated: Todd Thein, Bonnie Hunwardsen and Russell Dircks. Standing: Mike Bixler, Don Wadsworth, Noel Mast, Mayor Mike Ellingson and Pete Kanakares

Ad: Frog-e’s Croak-e Inn

Ad: Wanted: volunteers to help paint

2002

     Forty-three people spent the summer painting a mural on the west side of the building at 507 Lombard. Dedication of the mural was held August 2, 2002

    North Cedar bond issue to build elementary school in a central location was defeated.

    High winds on March 8 caused damage at farm homes west of town.

    July brought heavy rains and this had many residents complaining of water problems.

    The town council made a motion to go house to house and check on sump pumps and down spouts due to water infiltration into the sewer lines.

    The town council met with DOT officials to discuss the rerouting of Highway 30 around Clarence. The effects on the city of the proposed route were emphasized.

    Farmland has reached a new high of $2516 per acre.

2003

     The Edna Zybell Library hosted the First Lady of Iowa, Christie Vilsack. She toured the library, visited with patrons about books they were reading and then read a book to the children present. April 24, 2003

     The Clarence Cooperative is no more. Effective March 3rd, the 84 year old coop merged with River Valley Cooperative of Walcott and assumed that name.

     On the evening of January 23rd a small plane made an emergency landing northeast of town. There was minor damage to the plane but the passengers were unharmed.

     Dedication of the park bench in front of city hall to all past and present Clarence City employees and volunteers who have made Clarence grow. July 12, 2003.

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Picture: Moving a corn crib three miles to the Merlin Geadelmann farm following a fire on his farm Picture: Christmas carolers at City Memorial Park. People strolled the downtown district and enjoyed the Open Houses at the businesses.

Picture: The baby animals at the 4-H Petting Zoo were a big hit with the youngsters who attended the Lincoln Highway Festival at the Clarence City Park.

Ad: Blessings

Ad: Carlene’s Cut and Curl

Ad: B&B Bakery Café

Ad: Busy Bee Preschool

2004

     Hot Lunch Menu: Monday: Cheddarwurst, corn; Tuesday: Cheeseburger macaroni, spinach; Wednesday: Pork chopette, Mashed potatoes, beets; Thursday: Chicken patty, broccoli & cauliflower; Friday: Taco, fresh vegetables. Salad bar is also available at the high school and middle school. Sandwich, fruit and milk included with all meals.

     The Clarence City council broke new ground Monday evening, February 9 when it began televising its meetings live on the local cable channel.

     Following Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, rescued dogs were brought to Iowa for care. Among those administering care to the animals was Dr. Dennis Stresemann.

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Picture: Legion members received Membership Awards: For 50 years – Raldo Horman, Ed Crock, Don Claney – For 60 yrs. – Don Pruess. Other 50 years members: Paul Kirstein, Alvin Becker, Orville Hormann. Robert von Muenster received a 60 year award

Picture: The ice storm on Feb. 23 coated power lines with ice and heavy winds up to 45 mph snapped them like toothpicks. Approximately 30 poles were down on Quincy Ave. south of Clarence.

Picture: Shirley Geadelmann was recognized at the Governor’s 23rd Annual Volunteer Awards ceremony

Picture: New ambulance building east of Clarence

Ad: Kelly Tree Farm

2006

     Cedar county farmland continues to rise. Of the 99 counties in Iowa, Cedar county now ranks 8th in highest value at $3,667 per acre, up from 12th place last year. In 1986, land prices hit a low of $1,105 per acre

     April 1 will mark the first publication of the very first Clarence Community Newsletter. The articles will be focused on the activities that are going on in the community as well as municipal updates and notices. The newsletter is available at the City of Clarence website.

     River Vally Cooperative opened their first E-85 pump on July 27. For the open house E-85 fuel was being sold for $1.75 a gallon with a 30 gallon limit.

     The Clarence Holiday Walk of Homes will be the first big fundraiser for the newly formed Friends of the Edna Zybell Library. The tour will include the homes of Brian and Becky Bergmann, Kenneth and Marcia Richmann, Merlin and Shirley Geadelmann, Bob and Pat Reese, and Levi and Jen VanOort.

2007

     The Clarence Lincoln Highway Committee, in conjunction with the Clarence business community, is starting brand new tradition. They will be hosting the Christmas in Clarence celebration at the American Legion Hall. The festive event will coincide with the Friends of the Zybell Library Holiday Home Tour. There will be a movie for children, Festival of Trees, a visit from Santa, a soup and sandwich supper, cookie walk, caroling, official downtown lighting ceremony, horse drawn rides through Clarence to see the lights, and a Trivia Tournament. “Be sure to take a drive down Highway 30 to experience a true hometown holiday.”

     Weather is an issue all year.

     Jan. 11 – This is the latest date for a first snowfall since January 7, 1940. Reliable snowfall records go back to 1890.

     Mar. 1 – Ice Storm hits eastern Iowa (See “Where Were You When - article)

     We have had the warmest October in 36 years, and the 3rd warmest in past 48 years.

     The Clarence Ambulance Volunteers Association Inc. announced the Clarence Community Ambulance Building is now up and running at 122 Lombard St. The ambulance and equipment were moved into the new facility May 28. A 30 x 40’ concrete surfaced heliport is located in the rear to accept air ambulances. A 58’ tall radio tower has been installed.

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Ad: Clarence Sesquicentennial

Ad: The Energy Crises of 2008

Ad: These items are a necessary part of our daily lives

2008

     Both the political parties had hotly contested primary races which began in 2007. Iowa managed to keep their “first in the nation” caucus position, and on January 3, 2008 the gym at the Middle School, and the City Hall were filled with voters. Although Iowa Democrats chose Senator Barack Obama, local caucuses chose Senator John Edwards. Eventually, the Democratic race came down to a choice between a woman, Senator Hillary Clinton, and an African American, Senator Barack Obama. Obama won the nomination. Senator Joe Biden was his running mate.

     The Republican nominee was Senator John McCain and Alaska’s Governor Sarah Palin.

     In the November election, McClain carried Dayton and Fairfield Townships by one vote 380-379. But Obama was the eventual winner as the nation elected its first African American President.

     Prices for gasoline skyrocketed. The highest price at the Cenex (Co-op) station was $3.899 on June 10. The highest price that Lorna Dewell paid at Casey’s was $3.93 on June 27.

2009

     Television made a major switch from broadcasting in analog signals to all digital. This required that anyone who used an antennae to receive their TV signal had to purchase a converter box. Since this change was mandated by the Congress, the government gave each household two $40 coupons to purchase boxes. Many rural residents also had to purchase new antennas to receive the digital signal. The original date set for the conversion was in February, but so many people were unprepared that Congress delayed the switch over until June. Cable and satellite transmissions were unaffected by the change.

Page 216
Picture: Raymond and Myrtle (Hegarty) Bixler were married on February 14, 1905

Picture: Fred and Edith Lucille (Hammond) Bachman. They were married on Feb. 16, 1924. Edith died in 1936 and Fred married Florence Schneckloth in 1939

Picture: Wedding of Roland and Mildred (Horn) Mingst on January 28, 1945. L to R: Dorothy Horn, Kenneth Meier, Donna Miller, Roland and Millie, Darold Wulff, Dorothy Mingst, Merlin Hulse and Doris Hoffner

Page 217
Picture: The wedding of Robert and Arlynn (Kintzel) Hasselbusch on July 23, 1961. L to R: Bob Miller, Blake Brown, Linda Gordon, Rosalyn Kintzel, Arlynn and Bob, Robert Meyer, Gary Goldsmith, King Kelly and Bill Leighty

Picture: The wedding of Suzanne (Kroemer) and Larry Russell on March 10, 1964. L to R: Mike Buck, Tom Levsen, Fred Sander, Candice (Russell) Hulse, Lynn Ahrendsen, Shelly (Kroemer) Ahrendsen, Denise (Kroemer) Frahm, Suzanne and Larry, Angie Hulse, Lisa Levsen, Barry Dircks, Gwendy (Russell) Phillips, Kevin Geadelmann, Denny Hulse, Britt Sather, Sandy Behrle, and Brian Bergmann.

Page 218
Picture: The wedding of Aaron and Jennifer Koth on December 15, 2001. Back Row (LtoR) Patty Derby, Kyle Koth, Colette Sander (Koth), Dan Sander, Tracey Rosenbohm (Boone), Jen, Aaron, Jennifer Hummel (Wixson), Keith Stewart. Front (L to R) Kris Koth, Curt Stewart, Jennifer Shy, Joshua Epault, Becca Jo Epault

Picture: 100 years of Wedding Dresses – St. John’s United Church of Christ – 2008

Page 219
Picture: H. D. Kemmann and Sons Lombard and Seventh St. 1934
Picture: The Lincoln Highway had a 90 degree turn at Kemmann’s corner, and many trucks did not make the turn.
Picture: A concrete barrier was installed in an attempt to prevent damage to the building. It was not always successful.
Picture: Horses tied up on Lombard
Picture: Diagonal parking

Page 220
Picture: “Bunce” Hoffner’s Pool Hall – 1938
Picture: Lavern Bergmann’s extra corn crib – 1937
Picture: Big straw pile at Frank Miller’s by the threshing machine
Picture: Two type of horsepower on the Dewell farm

Picture: 1935 Girls Basketball Squad. Bottom Row, L to R: Donna Kelly, Selma Kline, Alyce Kelly, Irene Hein, Thelma Harness, Dorothy Kelly. Back Row - L to R – Coach K. L. Benner, Verna Mae Brink, LaVonne Baltisberger, Mildred Stock, Francis Lendt, Myrtle Stock, Honora Sonemaker, Paula Reinking, Assistant Coach

     40 people traveled to Des Moines to watch the girls play. They were defeated in the opening round by Wellsburg 16 – 15. About 400 fans gathered in the school gym to listen to Hans Klatt give a play by play description as he listened to the game on his telephone hook up provided by Bell Telephone Company.

Page 221
Picture: Fred “Snooks” Bentrott’s bus route 1949
Picture: Hawthorne Country School - South of Clarence - 1946. Louise Strackbein Hasenbank, teacher

Page 222
Picture: Dragging the road in 1919
Picture: 2009 tractor owned by Robert Dircks with a global positioning system that allows the operator to navigate through the field without touching the steering wheel.
Picture: Harvesting corn 2009
Picture: Harvesting corn with a one row corn picker
Picture: Farmall M restored by Bill Elijah
Picture: Earl, Bob and Dick Elijah with Fred Luedeman on a poster for the Farm Progress Show

Page 223
Picture: Clarence Community School District Bus 1970’s
Picture: Clarence School District Bus 1920’s
Picture: church
Picture: City Water Works
Picture: School house buses and drivers prior to 1935

Page 224
Picture: 4-H 20 Year Reunion 1980s
Picture: 1991: Bibs are all the rage
Picture: 1993 Student council
Picture: 1986: 1967 Class Reunion

Page 225

Previous Celebrations

Page 227

Clarence to Hold 75th Anniversary Jubilee Aug. 26th
Entertainment for All on the Town’s Diamond Birthday
(Retyped from THE Sun August, 1933)

     When the business men first decided to hold a celebration they did not know that the event would be in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the town of Clarence. Gordon Smith happened to locate the fact and it was immediately incorporated in the plans of the celebration.

     In the fall of 1858 the Chicago, Iowa, and Nebraska railroad, now known as the Chicago & Northwestern railway, was completed to a point just east of the village where it stopped for a time. When the cars commenced to make regular trips in 1858 to Onion Grove (the original name for Clarence) an old car was switched off on a side track and used as a freight and ticket office with Wm. M. Hoey as the first agent. This station was located near the driveway leading to the Henry Pruess farm house. The grove a couple of miles northeast of Clarence still holds the name of Onion Grove and the first post office carried that name and Thomas Robinson was the first postmaster. He conducted the office in his home at the grove and was supplied by the Iowa City, Tipton, and Dubuque mail route. The large quantities of wild onions along the banks of Mill Creek and in the timber suggested the name and telegraph call for Clarence or Onion Grove was made OG and that call still comes over the wire when Clarence is wanted. As the settlement grew the post office came to the village and Thos. Worden became postmaster. …

     The Iowa Land Co. bought from Joseph Ball a track of land that was made the original tract. They also purchased tracts of land from James Laughrey and Daniel Lesley which were subdivided.

     Clarence was named in honor of Clarence, New York at the suggestion of L. B. Gere, one of the od business men of the community.

     The town was not incorporated till 1866. The first meeting of the town board was held on May 8, 1866 when James DeWolf was sworn in as the first mayor. The first councilmen were: C. M. Gilbert, E. B. Simmons, A. W. Boomburg, B. A. Mind and J. Stone. Geo. McLeod was the first recorder, L. S. Knapp treasurer and J. P. Ferguson marshal.

     And so we celebrate.

     Come to Clarence on Saturday, Aug. 26th and enjoy the day. Those who formerly resided here are specially urged to come and enjoy the day in renewing acquaintances and make new ones among those who now make up the town and tributary territory. All will be made welcome and entertainment will be provided in the following:

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PROGRAM

Concert by the Farm Bureau Band 72 pieces, 10 o’clock

Races, 10:30 to 12

Noon hour, 12 to 1

Baseball, Stanwood vs. Clarence, and Kitten ball Lowden vs. Clarence 1 to 4 at school grounds

Concert by the Waterloo Little German Bank at 1:30

Tug of war on street 4:15

Polo wheelbarrow race, 4:45

Old folks’ dance, 4:30 to 6 Free

Parachute jump, 6:30

Entertainment on platform 7, to 8:30

Boxing, etc.

Dance at 8:30

A Merry Go Round will be here to the joy of the kiddies.

Airplanes will be here to do a Passenger business

Three-legged race, first 75 cents, second 50 cents, third 25 cents

Sack race, first 75 cents, Second, 50 cents, third 25 cents

Potato race, first 75 cents, Second 50 cents, third 25 cents

Boys’ shoe scramble, first 75 cents, Second 50 cents, third 25 cents

Fat men’s race, first 75 cents, Second 50 cents, third 25 cents

100 yard shuttle race, first 75 cents, Second 50 cents, third 25 cents

Tug of War, North vs. South $8 to the winners

BOYS’ BOXING – Under 10 years, 11 to 13 years, 13 to 16 years, 17 to 20 years. Three two minutes rounds each bout. $1 to each winner, 50 cents to each loser. Boys interested see Mr. Benner before Aug. 25th

Mickey and Minnie from Cedar Falls will be on the program from 7 to 8:30 and give three dances. Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Cream and Scram, and a Tap Novelty. These girls are not amateurs and have appeared many times in their section of the state in vaudeville.

Page 229

The Big Day
Retyped from The Sun

     The business men of Clarence are pleased that so many responded to the invitation to help the town observe the 75th anniversary of the origin of the village and hope that all will be moved to come again.

     Corn stalks were used for decoration in addition to flags, etc., and the town took on a gay appearance.

     The event was well advertised. Billing was done in 19 towns; through the Farm Bureau it was mentioned in nearly every paper in the county. Hardacre Theater ran a slide and Davenport and Cedar Rapids papers used new items.

     The Cedar County Farm Bureau Band of 75 pieces can be given a generous share of credit for the success of the day. They are liberal with their music and remained longer on the band stand then any professional organization would. By a misunderstanding the Waterloo Little German Band was put on the program for 1:30. They couldn’t get here at that time after their daily broadcast from WMT and the time would have been dull down town during the ball games if the F.B. Band hadn’t continued to lay. Some of the young ladies not used to being in the sun carried to the state fair this week an ever present reminder composed of sunburn taken on at the Clarence concerts.

     The band is an organization of which the county can by proud. It takes able leadership to bring out such music as this band plays and leader F. J. McCoy has the ability to get good results. Clarence really got more enjoyment out of this home band than came with the $1000 band of August 29th, 1919, when the 168th band played here. In numbers the crowd Saturday wasn’t up that day but was as large or larger as any day ever put on in Clarence since the celebrations after the war.

    The results of the races follow:

Boys under 12- Harold Syring 1st, Wilfred Pruess 2d, Wilmer Gehrls 3d

Boys 12-18 – George Nanke, Melvin Steffens, Edwin Decker

Girls under 12 – Virginia Phillips, Virginia Kelly, Leota Goldsmith

Girls 12-18 – Phyllis Bixler, Velma Hartig, Mildred Stock

Men’s free for all- Irvin Hartig, Geo. Nanke, L. T. Pogue

Three legged race – Phil Sweat, Gordon Thompson, Chas. Emerson, Edwin Decker, Geo. Nanke, Irvin Hartig

Sack race – Geo. Nanke, Ellis Yeater, Ralph Stock

Shoe Scramble – Irvin Frahm, Loyal Rathman, Ralph Stock

Fat Men’s race – Walter Benthin, Fred Feddersen, Arnold Kleppe

Shuttle relay race, - 1st Irvin Hartig, R. Harness, R. Schilling, A Felske; 2nd Geo. Nansen, Edwin Decker, James Clemmens, Chas. Emerson

The tug of war between the farmers from the south and those from the north went to the first mentioned.

The ball games were both close enough to hold interest. In baseball Clarence won over Stanwood 6 to 4 and in kittenball Lowden won over Clarence 8 to 3.

    The most pleasing event of the day was the free dance given from 4:30 to 6 o’clock. At first only those over 60 were admitted but this was found too high and the age was put at 50. This did not over crowd the hall with dancers and spectators, and did these older people enjoy themselves? The Little German Band played that familiar old dance music and got ‘em going to great shape. The band members led in singing along with the music and the dancers took up the songs. It was all old fashioned but a big hit. Many danced for the first time in years and surely none of them will ever be included again in a happier or more congenial party. They’ll all tell you the same thing, that they had a fine time but it was too short. This feature will be included in future celebrations. Had the door not been well kept, the intention would have been spoiled. The younger …

Page 230

    The evening dance was also a big success. The sale of dance tickets reached 612, the admission fee being 25 cents per person. The idea had spread some that the Little German Band wouldn’t furnish the more modern music but the dancers all know now that this band ranks well as a dance organization.

    The parachute drop was not satisfactory. The drop was made not perhaps too high but too far away. The depot grounds were filled with spectators expecting the parachute to be cut loose north of the depot. The wind was from the north and the drift would have carried the men free from the greatest menace - electric wires. The drop was started east and a little south of town and the landing made in Wilfred Press’ pasture a mile east and two miles south of Clarence. Jessie Baker of Mechanicsville made the jump.

    The bad plane accident of the Monday before when two men were killed here was expected to cut the passenger business, but still the three planes seemed to be going much of the time during the day and evening. Two of the ships were from Dubuque and one from Cedar Falls.

    On the state the ranking entertainment was that given in the concerts of the Farm Bureau Band. The celebration added for the day a new member of the band, the old major. Traveling in a California car, this old showman came to town the day before and applied for a job claiming to have traveled with Ringling. He knows his stuff anyway and kept up his clowning till the dance was nearly over. His nonsense was wholesome, his knowledge of music was apparent and his work won a return engagement for next year.

    The evening entertainment from the state had the largest audience of the day. The boxing was suitable for the occasion and the Cedar Falls dance team did very well, but the Hartwig sisters had too much competition from the Ferris wheel music so their efforts and talent were practically wasted.

    The results of the boxing matches are given below. Where money is shown as divided even indicates a tie:

Under 10 years – Richard Lane 25 cents, Roger Gintert 25 cents, Bobby Lane 75 cents, Lloyd Meyer 75 cents

10 to 12 years - Orlo Baltisburger $1, Harry Meyer 50 cents

13 to 18 years – James Clemmens $1, Roy Buckley 50 cents

16 to 20 years – Woodrow Stock, $1, Manford Purkapile 50 cents.

Page 238
Picture: Kay (Hasselbusch) Leighty was crowned Queen
Picture: Helen Hasselbusch, Dorothy Kreinbring Emmons, and Alyce Weatherwax wrote the pageant which was given at the park. All now currently reside at the Clarence Nursing Home
Picture: Indian Dancers led by Karl and Bernice Schnipkoweit
Picture: Square Dancers: Lowell and Pat Smothers, Norman and June Bergmann, Milton and Helen Behrens, Howard and Genevieve Gritton.
Picture: A large group from Clarence traveled to Lowden in the Centennial finery to dance and promote the Centennial Celebration.

Page 240

A Letter From the Chairman of the Quasquicentennial      The Clarence Quasquicentennial Celebration (125th Anniversary) is now history and, judging from comments made during the Sunday dinner, it will remain in the memories of many as a big success. As overall Chairman of the Celebration and in behalf of the Central Committee (Don Johnson, Dennis Stresemann, Sue Debner and King Kelly), I would like to thank and name the various people and/or organizations who were assigned committee responsibilities.      Rob and Sue Debner, SOC, Novelty Promotions; Roger Thiele, Gary Mohr, Ray Steinke, Fire Department, Parade; King Kelly, Photography and Video; Millie Mingst, 125th Anniversary Program; Bob Plueger, Jack Williams, Beard and Moustache Contest; Norma Dettman, Margaret Davis, Cultus Club, Old Fashioned Dress Contest; Mary Utley, Kirby Phillips, Henry and Charlotte Klatt, Marcia Kleppe, Anniversary Book; Florence Hunwardsen, Senior Citizens, Windows and Storefronts;      Chris Plueger, Greta Havel, Kiddie Events; Roger Baldwin, Horseshoe Pitching; Carl Kohrt, Larry Licht, Legion and Lions, Parking; Kirby and Sally Phillips, First Aid; Jerry Goldsmith, Lions, Antique Display; Lawrence and Lois Ruther, Joint Church Services; Jerry Goldsmith, Lions, Sunday Dinner; Carl Kohrt, Legion, Opening and Closing Ceremonies; Rosalie Sheldon, Gail Stokes, Community Band; Gary Oster, Sheryl Cooperider, Community Choir; Sonny and Marge Stonerook, Tables and Chairs.      Carl Kohrt, Legion, Beer Garden; Virginia Robinson, Bernita Walker, Janette Brendes, Ruth Hormann, Kirby and Sally Phillips, Churches, Park Boosters, 4-H, Scouts, Food and Refreshment Stands; Carl Kohrt, Sow Riding and Trailer Backing Contest; Jerry Goldsmith, Threshing Demonstration; Rob Debner, SOC, Display Booths; Greta Havel, Raffle Ticket Headquarters; Helen Lund, SOC, Program and Dance Tickets, Adelia Liercke, Central Committee, acquisition of Jerry Carr; Marty Shriver, Central Committee, Hot Air Balloon; Marty Hymes, Central Committee, Dance Bands;      Dennis Stresemann, Central Committee, Sanitation and Park Cleanup; Sally Phillips, Central Committee, Security; Marty Hymes, Central Committee, Posters and Programs, Don Johnson, Marty Hymes, Central Committee, Sound Systems; Marty Hymes, Don Johnson, King Kelly, Central Committee, Queen Contest; Don Johnson, Central Committee, Hot Air Balloon; Marty Hymes, Central Committee, Moon Walk and Skill Cranes.      Of course many other people from the various organizations and within the community, worked together to support the committees to make those 3 days a success. I believe we can no longer say the Clarence Community does not work together.      Two of the events that stand out as exceptional and will remain in the memory of many for years to come, are the Friday and Saturday evening programs and the parade. A special thank you to Roger Thiele and the Fire Department, and Millie Mingst and her crew (Connie Kelly, Karla Chapman and Mary Kay Mostaert) for an outstanding job.      Finally, I would like to thank my family for putting up with the many telephone calls and meetings and to pay a personal tribute to Don Johnson, Dennis Stresemann, Sue Debner, and King Kelly for the many hours they dedicated toward supporting the celebration. They are the Central Committee members whose responsibilities were as follows: Don Johnson, chairman; Dennis Stresemann, secretary; Sue Debner, treasurer and King Kelly, chairman. Although not a Central Committee member, Roger Thiele was instrumental in providing the positive attitude and a lending hand wherever I felt it was needed and furnished the spray which Gene Koth spread to control the bugs. It is difficult for me to find the words to express my appreciation for the support they gave me, particularly during the 2 weeks prior to the celebration. In my opinion, they are the unsung heroes of the celebration and will always remain in my heart as some of the most dedicated and conscientious people I have ever had the pleasure of working with.      Please join with me in congratulating these people the next time you have an occasion to seem them. Marty Hymes Chairman

Page 244
Picture: Paula (Wenndt) Burnett was crowned queen
Picture: The Rouse Family joins the parade and remembers the White Castle Ice Cream Stand that their family had.
Picture: Don Johnson presents Sally Sawyer with the Grand Prize, a 10 day trip to Hawaii
Picture: Left- Bob Hasselbusch drives his family’s John Deere G in the parade
Picture: Right – The Bob Mingst Family rides in their 1933 Plymouth
Picture: down town street