The Honorable H. F. Dircks,
Mayor of Clarence,
Clarence, Iowa
Through Congressman Fred Schwengel, I have learned of the 100th anniversary of Clarence and it is a pleasure to join in the celebrating of this event. Over the past 100 years, with enterprise and cooperation, the citizens of Clarence have built a fine community. In this tradition your new Park will make a fine and useful symbol. Congratulations and best wishes.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
LOOKING FORWARD
During the year of 1957 numerous people of the Clarence, Iowa vicinity became aware that a Centennial for our town was approaching in 1959; so in March 1958 at a meeting of the Clarence Commercial Club, Chairman Richard Kemmann brought up the idea that a committee of local citizens look into the topic. As a result a committee was appointed under the direction of Paul Chapman. The work of this committee resulted in the announcement of a general public meeting of all individuals who could come and also representatives of the church, fraternal and civic and educational bodies in and around Clarence.
This general meeting of April 29th developed into the Clarence Centennial Association; composed of individuals representing the various organizations in and around Clarence. An organization was formed as the Clarence Community Park Association; Merlin Hulse, president; G. C. Wallace, treasurer. After due consideration the assembled general committee voted to conduct a Centennial Observance for the 100th year of existence of Clarence, Iowa by having an historical pageant on the night of July 31st and August 1st, with a public dedication of our recently acquired 12 acre park, which was purchased from Miss Carrie Stanlake, G. H. Goldsmith and Mr and Mrs. Ray Steege located at the west end of the Clarence City limits.
It is the wish of the Centennial Committee in general to develop this park area so that young and old may bring their families and friends to enjoy the park with its increasing usefulness to all. Our purpose in building the park is to commemorate the past 100 years, by building towards an enjoyable gathering place which will be a growing memorial.
A THANK YOU
To the committees, their helpers and everyone who so cheerfully worked to establish the Clarence Community Park.
Merlin Hulse, Chairman
Richard Kemmann, Vice-chairman
Glen Wallace, Treasurer
Raymond Doermann, Secretary
Our Home Town
This is our Home town, with its wide shaded streets;
A neighbor's “hello” to whomever he meets
the general store with some item for all
And a place for a visit, we well recall.
Achievement's thrill brings joy to each heart,
while in sorrow or loss our friends bear a part.
Sometimes, it is true, there is heard a sharp tongue:
these are humans, not angels, we live among.
The pall of snobbishness, envy and greed,
Can cause carelessness to another's need;
while a smug content with things of this earth
Can curtain awareness of Spiritual Worth.
But we know our Home Town has souls as great
As those that dwell in a city's estate;
While great events occur right here
Such as birth and death, with their hope and fear;
There's the bloom of a rose, the rise of a Star.
God bless Home Towns – wherever they are!
Irma Young Paul
