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Clive Historical Society Realizes A
14 Year Dream
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In 1989, a committee of mostly Clive Festival Members came together to
consider the fate of the Clive Depot. It didn't look like much. It had seen
many structural changes during the one hundred plus years that it sat on the
corner of 86th Street and Swanson Boulevard. "Why even bother about this
worn out structure?", was asked by many skeptics and head shakers. The
answer is that it represents the HERITAGE of who we are in this community.
One of the questions that had to be considered was, "What are we going to do
with the building?" Of course, no one knew. At the time, it was thought that
the building would be moved directly across the street from the original
location. There could be no parking and it would be featured for those who
could park elsewhere and walk to the "postage stamp" sized MEMORIAL PARK.
One of the suggestions was a diorama theme. Windows could be decorated to
represent Clive History and the ultimate goal of saving the Clive Depot
could be realized. Like all projects, the plans underwent many changes.
Acquisition of the depot would take five years and much would happen in the
following years.
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Tonight, the Clive Historical
Society, the Clive Chamber of Commerce and the City of Clive host the First
Holiday Open House, announcement of the process for the 86th Street corridor
revitalization project, and the
inaugural presentation of the new Clive Living Guide.
With this event, the realization of the "Diorama Theme" is presented for the
first time. Two of the three structures in the park are now ready for window
viewing. The future for the Depot is indeed secure. Four windows look into
the waiting room, the stationmaster office and the freight room. Within are
featured a young family waiting for the next train. The stationmaster is
conversing with the father about time schedules and tickets and the mother
is taking care of their baby. Both the waiting room and stationmaster office
represent the late 1880s. The freight room is the general museum room for
the community and has no specific time period. It's just "for fun."
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Members and or Volunteers are
needed to let us open the buildings to the public. If you would be
interested in helping with this project, please contact us at mailto:mrslrs@aol.com |
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MEMBERSHIP FORM |
Page 2
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The General Store has two large porch windows
for window shopping. At this time the storekeeper is decorating a Christmas
tree and the room is decorated for the holidays. The year of representation
is 1915 (the store was open from1911 - 1929) and is the time period being
researched for the store. Featured within the store is our mascot Grandpappy.
His name is Clarence Clive and as our historian he has been around for many
years telling stories that just have to be heard.
Mannequins -- Found on the Internet.
The most recent purchases for the Historical Society have been the
acquisition of one animated and four stationery mannequins. The first one
purchased was for the general store. She was actually used in a store in
Georgia in 1911. Since that is the year of the opening of the Swanson Store,
it seemed appropriate that she should be part of our "staff." Considering
her age, she is in very good condition. She was sold to us by a gentleman
who purchased her from a family owned store that was closing. The three
mannequins in the depot are new and found their way to Clive, Iowa via
Dallas, Texas. Grandpappy also has a Texas heritage, but he actually arrived
in Clive from Oregon. His former job was to entertain and talk about
paintings in an art gallery. For the last three years, he has been retired.
The seller had just put him up for sale the week we were looking for
mannequins. We were delighted we were able to acquire him.
The baby in the depot is a 40+ year old doll donated to the society for
display. Her heritage is totally Iowan and the family has been in Iowa for
over 130 years. Without donations, we would not be able to tell our story.
We are very grateful for all those who have given their support over the
last 14 years to this project of remembering Clive History. In light of the
events of 9/11/01 we must NOT FORGET.
We are who we are because of where we have been. |
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Current
Board Members and Officers.
Jim Emery, President
Les Aasheim, Vice President
Sharon Aasheim, Secretary
Linda Shanks, Treasurer
Karen Leibold, Brick Walk, Chairperson
Marilyn Daniel, Store Representation Research
Don Dory, Depot Representation Research
Special Member Recognition to Pat Hendricks for his interest and
assistance with the Rail Road "Special Events" for this years
open house.
E-mail … for more information
clivehistoricalsociety@msn.com |
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Members and or Volunteers are needed to let us open the buildings to
the public. If you would be interested in helping with this project,
please contact one of the Board Members or send e-mail.
E-mail … for more information
clivehistoricalsociety@msn.com |
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