Acquire


	2000 - The City of Maquoketa accepted the gift of Martin Hoffinger of the 12.5 acre parcel of ground and factory buildings comprising the Clinton Engines property. Refurbishing complications arose, so the City hired Lohmann Excavating & Demolition Company of Hillsdale, IL to demolish the buildings and clear the land. Then work began with the East half of the factory land and moved West.

2001 - By Spring, Dave Lohman’s crew was at the last factory building. Many around Maquoketa began to lament the loss of every trace of the once proud Clinton buildings. The regrets reached the ears of Historical Society President, Asher Schroeder and board member, Bob Sears, by June. An exploratory meeting was held with a few board members and some interested parties regarding the preservation of the Clinton headquarters building. At that meeting the enormity and potential costs of such a project was clearly set forth. JCHS decided to try to acquire the property as a Society permanent home and for museum expansion. The City was receptive and the Society board formally voted to do it. A project


	director was chosen and President Schroeder (L) undertook the last-minute rescue effort.

2002 to 2004 -Through some of 2001, 2002 and on into 2003 there were many and long discussions with the city council, at first over the issue of whether the building was in fact historical (selection as one of Iowa’s ten most endangered historic buildings by the Iowa State Historic Preservation Society resolved that issue) and then over financing and development plans until in late 2002. The City was being responsible in their concern about whether our small Society could handle such a large project. In the end the Council was satisfied we could and voted to transfer the property to the Historical Society. There were legal delay but on November 16, 2004, the City formally transferred the property to JCHS. It had been a long hard road for President Asher Schroeder, but Clinton Engines was saved. Then the hard physical and financial work began and continues to this date. Now we had to prove we could do it the hard way.

Current - It had been a long hard road for President Asher Schroeder, the Society, and the City but the once proud lady was happily given a new life and the Clinton Engines heritage was saved. As Asher insisted, the agreements with the City WERE kept in full. This site has previously been replete with work progress photos and reports to show it. It was a tough road. But we are now nearing that once distant goal. So it is time to change our site focus as we prepare for OPEN HOUSE on August 16, 2008. That will be the new life but the work will not soon be completed as a museum’s work is never done in the real sense. This project is a first phase to keep faith with what founding publisher Bill Swigart of Maquoketa said when the Society was very young - that “the purpose of the Society was to allow our future generations to KNOW their ancestors and HOW they live.” They are quite a remarkable people to meet. Come on over and help us carry on. You’ll be glad you did.


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