‘EXPERTS’ WRONG AGAIN! WE DID IT!

The Lady is a Proud Lady again! It took a lot of generous contributors, tons of volunteer elbow grease, skill, and knowledge, some of the finest professionals in the area, a great Maquoketa city government, and a do anything, overcome everything, never quit retired Marine Corps general in the mix - but the proof is in the building. What could not be done WAS done. She has come a long way since that first step away from death’s door in November 2004 for that step began a journey of a thousand miles.

We are especially grateful to Guardian Industries of Auburn Hills, MI whose timely and classy delivery through the middle of Maquoketa of a very generous donation of new glass panes kicked off the positive reconstruction phase of the project and replaced the more depressing negative gutting phase. It was a real morale booster that began the fun phase of the work. Guardian represents the finest of civic-minded industries without which projects like ours would rarely be done. Moreover, their example rubbed off. Alan Buttars, the Boy Scout who for his Eagle Scout project built the flagpole, base, and patio complex is the son of Blake Buttars, a Guardian employee at its glass plant in DeWitt, IA.

OPEN HOURS: Tues through Fri = 10 AM-4PM; Sat & Sun = 12 PM-4 PM. Closed Mondays & holidays.

ADMISSION: General admission = $5.00 (for all - Clinton Engines building & reasearch library and the Historical Museum at fairgrounds); Genealogical Chapter members: Research Library = free, Clinton Museum exhibits = $5; JCHS members = all FREE; Children 10 years of age & under = all Free.

UPCOMING MAJOR EVENT - MUSEUM 1ST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. August 15, 2009 - BIG waffle breakfast (all you can eat) and FREE program. Click HERE for details.

MILESTONES PASSED

Second generation FLAG RAISING EVENT. LEST WE FORGET. Our national flag and the US Government awarded Presidential ‘E’ Pennant earned in 1964 by Clinton Machine Company were restored to their proper places atop the new flag pole built by Eagle Scout Alan Buttars of DeWitt, IA and his contingent of volunteers and the Master Gardeners volunteers lead by Lee Karabin of Maquoketa. On May 23 2009, Alan Buttars was formally presented with his Eagle Scout award and status at ceremonies in DeWitt. It was a tough job WELL DONE! Click HERE

GRAND OPENING!! On August 16, 2009 The grand lady reopened its doors to the public so they can see the ‘second miracle’ that happened on this property. It is a fitting place of tribute and reunion for all of those resourceful people (and their families) who brought about the first miracle so long ago . 

TREE PLANTING. On Saturday, May 22nd 2009 Girl Scout Troop 2230 of the Eastern Iowa/Western Illinois Council planted 25 Colorado Spruce trees along the southern border of the Clinton Machine Co. property. Mitch Gravert of Gravert Apple Orchards lent a great deal of help as did Roy Frandsen of Maquoketa. The planting was coordinated with Lee Karabin of the Jackson County Master Gardeners that has charge of the landscaping design.Scout leaders were Karen Breitbach and Michelle Rolling. The scouts undertook also teh task of watering and caring for the plantings for the next year. Their labors will help not only the grounds and immediate neighborhood but will add to the beauty of Eastern Maquoketa. Click HERE for a photo of the scouts.

SPECIAL EVENT. VINTAGE GARDEN TRACTOR CLUB OF AMERICA ANNUAL CONVENTION
                                                       featuring the CLINTON ENGINES SHOW
At the Clinton Engines Museum grounds, East Maple and South Clark streets in Maquoketa July 31 - Aug 2, 2009. Hours are 9-5 PM each day. Many vintage garden tractors and Clinton Engines and other products will be on display. Show admission is FREE. Museum admission is $5.00. Courtesy of Brad Deery Motors of Maquoketa, the famous Deery Dog mobile hotdog stand with goodies for sale is expected along with many other food items including Schwann’s ice cream products. All proceeds go to the Historical Society to support worthwhile projects. ALL additional donations are welcome and greatly appreciated. Event is sponsored by the VGTCOA and Clinton Engines Products Company and hosted by the Jackson County Historical Society in cooperation with the Clinton Engines Association. Questions about the event should be goto the Historical Society at 563-652-1803 or 563-652-5020.

There is still a big list of to do. Wouldn’t you love to be a part of this exciting project? Alan Buttars, DeWitt in Clinton County became excited and made the resurrection of the flagpole base, and patio his Eagle Scout project. Lately the Girl Scouts and yet another Eagle project at the property has been submitted for approval. Old Clinton engineer Bill Lucky, Fondu Lac, WI, has donated tons of hours worth of his expertise to developing our displays, evaluating our accessions, and continues as our technical advisor. Over 30 major artifacts have been donated and many others are in the works. We invite all, young and old, who have any interest in Jackson County history, Clinton Engines, Corp, its products, midwest industry, or just interested generally in historic preservation and/or history to join with us in this great work. Visit with us for a few minutes and get the feel of the “thunder from the prairie.” Check the Wish List on our museum site to see specific things that interest us - click HERE. Financial contribution is appreciated but anything one can donate in labor or artififacts or memorabilia is also much appreciated.

CHECK BACK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS YET TO COME!