Maquoketa Company–Clinton Machine Company Administration Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Maquoketa Company–Clinton Machine Company Administration Building
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 605 E. Maple St. Maquoketa, Iowa |
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| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Built | 1947 |
| Built by | The Maquoketa Company |
| Architectural style | Moderne |
| NRHP reference No. | 06000712 |
| Added to NRHP | August 23, 2006 |
The Maquoketa Company–Clinton Machine Company Administration Building is a historic building in Maquoketa, Iowa. It is also known as Building #7: Clinton Engines Corporation Administration Building. This special place was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
Contents
A Look Back: The Building's History
How the Maquoketa Company Started
During World War II, a man named C.A. Depue opened a small factory. It was in Maquoketa, Iowa. This factory made parts for machine guns. After the war, he made the factory bigger. He called it The Maquoketa Company. He built a new factory on the east side of town. This building was the office for that factory. It was built between 1945 and 1947.
By 1950, the factory was very large. It covered about 160,000 square feet (15,000 m2). That same year, Mr. Depue sold the factory. A man named Don Thomas bought it. He moved his Clinton Machine Company to Maquoketa. His company had been in Clinton, Michigan. The Maquoketa Company then moved to Clinton, Iowa.
Clinton Engines: Making Small Motors
The Clinton Machine Company made small gasoline engines. These engines were used in many different machines. By 1956, the company was very important in Iowa. It was the tenth largest employer in the state. In 1958, the company changed its name. It became Clinton Engines Corporation.
Many farmers started working at the factory. They would work their shifts and then go back to their farms. Don Thomas later sold the company. It was bought by an investment group from New York City.
Clinton Engines made motors for many things. This included washing machines and chain saws. They also made engines for outboard boat motors. Their engines were used in industrial fans and lawn mowers too. The company even won a special award in 1966. It was called the President's "E" Award. This award was for their success in business.
Challenges and Changes
However, the company faced money problems. The new owners did not give Clinton Engines enough support. The company had to file for bankruptcy. This means they had serious financial difficulties. Clinton Engines was then sold to a new investor. His name was Martin Hoffinger. He ran the company on a smaller scale.
Over time, the company became even smaller. It only made spare parts for engine repairs. By 1999, only about 35 people worked there. The factory building was in bad shape. It closed down that same year.
In 2000, the factory property was given to the city of Maquoketa. The city tore down the old factory buildings. But they kept the office building. Today, the Jackson County Historical Society uses the building. It is home to the Clinton Engines Museum. It also has a research library and a program center.
Building Design: Streamline Moderne Style
Unique Architecture in Maquoketa
This building is known as Building #7. It is a single-story building made of brick. It also has a full basement. Employees of The Maquoketa Company designed and built it. They used a style called Moderne. This style was popular in the mid-20th century.
This building is the only one in Jackson County built in the Moderne style. It has simple lines and smooth, rounded shapes. The main entrance on the north side is rounded. The corners of the building are also rounded.
The Building's Setting
The building sits on a 5-acre (2.0 ha) piece of land. It has always had a park-like area in front of it. The factory used to be right behind the office building. In the 1950s, the property had many evergreen trees, shrubs, and flowers. These plants were removed over the years.
