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 special old building in Maquoketa, Iowa, United States. It is also known as Building #7: Clinton Engines Corporation Administration Building. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. Being on this list means it is an important place worth protecting because of its history.
Contents
Building History in Maquoketa
Starting with War Production
The story of this building began during World War II. A man named C.A. Depue was in charge of a company called Central Steel Tube Company. He opened a small factory in Maquoketa, Iowa. This factory made parts for machine guns to help with the war effort.
After the war, Mr. Depue made his operation bigger. He called it The Maquoketa Company. They built a large factory on the east side of town. The building we are talking about was built between 1945 and 1947. It was the main office for this big factory. By 1950, the factory had grown to be very large, about 160,000 square feet.
Clinton Machine Company Arrives
In 1950, Mr. Depue sold the factory to Don Thomas. Thomas moved his company, Clinton Machine Company, all the way from Clinton, Michigan, to Maquoketa. The Maquoketa Company then moved to Clinton, Iowa.
The Clinton Machine Company made small gasoline engines. These engines were used in many different machines. By 1956, the company was one of the ten largest employers in Iowa. This means they provided many jobs for people in the state. In 1958, the company changed its name to Clinton Engines Corporation. Many local farmers even worked at the factory. They would work their shifts and then go back to their farms.
Challenges and Changes
Later, Don Thomas sold Clinton Engines to a company from New York City. Clinton Engines made engines for many things. These included washing machines, chain saws, boat motors, and lawn mowers. In 1966, the company even won a special award called the President's "E" Award. This award was for their excellent work in international trade.
However, the new owners did not give Clinton Engines enough money to keep going strong. The company had to file for bankruptcy in the same year. This means they could not pay their debts. Clinton Engines was then sold to a new investor named Martin Hoffinger. He kept the company running, but on a smaller scale. Over time, the company focused only on making spare parts for engine repairs. By 1999, there were only about 35 employees left. The factory closed that year and was in poor condition.
The Building Today
In 2000, the factory property was given to the city of Maquoketa. The city decided to tear down the old factory buildings. But they kept the office building, which is the historic building we are learning about.
Today, the Jackson County Historical Society uses this building. They have the Clinton Engines Museum there. It also houses the Jackson County Research & Family History Library. Plus, it has the JCHS Media Arts Center and a large program center. The Clinton Engines Association also uses the building. It is a busy place that helps people learn about the area's history.
Building Design and Style
What the Building Looks Like
This historic building, known as Building #7, is a single-story structure. It is made of brick and has a full basement underneath. The building was designed and built by people who worked for The Maquoketa Company.
Unique Architecture
The building is designed in a style called Streamline Moderne. This style was popular in the 1930s and 1940s. It uses simple lines, smooth shapes, and flat surfaces. This building is the only one in Jackson County built in this special style.
You can see the Streamline Moderne style in its rounded corners. The main entrance on the north side of the building is also rounded. The building sits on a 5-acre piece of land. It has always had a park-like area in front of it. The large factory used to be right behind it. In the 1950s, the property had many evergreen trees, shrubs, and flowers. These plants were removed over the years.
