“Past, Present and Future are synergistic, for our founders are us and we are them and our descendants are us and we them - so forge the links of knowledge that all may know and understand.”
                                             - - Charles Mitchell, BGen, USMC

The largest undertaking in the Society’s history was the acquisition of the dilapidated Clinton Engines Corporation plant site in Maquoketa in November 2004. This company during the middle decades of the 19th Century was the world leader in the production of small gasoline engines. The Society stepped in on the eve of the demolition that already had removed the production buildings from the grounds and threatened the headquarters building. The society has rehabilitated the Clinton Engines headquarters and built a museum on the site. Suitable displays have been and will continue to be developed. A new museum complex will eventually be developed on the surrounding grounds. For more information on this worthwhile project visit our web site at www.clintonengines.com or simply click the button above. You won’t believe what we have already accomplished!

RENOVATION OF PEARSON HALL SPACES

Without regard to the plans for a new museum complex at the Clinton Engines property, the current museum is in dire need of space to properly display our fine collection of old farm equipment. Presently this collection is squashed into our “machine shed” behind Pearson Hall. When the museum moves to the Clinton property, The present Pearson spaces will be reconfigured to allow for more dynamic and interesting displays of our farm artifacts. This also allows us to maintain our important connection to 4-H and the County Fair both of which have strong farm programs.

HURSTVILLE LIME KILNS - HURSTVILLE, IOWA

The Society owns and has completed restoration of the Hurst Limestone Company that was located in Hurstville about 2 miles North of Maquoketa. The restored kilns that now face onto Highway 61 at the intersection with Hurstville Road (on the East) and Esgate Road (on the West). The kilns were the heart of the Hurst operations in early Maquoketa. The kilns were restored through the efforst of the Jackson County Jackson County Historical Society and the Jackson County Conservation Commission. With the acquisition of the Clinton Engines property, the Historical Society now has preservation projects of the 2 leading industries ever to operate in Jackson County.