09 Dec Clermont Historical Preservation and Revitalization Plan
Restored Clermont Painted Stage Curtain
The Mission of the CHS is to preserve local historical treasures by discovering, collecting and preserving them. The CHS members volunteered their time, conducting private fund raising and assisting as needed with the project. The fourteen members of this society identified the Larrabee Painted Stage Curtain as their number one priority. The 15×23 foot oil-on-canvas painting was donated by former Iowa Governor William Larrabee as a component of the Clermont Public School. The painting is the work of renowned twentieth century artist Theodore Behr. The RC&D wrote grants to help the CHS obtain the funding needed to restore the painting, which was in dire condition. The funding was secured and the curtain restored to its former glory.
Northeast Iowa RC&D also provided planning, grant writing and fundraising assistance to the CHS to help them move forward with work on the historic Burkard Riegel Blacksmith Shop, which was donated to the community in the 1980s when the blacksmith locked the door and left everything as it was. This unique historic site, a treasure for the community is soon to be restored!