Three years ago at the annual Clear Lake Township meeting the idea of creating a Clear Lake area history book was discussed. The town board agreed, and today that idea is close to reality.

 

Interested in history himself, lifetime Clear Lake resident Bud Stimmler accepted the challenge, and along with a core group of five others, has been bringing the book to life piece by piece. Now they’re looking for the community’s help to complete the project.

 

Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. there will be a meeting in the basement of the Clear Lake Township Hall for anyone wanting to be a part of the project. For those that aren’t able to make that date, Stimmler will also be at the township hall Saturday (Feb. 6 )from 10 a.m. to noon.

 

“You don’t have to be a lifetime resident of the area to help,” said Stimmler. “Anyone interested in history is welcome.”

 

During the meeting the group will be reviewing what the author has completed to date, identifying pictures, and discussing what still needs to be added. Future meetings will also be determined.

 

The history book committee is also looking for the community’s help in providing interesting articles, stories, photos, and anything else that may be pertinent.

 

Stimmler stressed that these items don’t have to be 100 years old; they’re looking for material from the beginnings of Clear Lake to present day.

 

“We want the book to be interesting, fun to read, and most importantly we want it to be accurate,” Stimmler said. “That’s why we need everyone’s help.” 

 

He realizes that people are often leery about joining committees, but asks that everyone come in and just add their two cents. “You can be involved as much or as little as you want,” he said, “We just need more people to help. Attending the meeting doesn’t mean that you’ll be assigned to something.”

 

During the meeting Stimmler will be able to make copies of articles and photographs that people bring in so they won’t have to leave them behind. All the information they gather will be put into the computer and catalogued, so even if it isn’t used for the history book it will be available for future use.  

 

“We want everything people are willing to share,” said Stimmler. “The more we have the more we have to draw from.”

 

The goal is to have the Clear Lake area history book completed and ready to go by January 2017, and he’s pleased with the progress the author has made. “Now it’s up to us to do the rest.”

 

For questions, ideas or more information on the Clear Lake area history book project, contact Bud Stimmler at 320-761-5793 or bogie375@gmail.com.