Even as this small piece of land has passed from hand to hand, generation to generation, it has remained an integral part of the community. |
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The History of Soaring Eagle Nature Center 1840 the Fanger family moved from Ohio to homestead. The forty acres was given as a land grant to the Fangers at this time. The land was passed down in the Fanger family for more than a hundred years. 1949 the property was purchased from the Fanger family by Charles A. and Mary Holm. Charles established "Eagle Point Stables" where purebred Palominos were bred and groomed. Charles had owned and operated two restaurants in Clinton from 1938 Chuck's Sandwich Shop at 114 Main Avenue (currently a bank parking lot) The Porthole at 72 Main Avenue (currently vacant) Restaurant employees and family members enjoyed many get-togethers at "The Farm". There would be wonderful parties and picnics that included horse-back riding and hayrack rides. Riding classes were held at the stables, and horses could be rented for $1.25 and hour. There was a merchandise shop in the north side of their home featuring riding equipment. (state where the home was located on the property) Richard Holm, the son of Charles Holm, was proud to become the chief stable boy at the age of 12. In 1956 Charles Holm passed away, and his lovely wife passed away shortly after in 1960. 1972 the property was sold to Clinton Park Board by Richard and sister Marylea. February 22, 1972 Clinton Park Board grants EPNS a perpetual certificate of incorporation from the state of Iowa. The initial intent was to provide the public with a self-directed learning experience through the use of live, native animals.
We hope to develop the grounds around the Nature Barn into what people expect to find at a nature center: trails with informational alcoves, self-guided learning experience in the center, weekday or weekend events and activities available to the public, and guest speakers on varied topics.
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