Richardson looks to bring history alive at the library

by Marianne Gasaway

Cindy Richardson is a firm believer that curiosity sparks learning.

“Our outlet was blown up!  What? Why? Who?  Are you curious?” Richardson asks with a chuckle.  

Richardson is the newest member of the Clear Lake Public Library staff.  After almost two years, the History Room at the library has reopened with Richardson there to assist the public.  She welcomes visitors to the History Room Mondays, 10-3 p.m.

Richardson succeeds H. Duesenberg, who managed the history room for 15 years.

“I am not H. Duesenberg’s replacement.  He is not replaceable,” she firmly stated. “He is a Clear Lake treasure himself and will forever be our historian.  It has been the privilege of a lifetime to be mentored by H.”  She credits Duesenberg with guiding the library’s collection of historical artifacts and sharing the subjects and stories which are local lore.

Like Duesenberg, who officially stepped down last year, Richardson came to Clear Lake as a youngster.

“I am a second generation American.  My family immigrated from

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the Netherlands to Pella.  We moved to Clear Lake when I was in fourth grade,” Richardson explained.  My dad was an avid outdoorsman.  I fell in love with my new hometown immediately on adventures beside him and my brothers.”

Richardson calls herself a proud alum of Clear Lake High School.   

“Many things have happened since then, but the fact that I’m an extreme history geek remains constant.  History is alive and vibrant! It surrounds us. Our homes, what we hear, what we had for breakfast, the jobs we do, and how we choose to play all stand on  the shoulders of history.”

Since getting started in her new post Richardson has already begun to delve into a few interesting subjects.  The first came as a request from a person interested in researching wooden grain elevators.  She reached out to Farmer’s Cooperative in Clear Lake, as well as its former manager, for direction.  A visit to the co-op allowed her to take photos of their bins, which are now clad in metal.  Information and photos from other local bins were also obtained and scanned into the library’s extensive historical data base.  

“We really don’t want physical items, or collections, but we would love to scan them into our system or capture them through a narrative,” explained Richardson.  “I think physical treasures fall more in line with the local Historical Society (which is working to ready a new home for its collections).

Richardson’s other current project is collecting information  about the Clear Lake Bakery’s slow pitch Butt’r Top team.  She welcomes input from those with information.

Richardson said she also has a strong interest in ancestry and would enjoy helping others research their family trees.  

The Clear Lake Public Library offers use of an Ancestry site free of charge and once introduced, users can easily navigate the system.

“Come with your computer or use ours,” invites Richardson.   “We’ll help you find the story of your family.”

As a general safety practice, admission to the History Room at the library is limited to two persons at a time.  Although drop-ins are welcome, Richardson encourages appointments so that she can focus exclusively on the visitors’ interest.  Call 641-357-6134 or email [email protected].

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