CUBA CITY—The sidewalk in front of the Presidential Courtyard along Main Street was filled with people for the dedication ceremony on April 29 for the Cuba City State Bank Clock. A crowd of approximately 70 people circled the newly-hung clock along Main Street to thank those who assisted with fundraising and fixing the historical timepiece.
After a long history with the city, a brief absence of the clock showed the community just how much they missed it. A committee raised the funds to re-establish the clock, with some much-needed maintenance, in Cuba City’s downtown.
Donna Rogers, president of the City of Presidents organization, led the ceremony. She especially noted Matt Schweigert and Schweigert Family Farms for a monetary donation that assisted with the refurbishment of the clock.
“Your contribution to the community was very much appreciated and helped make this all possible,” Rogers said.
She also mentioned American Bank and Mound City Bank as well as Bill and Lenore Wimmer for their generous contributions.
The committee that organized the clock project included Joanie VonGlahn, Arnie Alt, Pat and Donna Rogers, Jerry and Patty Holt and Stan Ellis as well as advisors Bob Schink, Gary Droessler, economic development director Bob Jones, former economic development director Taylor Gronau and mayor Tom Gile.
Rogers recognized the following businesses for assisting with the project: First National Bank of Darlington, Gracious Glass, Cuba City Collision, Luke Droessler, Bill Kessler, Reggie Droessler, Bob Simon, Belken Construction, George Morrissey and the city crew, Cuba City Police Department and Signs to Go.
Gile made a brief speech at the ceremony.
“The idea of bringing the clock to Main Street came from our dearly departed Bob Schink,” Gile said. “I’m sure he’s here with us today and so proud of the clock being back on Main Street. Bob spent many hours promoting Cuba City and today is a perfect example of how volunteering helps the community.”
Gile stressed the importance of volunteers in Cuba City.
“Cuba City needs volunteers and there’s no better example of volunteers than what this has done for Cuba City,” Gile said. “I received many, many comments about how it looks.”
The ribbon was officially cut by Kathy Schink, Bob Schink’s daughter, and VonGlahn.
“You know the old saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child?” VonGlahn said. “It takes a city to raise a clock.”
The Cuba City High School class of 2016 class officers presented a time capsule with citywide memorabilia to be stored in the clock for the next 50 years.
Rogers is selling bricks to place around the base of the pole holding the clock. The bricks will honor past employees of the Cuba City State Bank. Thirteen have already been purchased.
For more information, contact Donna Rogers at 563-599-0098 or rogersdmr51@gmail.com.
