It took five years to gain possession of the depot through negotiation with Norfolk Southern Railroad. It wasn’t that they did not want us to have it, in fact they were trying to give it to us, but the legal departments within the railroad were horribly slow. Actually, that worked to our advantage as we really had no place to move it as was required by the railroad. If it wasn’t moved, it would be taken down. Unfortunately, it also caught on fire and sustained substantial damage during the time we were waiting to gain possession of it.
Built in 1882, it was the cornerstone for the community of Clive. Trains came and trains went. Lots of trains. Freight, mail, cattle, produce, and passengers made their way through the doors of the Clive Depot.
See and hear what it was like living in Clive Iowa in the early 1900’s.
If you want a live personal or family tour send us a request for information
School Groups love this experience. See history and have a class picnic!
Professional and Civic Groups can use the site for meeting or a special event. Just contact us at (515) 229-6855 to make arrangements or to get planning information.