Community is eager to give Santa a new Clear Lake home

If Santa Claus has his own “wish list,” surely a new house in Clear Lake would be on it.

Santa made a surprise visit to the Lake last week to check on the progress of a new home being built so that he can greet children more comfortably this holiday season.

“Santa arrived aboard the Ahren’s Fox fire engine and saw us hard at work,” said Gene Madson, chairman of Clear Lake’s Christmas-By-The-Lake celebration. “He thought it was very nice and he’s looking forward to using it.”

Madson said the roof and siding at Santa’s old house was in disrepair. So, rather than replace it, he approaches some Clear Lake businesses about building a new one. Response was so overwhelming, the house project is being built at no cost to Santa.

“Major sponsors for the project-- Woodford Lumber and Home Company and Farmer’s Lumber, donated all materials for the project,” explained Madson. “Then others offered their materials and labor, as well.”
Lawrence Fredriksen, Glen’s Tire and Midwest Wheel joined forces to create a frame so that the house can be transported to City Park. Jacobson Electric donated electrical materials and labor to wire the building, Wilcox Furniture supplied flooring, and Larson Manufacturing gave a door. Kramer Hardware provided paint and suplies to ready the house. Lake Fireplace and Spa has given Santa a fireplace, and Larson’s Mercantile and the The Red Geranium will help to make the house more “homey.”

Others helping to make the project a success include: Greg Hampton of Cabinet’s Etc., Keith’s Sanitation, Clear Lake Parks and Recreation Department and Chamber of Commerce. Owners of Cabin Coffee and The Backyard Deli made sure Santa’s helpers were well fed during Thursday’s work day on the house.
Madson said the 12x12 house, with a four-foot porch out front, was 90 percent complete after last week’s work day. The work continues this week to ready it for placement in City Park about Nov. 15. Santa moves in for regular weekend hours and, of course, the big Christmas-By-The-Lake weekend Dec. 1-2.
“The people willing to help build Santa’s new house have been just unbelievable,” said Madson. “I know other towns pull together, but this was really something special. It means the world to have so many willing to pitch in. The kids in North Iowa-- and Santa, will really enjoy it.”

In addition to the business donations, the following contractors supplied labor and expertise to build the Santa house: Al Ashland, Slim Meints, Everett Shill, Bill Walker, Ron Loudenburg, Doug Grimm and Tim Simmers.

Also providing manpower was: Gene and Bobbi Madson, Russ Young, Mike Finnegan and Jeff Nelson.