Presidents Day 1996

Clear Lake had its own Presidents Day on February 10th 1996.

The hectic days leading up to President Bill Clinton’s visit to Clear Lake Farmers Coop were full of unusual happenings. Employees who went to their daily coffee groups were told that the FBI had been there asking questions about them. The elevator was asked to move in several train cars to block the open highway. No less than 18 phone lines were run to the COOP. FBI agents with trained dogs searched the building and site from top to bottom, including the inside of the pop machine. Sharp shooters perched on the roofs and throughout the neighborhood.

Glen Brady, COOP manager, greeted the president and escorted him in to begin the tour. If it was awkward at first, that soon vanished. Glen related; “Bill saw the popcorn and grabbed a handful. That put everyone at ease. From then on it was like giving my brother a tour of the elevator.”

The president was was informed about the farming industry and the corn market. He showed interest and curiosity. But what the people who met him that day recall the most was his warmth and inviting personality. As Glen concluded, “He was just as common as any one of us.”