Clarence's Corner Project

Current Donations = $41,531.81

Clarence Mentgen "The Popcorn Man"
Groundbreaking Ceremony April 16, 2008
After the groundbreaking ceremony, Cornerstone Construction begins work on the site preparation.  The planter area will be refurbished and readied for the bronze sculpture.

For Information Contact:
Gene Meisner 970-522-0888

Logan County Commissioner Gene Meisner is spearheading a project to replace a local landmark, the Clarence’s Corner popcorn stand on the Courthouse Square. A fully operational popcorn stand will be built and donated by local contractor Gary Schlenz. Other businesses which have pledged to donate either labor or supplies to the project are: D & J Electric, B & J Plumbing, and Country Gardens.

The second aspect of this project involves a commemorative bronze statue of Clarence Mentgen affectionately known as “The Popcorn Man” to local residents. The statue will be located on a refurbished planter area where the brick and tile planter is now located on the northeast corner of the Courthouse Square. Clarence Mentgen operated a popcorn stand at the corner of Third and Main Streets and downtown Sterling for over 40 years.

Total cost of the project with donations and in-kind contributions is anticipated to be in the neighborhood of $65,000. As the initiator of the project, Logan County has budgeted $10,000 in the 2008 budget for this project. Following is a list of contributors to the project. 

The project will be complete in time for the Logan County Fair in August, 2008. If members of the community would like to contribute, donations can be sent to Clarence’s Corner Project Fund, Attn: Gene Meisner, 315 Main Street, Sterling, CO 80751.

List of Donors to the Project as of April 29, 2008

Gary Schlenz/John Wernsman  - Build Popcorn Stand
Mead Lumber - Furnish Material for Popcorn Stand
D & J Electric - Furnish Labor and Materials Electrical
B & J Plumbing - Furnish Fountain Labor and Materials Plumbing
Country Gardens Nursery - Furnish Labor and Materials Landscaping/Design
Kim Delgado - Furnish Paint for Popcorn Stand
Eastman Brothers - Furnish Popcorn Sacks, Oil, Salt for Dedication Ceremony
Signal Graphics - Furnish 6' Popcorn Bag Sign for Money Gauge
Larry and Pam Carlson - Furnish Clarence’s Corner Rubber Stamp
Northern Colorado Paper Company - Furnish Paper Hats
Landmark Construction - Furnish Concrete Slab for Popcorn Stand
Cornerstone Construction - Furnish Dirt Work for Site
Sterling Ready Mix
Kuntz Pump and Well
John Bostron - Blue Prints

Arden Nelson and family have donated original popcorn machine and sign from Clarence's most recent popcorn stand.

Cash Donations: