Clayton

Village of Clayton

Clayton Has Much to Offer

The Village of Clayton is located on Hwy. 63 in the southeast corner of Polk County. Incorporated in 1909, Clayton has a population of 561. The village is located within the Town of Clayton. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 3.2 square miles of which 3.1 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water.

The Village of Clayton hosts a variety of opportunities within its community and the surrounding area. As the “Home of the Bears,” the Clayton School District is nestled in this small community about one-hour northeast of Minneapolis. It is comprised of a 4K-12 school building with approximately 400 students and 47 certified staff members. The Clayton School District has an excellent staff who cares a great deal about the students’ intellectual, emotional and physical development. The primary mission of the staff members is to help students develop the necessary skills and strategies to be confident life-long learners and to be productive in a global world.

The Clayton Village Board is very proactive to opportunity. Industry, manufacturing, retail and commercial businesses are located throughout the area. The vision statement of the Village of Clayton is, “To enhance small town atmosphere and continue to provide updated, quality services to support growth and opportunities.”

A recent large addition to the wastewater treatment plant provides modern utilities for residents using the water and sewer department’s services. An active industrial park and TIF district encourages development and is available for businesses looking for a place to grow.

Year-round events, festivals, and recreational activities take place in Clayton and the surrounding area. ATV, mountain bike, and snowmobile trails thread through the area, with maps available locally. Lake Camelia, Lake Magnor and Moon Lake have a mix of public boat landings, picnic areas and public docks.

Community history

Like most communities in northwestern Wisconsin, it was the loggers who first settled in Clayton. They found the greatest stand of white pine trees in the world waiting to be harvested. In 1874 the railroad arrived, making its way northward through many logging camps including Clear Lake, Summit, Pineville and Richardson. The end of the line was at the large sawmill located at what is now called Lake Camelia on the west edge of the Village of Clayton. The lumber company, Humbird and Rogers, operated the mill and owned most of the land surrounding Clayton.

Clayton Rogers was the boss of the mill and reputed to be an excellent manager and capable of the work of 10 men. Mr. Rogers was a veteran of the Union Army in the War Between the States. He was an officer of the 6th Wisconsin, which was one of the divisions of the famous “Iron Brigade.” He was in many battles, including the Battle of Gettysburg in which he performed invaluable services. On the first day of the battle his delaying action against the Confederate forces enabled the Union Army of the Potomac to march to Gettysburg and participate in the battle. In recognition of Clayton Rogers’ great accomplishments, the village was given his first name.

Another notable pioneer of the village was Worthy Prentice, also a Civil War veteran. Mr. Prentice was a surveyor who mapped out the village. He lived in Clayton most of his life. The main street through the village is named Prentice Street after him. Dairy industry

Following the lumbering era Scandinavian, German and Russian families settled the area and eventually went into dairy farming. The area became known for many small creameries and cheese factories. The Clayton Cooperative Creamery was purchased by Stella Cheese Company in the 1930s and became a producer of fancy Italian cheese, which was shipped throughout the entire nation. During the 1960s the factory produced blue cheese and became the largest producer of blue cheese in the world. The Clayton Lions Club promoted the Village by proclaiming it “The Blue Cheese Capital of the World.” The Wisconsin Dairies Cooperative purchased the cheese factory during the 1980s. Today it is known as Foremost Farms and is a producer of pizza cheese for America’s most popular fast food. Strong educational traditions The first school in Clayton was established in 1876. In 1914 the school included a four-year high school and was headed by F.M. Robey, who was the principal of the school for 50 years, retiring in 1964. The Clayton School in 2000 dedicated its second major addition in 10 years. Clayton residents are very proud of the excellent school system and have always been supportive of exceptional facilities and programs for area youth. Community events

Year-round recreational activities take place in Clayton and its surrounding area. Richardson Sportsman Club celebrates winter with its annual ice fishing contest on Lake Magnor in February. We celebrate our annual town festival, Clayton Cheese Days, every summer over Father’s Day Weekend in June. Early June sees the local Rickety Chickety group’s sale of a collection of eclectic, historical, and re-purposed items for viewing and purchasing.

Labor Day is busy for the Clayton Fire Department, which sponsors a Tractor and Truck Pull event for the benefit of a local child or family with a young child or children.

Fall sees our area churches active with community eats and treats, including the Silver Creek Lutheran Church’s soup and sandwich.

For more information and specifics on area events please contact Village of Clayton office at 715-948-2460 or visit villageofclaytonwi. com.