THE TERRA COTTA EAGLE MADE IN CLAYTON, WASHINGTON, FOR OUR STATE ARMORY SOON WILL BE HOME AGAIN.

There will be a lull in the action while waiting for winter to pass. Our society members are laying the ground work for the Eagle’s permanent home. It will be at the corner of HWY 395 and Railroad Ave. Here at the entrance to Clayton sits the CLAYTON DRIVE IN. Present plans are for the Eagle’s aerie to be adjacent to HWY 395 along the east boundary of the parking lot.

This panoramic photo was taken January 17, 2010, by author and photographer Jeff Lilly. The Eagle will rest somewhere below where it is suspended in mid air, ready to pounce, when the final decisions are made.

De Pelan, Editor of the Loon Lake Times included this article in the latest edition. Thank you, De Pelan!

This is an entirely new concept designed and Engineered by Knight Construction, General Contractor of Deer Park . Jim Knight has offered to build this pedestal to a height of our choice, set & secure the Eagle. CDPHS will vote on and announce the winner at our Sat. Feb 13th 2010 meeting.

Old Glory in all it's GLORY.

This last concept will probably be our Military's favorite. The Lettering will be either wood or metal and professionally manufactured. This is as close as we can possibly come to replicating the Eagle’s original perch on the old Armory. Time will tell. Every day we make progress. One item is out of our control, County building regulations.

Within a week there will be a totally new concept developed and engineered by none other than Jim Knight and his team. The photo above will remain as is until the actual design is revealed for all to see.

A proposed brass plaque by Jeff Lilly listing those that are instrumental in making this giant endeavor a reality. An anonymous donor paid the entire cost of this brass plaque to be attached to the Eagle Pedestal to honor those that made this impossible endeavor a reality. Clayton finally won a battle.

This is WW II Veteran, Frank Richards. Frank & his Granddaughter Amanda O'Connell now live in the Smith River, CA, vicinity. They wrote to ask about a war buddy from Clayton and Deer Park by the name of Leonard Renner. They wanted to know what had become of him. Frank & Leonard were members of the 376 TH Bomb Group in the Army Air Corps. They were ball turret gunners on a B 24. They were on different aircraft but in the same Squadron. Leonard and he were close friends. Frank recognized Leonard the second he saw his graduation picture on our Website. Frank, through his Granddaughter Amanda O'Connell is in touch with Karen Renner Meyer, who has been bringing Frank up to date on his old Buddy. Unfortunately Leonard passed away in 1995. Frank has to be 84 at least. Frank made it home and so did Leonard. He because worked with your Webmaster at the Clayton Brickyard in 1948. Is it any wonder our encounter with the Eagle is so precious to us, Veteran or not?

Two Veterans re-united. These two Army Air Corp young men did not serve on the same B 24 but were both Ball Turret Gunners in the same squadron. It seems the B24 was so ugly it was Beautiful. It literally bristled with fire power.

WW II Army Air Corp B24 Ball Turret Gunner Frank Richards.

The question begs to be answered, 'Where do we get such men' Thank you Karen Renner Meyer & Amanda O'connell for your contribution to an endless story of our Military History.

The United States Armed Forces. Mr. & Mrs. American Eagle.

It has been rumored to have been 1905 when the Washington State Armory was built. According to the reverse side of this CowCard postcard a Baptist Convention was held here in 1907.

Sharon Clark the CDPHS Publications Editor, with the knowhow 2nd to none, uncovered an actual Spokesman Review photograph and news article. The original State Armory was built in 1905-1907, then remodeled extensively in 1922 at which time the Eagle was added to the all new Washington State Spokane Armory. Thank you, Sharon Clark.

The National Guard pays tribute to the Eagle, June 8, 1983, at its home at Geiger Field, Spokane, WA.

CDPHS President Bill Sebright and Vice President Rob Higgins look with an Eagle eye on our benefactor number one, Mr. Jim Knight as he admires his thank you gift of a very appropriate pure Silver Eagle Dollar. Jim Knight, Randy and Taffy Long are the true benefactors to whom we will forever be indebted.

This Silver Eagle was presented by CDPHS to Jim Knight, Dave, Doug & Ken Knight. It was also given to Taffy & Randy Long as well as Bill Sebright for services rendered above and beyond the call of duty. This was a proud moment for not only the recipients but for CDPHS as well.

While preparing our National Emblem for the final leg of its journey, our Society was presented with a brass dedication plaque by the 161st Washington National Guard. We are adding another feature sure to draw the attention of most everyone. An identical size 30 X 18 Bronze plaque is being cast explaining the life of the Eagle from the Terra Cotta Plant in Clayton, WA, in 1922 till its return in 2010. Who was responsible for the return home? The Washington National Guard was the one and only benefactor for which no one can or will ever dispute. Mr. Jim Knight of his company Knight Construction, Deer Park, Washington, was solely responsible for the trip back home and mounting the Eagle for the enjoyment of all Americans on the premises of the Clayton Drive In owned by Taffy and Randy Long. The Longs are also providing the surrounding the decorative landscaping. Bob Clouse was granted acknowledgment by the CDPHS for spearheading the drive to bring the trophy home. He is most grateful for the honorable mention.