The popcorn stand has been a part of Clarksville for many generations. Cecil and Lulu Lowe started the business back in 1930 as part of Grapp's store. The stand has been relocated 7 times through the years. The original building was replaced in 2013, when it was moved to it's present location at Pioneer Park in downtown. The Lowes sold the business to sisters Arlene Klunder and Gladys Stobbe in 1977 after running it for 47 years. The sisters had the business for 29 years. The David Kelm family ran it for two years before the volunteer fire department operated it from 2008 until 2019 to keep the tradition alive in Clarksville. Starting in 2020, the stand is now a community venture, with volunteer from throughout Clarksville helping to staff the shifts. A committee oversees the operation, with all proceeds at the end of the season donated to various community projects. The menu is simple. Fresh popped popcorn with warm real butter on top. No other seasonings, or fancy presentation....plain and simple, but oh, so good. Customers come from miles around on weekend evenings to enjoy one of the few remaining popcorn stands you will find in Iowa.
