Fay Marvin Clark (1907–1991) was a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist best known for founding Hiawatha, Iowa. Born in Iowa, Clark became a visionary in developing affordable housing and fostering a family-oriented community. His innovative approach to housing included building trailer homes and multiplex properties, including a duplex that he personally lived in. Remarkably, this duplex featured a bomb shelter capable of accommodating up to 40 people, reflecting Cold War-era concerns and his commitment to safety.
In 1946, Clark purchased 240 acres of farmland north of Cedar Rapids and meticulously planned Hiawatha as a residential community focused on affordability and quality of life. His dedication to family values extended to his steadfast prohibition of beer taverns within the city, a unique guarantee during the town's early years.
Clark's contributions to Hiawatha and his efforts to make housing accessible left an enduring legacy. Today, he is remembered as a man of vision and principle, instrumental in shaping the city’s identity.

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