Clendenin Dairy Queen (1950s - 2016)

The original proprietor of this establishment was Geraldine Davis who had two sons, Hoyt and Robert Newman. Hoyt purchased the business from the rest of the family in the 1970s. He married Sandy Ryder and had two children, a son, Paul Newman, and a daughter, Angelia Newman. Paul grew up to marry Tina Newman; she was one of three people responsible for handcrafting the menu items daily, along with Lisa Huffman and Donna Kennedy. Hoyt, who was very involved in the community, hired mainly locals still in school needing a job to help keep money flowing within the community. 

This location was the stitch that held the community together; it was a popular place for locals to enjoy lunch. The Dairy Queen was the celebratory venue for any local sporting event, and the spot to watch any town parade. Local business owners used to frequently have meetings outside of this location on peaceful summer days discussing how to make the town better for its citizens. The Dairy Queen was also frequented by the members of the local VFW.

According to local newspapers, people from all over the United States would travel to this location because of the quality of its food. Hoyt said he would overhear truckers on CB radios telling other truckers going by Clendenin that they had to stop and try one of the hot dogs prepared here. According to local workers they have had visitors from Hawaii, Canada, and all across the nation just to try one of their homemade treats. It was the influx of visitors to this location that helped the town stay afloat, bringing in business from all across our nation.

Unfortunately, the location was destroyed in a 2016 flood, ending an era and devastating the community. The building was completely covered by water, inflicting serious damage. There were discussions to rebuild the restaurant, but Hoyt Newman passed away suddenly on May 24, 2018, ending any chances of a reopening. The lot was latter sold to Matics Funeral Home and is currently being used as its overflow parking.

Pierson, Fallon . Clendenin Dairy Queen family recalls legacy lost in floods. June 29th 2016. Accessed December 10th 2019. https://wchstv.com/news/local/clendenin-dairy-queen-ruined-in-floods-family-talks-about-its-long-history.

"Clendenin Welcomes DQ reopening." Clendenin Herold (Clendenin) April 15th 1992. .

THE CLENDENIN LEADER PRESENTS: Living Legend, Hoyt Newman, The Clendenin Leader. Accessed December 10th 2019. https://clendeninleader.com/living-legend-hoyt-newman/.