Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Three Stars Plaza

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, April 21, 2019

1. Three Stars Plaza Marker

Inscription. This circular park plays off the musical significance of the neighboring Surf Ballroom and honors the legacies and final performance of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson on February 2, 1959. The monument was built and dedicated in 2011 and features and Art Deco inspired central spindle holding three 45 records in a position "Ready to Play." At night, the monument is beautifully lit with bright blue neon lights around each of the records.

Erected 2011 by City of Clear Lake.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 2, 1959.

Location. 43° 8.401′ N, 93° 23.456′ W. Marker is in Clear Lake, Iowa, in Cerro Gordo County. Marker is at the intersection of N Shore Drive and 7th Ave N on N Shore Drive. Marker is located one block east for the Surf Ballroom in a park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 474 N Shore Dr, Clear Lake IA 50428, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Surf Ballroom (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Buddy Holly • Ritchie Valens • J. P. Richardson (about 300 feet away); Civil War Memorial

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(approx. half a mile away); Iowa and the Battle of Pleasant Hill (approx. half a mile away); Clear Lake in the Civil War (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Clear Lake in the Civil War (approx. half a mile away); Vietnam Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Clear Lake Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clear Lake.

Also see . . . Three Stars Plaza Dedication. (Submitted on April 29, 2019, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota.)

Additional keywords. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, April 21, 2019

2. Three Stars Plaza Marker

Three Stars Plaza image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, April 21, 2019

3. Three Stars Plaza

Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2019, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 260 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 29, 2019, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.