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Clark Gable Museum to celebrate film star’s birthday Saturday

T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM THE CLARK Gable Museum in Cadiz will hold the annual birthday celebration of the Hollywood star from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

CADIZ — The Clark Gable Museum will celebrate the Hollywood actor’s 119th birthday this weekend. The celebration is slated from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the museum located at 128 Charleston St. in Cadiz.

William Clark Gable, one of the screen stars of the movie “Gone With the Wind,” was born on Feb. 1, 1901, in Cadiz. The original structure where Gable was born was demolished in the 1960s.

In 1984, “The Clark Gable Foundation” was formed to preserve Gable’s memory and in hopes of inspiring tourism to the village and the county. The organization’s first goal was to erect a monument on the site of the actor’s birth place. In 1998, in part to many “generous donations,” a house was erected that what would later be known as the Clark Gable Museum.

Museum Executive Director Nan Mattern said the center has not only been celebrating Gable’s birthday since opening in 1999, but also for many years prior.

“We try to celebrate his birthday every year, or if it falls on a weekday — we’re not open on weekdays — we’ll have it on the weekend,” she said.

Mattern said the commemoration will include birthday cake, coffee, music and a tour of the museum.

“We always have cake and coffee and something to celebrate. We also give tours. People can sit around and tell stories about the past and stories of Clark Gable. We try to honor him every year,” she said.

Mattern said 150,000 people have toured the museum since opening a little more than 20 years ago and more than 100 supporters are expected to attend the birthday festivities.

“People still remember the movie, ‘Gone With the Wind.’ They like to share their stories about Clark Gable. … People from all over attend the celebration,” she said.

The museum has several of Gable’s personal items on display, including his boyhood sled and one of his automobiles, a classic 1954 Cadillac.

All are invited to attend the celebration. The cost for admission will be discounted for the party.

“It’s good for the community and good to keep Clark Gable’s memory alive through movies and celebrations,” Mattern said.

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