Glimpse history through old images of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
A Book of Old Pictures
This booklet illustrating Cedar Rapid’s landmarks was rescued out of a box of old photos and postcards found in a house in Huxley, Iowa back in the 1980s.
Recorded on 16mm film in December 1940 and January 1941, the Downtown streets of Cedar Rapids are bustling with people and vehicles.
Historic Cedar Rapids Iowa – TheKiDFoX on YouTube
Explosion! 1919
May 22, 1919 saw one of Iowa’s worst industrial accidents, as the Douglas Starch Works suffered a huge explosition just as the switchover between day and nights shifts was taking place.
44 people died, and photographers recorded the serious damage done to the factory and local houses.
Cedar Rapids History: Telling the Douglas Starch Works Story – Brucemore Site on YouTube
Downtown 1940
Note the Salvation Army’s sign asking for help to provide Christmas dinner,s toys, clothes and fuel to help the needy.
Downtown Cedar Rapids Iowa December 1940 & January 1941 – Oculas9 on YouTube
Downtown 1962
Visitors to Downtown in Chrsitmas 1962 were greeted with bright overhead lights and a glittering array of exciting shop windows.
Downtown Cedar Rapids Iowa December 1962 – Oculas9 on YouTube
