Review of
Images
of Modern America: Cedar Rapids, Mark Stoffer Hunter and
Caitlin Treece ISBN 9781467111805
Five out of five stars
As a lifelong resident of the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area,
most of the references were familiar to me. In fact, they caused many memories
to be revisited. The book contains a series of color images with extensive
explanatory captions, which are needed.
The entries are
generally grouped by subject, for example those in industry, churches, schools,
parks, arts, retail and restaurants. There is a powerful theme of dramatic
change, the downtown area was once a vibrant shopping experience, the majority
of the large stores are now gone. Cedar Rapids was once a significant
industrial center, many, if not most of those businesses are now also gone, or
at minimum dramatically restructured.
Yet, the city
survives and thrives, for there are new and different businesses moving into
the area, the spirit of entrepreneurship is still a powerful force in the city.
As can be seen from the images with newer dates.
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