This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Beaches of Cedar Rapids shaped by early river safety plans
In 1904 officials eyed river bathing for safety and the 1912 Ellis Park beach faced waterworks pollution fears. The Gazette argued the water was safe as bathing expanded to May’s Island and a new bathhouse opened in 1912. By 1920 the south side beach surpassed the island venue with multiple bath houses and evolving access.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Edar
Ellis Park
the Gazette
Cedar River
J.F
W.A. Ball
J.D. Blue
Frank Stull
Ed Tuttle
Daugh
Fred Lazell
May’s Island
16Th Avenue Bridge
Josslyn and Taylor
South Side
South Side Beach
Island Beach
Harry Whitfield
Cedar Rapids
Bath House
Municipal Beach
Waubeek
Boy Scout Council
Ellis Bath House
Ellis Boulevard