615 1st Avenue SE LINN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1315

[Link] Bulletin Spring 2010
319-362-1501

Hawkeye Area Council to celebrate 100 years of Boy Scouting

The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center is partnering with the Hawk-
eye Area Council to present a temporary exhibit marking the 100th anni-
versary of Boy Scouting in America. The exhibit will open on Saturday,
April 17th and run through June 19th.
In 1910, Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was incorporated in the United
States as a vehicle to serve the growing needs of young people. Six years
later, Boys Scouts of America was granted an official Congressional Char-
ter to serve the youth of the United States. The organization defined its
purpose as developing character, promoting community service, and lend-
ing itself to create traditions and history by teaching young people to make
moral and ethical decisions.
Evidence of Scouting’s arrival in Iowa City/Cedar Rapids dates as far
back as 1910. In the 1950s, the two councils based in Cedar Rapids and
Iowa City merged to become the Hawkeye Area Council. The exhibit
provides an overview of significant events at both the national and local
levels. Artifacts and memorabilia from both the History Center’s collec-
tion and the Hawkeye Area Council office will be highlighted.
In addition to exploring the history of the Boy Scouts of America and the
Hawkeye Area Council, the exhibit will include hands-on activities. Visi-
tors can try their hand at tying various knots and race pinewood cars on a
derby track. Scout groups are encouraged to arrange tours in advance. Exhibit Opening Reception
The exhibit is designed to be of interest to both Scouts and those who have Saturday, April 17th
no prior experience with Scouting. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
During the exhibit, visitors are encouraged to bring canned and non- Join members of the Hawkeye Area
perishable food items to contributed to the ―Scouting for Food‖ drive. Council for refreshments and fun!

Hours to Increase

Beginning April 1st, the Carl & Mary Koehler History Center will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Because of the reduced staff in recent years, the History Center limited its hours of operation to
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Dozens of dedicated volunteers make it possible to welcome the public to the
Center. The History Center is also serving as a host agency for employment programs offered by HACAP and AARP.
These programs provide work experience for individuals who are training for various types of jobs or are re-entering
the workforce. The partnership between the History Center and HACAP and AARP is beneficial to the organizations
involved, the individuals participating in the program, and the greater community. In the case of the History Center,
the addition of these individuals is helping us expand our hours of operation. The Linge Research Library will be open
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and by appointment.
 P AGE 2 L INN C OUNTY H ISTORICAL S OCIETY B ULLETIN

Special thanks to Dick Schultz and

and made their own diaries,
Volunteer Corner and learned about quilting. A
his companions for all their efforts.
By Joyce Webster The Boy Scouts who saw them
big thank you to all our help-
were particularly interested.
ers, Susy Jones and the East
The Volunteer Potluck in
Iowa Heirloom Quilters for present-
Thank you volunteers for February allowed us the opportu-
ing the quilt program in March. If you
stepping up to the plate! Even though nity to finish distributing the re-
have children ages 4-8, be sure to sign
baseball season is not in full swing maining Volunteer Recognition
up for these educational and crafty
yet, our volunteers have been Certificates that were not presented
workshops.
―pitching in‖ where needed to lead all at the Annual Meeting in January.
Lyle Fisher presented a pro-
of our middle school visitors attend- We want to extend our ―warmest
gram on Hans Christian Andersen for
ing the Lincoln Programs. Thanks to appreciation‖ to those who have
History Center visitors in February.
the Front Desk Staff for keeping the given so many hours to preserve the
This program connected to the Victor
materials ready, the helpers oversee- history of Cedar Rapids and Linn
Borge exhibit on loan from the Dan-
ing the students and answering ques- County. The next potluck will be
ish Immigrant Museum in Decorah. A
tions, and to Tom Swenson for por- Thursday, April 15th. Mark your
short film followed the program with
traying Abraham Lincoln in his one- calendars! Come and enjoy this spe-
authentic Danish refreshments. A
man show. Tom will be giving eight cial gathering of volunteers!
good time for all who attended!
performances in one day in early Check out our website
Retired members of the 24th
April. I hope his voice holds out! ([Link]) for
Iowa Volunteer Infantry concluded
Our Memory Makers Work- ―Upcoming Events‖ and ―News.‖
their winter season here at the His-
shops continue to grow in participa- Become a fan of the Carl & Mary
tory Center in mid-March. For sev-
tion. So far participants have learned Koehler History Center on Face-
eral Saturdays they told stories in our
about museum collections and deco- book.
gallery about the Civil War and other
rated family time capsules, took a crucial events that took
peek at several diaries in the archives place in that time period.

Mark Your Calendar

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP

AT SUMMER FESTIVALS
Tanager Place Summer Festival- Saturday, June 5,
Rockwell Sports Complex 400 Collins Rd NE Set up 2:00 to
3:00 p.m., Event Time 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Balloon Glow at
dusk.
Downtown Farmers Market - Saturday, June 19th Dis-
tribute History Center Brochures and tell visitors about our
upcoming activities. Two shifts available: 6:30 to 9:00 a.m.,
and 9:00 a.m. to noon. Thursday, April 15th Thursday, June 17th
Hoover Fest - Saturday, August 7th at West Branch Set up Volunteer Potluck Volunteer Potluck
from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., Event 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., tear Noon to 1:00 p.m. Noon to 1:00 p.m.
down 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Contact Joyce Webster at 319-362-1501 or joyce@[Link] to learn about volunteer

opportunities, potlucks, and other events!
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Nearly 900 Middle School Students Meet Abraham Lincoln

Sponsorship from Alliant Energy Transportation is

making it possible for nearly 900 seventh grade students
to meet Abraham Lincoln this March and April. The
educational program is a perfect fit for Civil War cur-
riculum offered in seventh grade. The program gives
students a chance to experience a direct connection be-
tween learning and the performing arts.
During their visit, seventh grade students interact with
performing artist Tom Swenson who portrays Lincoln.
Swenson has presented his Meet Mr. Lincoln program na-
tionally. During the presentation, students are invited to
take a trip back in time to April 14, 1865—the last day
of Lincoln’s life. As guests of the White House, they will
learn more about Lincoln’s life and circumstances of the Students also discover Lincoln’s ties to Iowa by ex-
Civil War. At the end of the performance, Swenson amining interpretative display panels. These panels
comes out of character to summarize Lincoln’s legacy. were previously part of the Six Degrees of Lincoln
temporary exhibit. Components of this exhibit have
The History Center wishes to thank Alliant Energy been remounted for use during the middle school
Transportation for supporting this program! program.

Mark Stoffer Hunter

Mark Stoffer Hunter has returned to the Carl & Mary

Koehler History Center as Saturday Librarian. In addition to
answering questions and assisting patrons with research, Mark
is scheduled to give walking tours of downtown Cedar Rapids.
Long-time members of the History Center will remember
Mark from his years in the Education Department. His wealth
of local knowledge is evident to anyone who has participated
in one of his walking tours or has asked him a question about a
local event or building.
The first of Mark’s downtown walking tours will take place
on May 22nd from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. These tours will be held on the fourth Saturday of each month between May and
September and will depart from the History Center. In partnership with the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Li-
brary, Mark will lead walking tours of New Bohemia on the first Saturday of the month from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. These
tours will depart from the NCSML Kosek Building. For more information about the New Bohemia tour visit
[Link] or call the Czech Museum at 319-362-8500. The first tour is scheduled for May. Admission for each
tour is $7 for adults, $6 for History Center members, and $5 for children ages 8 and up. An architectural tour for chil-
dren is scheduled for Saturday, June 19th.
Check the calendar of events for upcoming tours with Mark. To reserve a space on a Downtown Walking Tour, call the
History Center at 319-362-1501 or email joyce@[Link].
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Memory Makers
Ages 4 to 8 with an adult

Saturday, April 17th 10:30 to 11:30 am

EARTH DAY – Recycle by turning an old bottle into a
work of art. The workshop will begin with a look at the
History Center’s collection of old bottles and containers.
Kids will decoupage (cut and paste) colorful images to a recycled bottle.
Saturday, May 15th 10:30 to 11:30 am
PAPER BAG HATS – The group will find inspiration in the History Center’s large collection of hats. Each child
will then transform a paper bag into a hat decorated with paper flowers or other designs.
Saturday, June 19th 10:30 to 11:45 am
ARCHITECTURAL TOUR/PAPER BAG BUILDINGS – Join local historian Mark Hunter on a quest for clues
hidden in downtown buildings. Following the tour, kids create a paper bag building. Tour departs from the Carl
& Mary Koehler History Center promptly at 10:30 a.m. Recommended for children 6 and up, accompanied by
an adult. Admission is $3 with a Freedom Festival button, or $5 without
Recommended Donation of $3 per child.
Call 319-362-1501 or email joyce@[Link] to reserve your space.

Upcoming Events

Earth Days: The Seeds of a Revolution

April 19th – 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Join us for a Groovy Community Potluck and Out of Sight Movie Night, Monday,
April 19 at the History Center in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day
shown in partnership with the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency.
Please bring a covered dish to share and your own dishes/silverware. Main dish,
drinks, and dessert will be provided by the Solid Waste Agency. Please RSVP by
Friday, April 16. Contact the Solid Waste Agency at 319-377-5290 or email Stacie
Johnson at sjohnson@[Link].

Mother/Child Learn to Quilt

Saturday, May 8th - 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Quilter Susy Jones will introduce quilting to children accompanied by an

adult and adults who wish to learn quilting basics. The project involves
hand sewing a quilt pattern that can be used as a potholder and given as a
Mother’s Day present. All materials will be provided in a kit. Each kit
costs $15. Reservations are requested for this two hour class. Contact
Joyce at 319-362-1501 or joyce@[Link] to reserve your space.
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Foundation 2
40 Stories for 40 Years

The History Center is collaborating with Foundation 2 on a special exhibit

that will open in July. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Foundation 2.
On July 6, 1970, Foundation II (which was the name until the 1990s)
opened its doors at a small house on C Avenue NE that was donated by Coe
College. Established in 1970 by an ―anti-establishment‖ group of Coe Col-
lege and Kennedy High School staff and students, Foundation 2 intentionally
positioned itself outside the mainstream. Early Foundation 2 staff and volun-
teers made this structure their model.
The 1970s was a period of tremendous social change in which issues like drugs, sexuality, and women’s issues
resulted in mental health needs that were not being met through mainstream providers. Foundation 2 was a behind-
the-scenes place where individuals in need could feel comfortable and understood. Forty years later, that grassroots
spirit of helping others in need still underlies the agency's mission to be a trusted, compassionate resource for peo-
ple in crisis by offering counseling, safety, and support during difficult times.
In celebration of 40 years of services to the Cedar Rapids community, Foundation 2 is exhibiting its history at the
Carl and Mary Koehler History Center. This exhibit will allow Foundation 2 to both increase the community's
awareness of the agency’s services and to reinforce the community's image of Foundation 2 as a vital part of the Ce-
dar Rapids area. One highlight of our History Center display is called "40 Stories for 40 Years." To honor Founda-
tion 2’s origins and some of the people who have been a part of the story so far, Foundation 2 staff has compiled
interviews, photos, and videos of 40 people who have been involved with the agency since 1970. The list of people
includes former clients, staff, donors, volunteers, and board members. Some of the people highlighted in the ex-
hibit include Lois Buntz, Craig Wood, Lu Barron, and Scott Jamieson.
Foundation 2 is proud to showcase its 40 year history of serving the community and is looking forward to many
more years of serving youths, adults, and families in crisis.

George Henry Exhibit

A Lifetime Behind the Camera

Photographer George Henry will share his works spanning the

length of his career. Photographs will be displayed in the confer-
ence room and throughout the building beginning May 28th. The
exhibit will explore themes such as George’s Early Career, Monu-
ment Valley, Coe College, White Water Rafting with the Kenne-
dys, Linn County History, and Recent Adventures in South Africa.
All are encouraged to visit with George during the opening recep-
tion on Friday, May 28th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
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Share your Memories

Corn and Country School

Share your memories and con- exhibit. Submit your stories and In September, the History Center
tribute to the History Center’s up- memories related to corn. will hold a ―Country School Day.‖
coming exhibits and programs. Anyone who attended a country
Whether you farmed, worked at
school or has an interest in learning
On August 28th, the History Cen- a corn processing plant, detasseled
more about country schools is en-
ter will open a temporary exhibit corn, or simply have a favorite
on corn. This exhibit will showcase recipe containing corn, the His- couraged to contact the History Cen-
ter. Stories about country schools will
how corn production and process- tory Center wants to hear from
be compiled, so please share your
ing has changed over the last 150 you. These stories will be com-
years. One section of the exhibit piled into a Visitor Comment memories.
will be dedicated to the many prod- Book in the exhibit. Some quotes All stories should be either emailed
ucts that contain corn today. may be used in the exhibit. Other to history@[Link], or
details may help determine the mailed to the Carl & Mary Koehler
Please help the History Center to
add another layer of meaning to this content of public programs. History Center, 615 First Avenue SE,

Become a Fan Share Your Stories Writing Group

3rd Saturday of every month
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Stay informed about the activities of the Carl & Mary Koehler This is a fun, casual, and non-critical group
History Center by becoming a fan on Facebook. The History of writers. Anyone interested in developing
Center’s page features photos of the exhibits and past pro- their creative writing skills or working on
grams, lists upcoming events, and allows fans to post to discus- their memoirs is welcome to join. The
sion boards. group shares short stories written about the
subject of the month.
A Note of Thanks
By Jim White

Dear Friends,
I want to thank all of you for the support and friendship you provided during my three plus years as Executive Di-
rector. To that end I want to share my comments sent recently to the HC board.
A fitting response to your generosity is echoed in the words of Dwight Eisenhower who said,
―Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in blood of his
followers and sacrifices of his friends.‖
Our volunteers may not have shed blood, but they have made many significant sacrifices and
given continuous support throughout the last three challenging years.
Truly, I have gained the most in the effort.
Jim White
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Schedule Your Next Meeting or Gathering at The History Center

The Conference Room 1200 sq ft The Koehler Classroom 500 sq ft The Atrium Lobby 1700 sq. ft.
Our spacious Conference Room seats 56 The Classroom seats 25 at rectangle Our beautiful Atrium Lobby seats 60 at
at round tables or 100 people, theater tables or 30 people classroom style. tables or receptions of 100 guests. Cater-
style seating. We can provide projection We can provide projection equipment ing and beverages permitted. Podium,
equipment, sound system, internet ac- and wi-fi internet access. Food and piano and sound system available.
cess, programs on Linn County History, non-alcoholic beverages permitted.
stage and lighting. Catering and bever-
ages permitted. Statement of Ownership - The Carl and Mary Koehler History Center is owned
and operated by the Linn County Historical Society, a nonprofit corporation. To
comply with postal service rules, this bulletin is mailed under the Society’s name.
Call Joyce at 362-1501 for Content is written and/or edited by Melanie Alexander and Joyce Webster. Mem-
bers are welcome to submit articles related to Linn County history. Send to 615
details or to make a reservation.
First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 or email office@[Link].

Become a Member or Renew Your Membership

Name(s)_________________________________ Address____________________________________________

City/State/Zip______________________________________ Phone___________________________________

E-Mail____________________________________ (to receive occasional mailings about History Center programs)

Membership Categories: ___ $50 Grandparent includes 2 adults & grandchildren
___ $25 Student for adults with current student ID ___ $100 Century Club
___ $25 Senior Individual for adults 62+ ___ $250 Patron
___ $40 Individual ___ $500 Historian
___ $50 Household includes 2 adults and children under 18 ___ $1,000 Millennium Club

Payment Options— Checks payable to: The History Center or Charge to Visa or MasterCard
Card Number _______________________ Expiration: _____________ Signature: ___________________________
 New Bohemia Walking Tour New Bohemia Walking Tour
Reception Boy Scout Exhibit
May 1st – 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. June 5th – 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Opening
Departs from NCSML Kosek Building Departs from NCSML Kosek Building
April 17th –10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Mother/Child Learn to Quilt
Memory Makers: Earth Day Memory Makers: Kids Tour
May 8th – 10:00 a.m. to Noon
April 17th – 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 19th – 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Memory Makers: Paper Bag Hats
Share Your Stories Writing May 15th – 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Downtown Walking Tour
Group June 21th – 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
April 17th – 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Share Your Stories Writing Group Downtown Walking Tour
Earth Day Potluck &Viewing of May 15th – 2:00 to 3:00 pm June 26th – 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
PBS Documentary Downtown Walking Tour
April 19th – 6:00 to 8:30 pm May 22nd – 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Opening Reception George Henry
Exhibit
May 28th – 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
[Link]
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1315
615 1st Avenue SE
Permit # 358
Cedar Rapids, IA
PAID
US Postage
Non-Profit Org
L INN C OUNTY H ISTORICAL S OCIETY B ULLETIN