Cedar Falls

In 1952, Cedar Falls, Iowa, celebrated the centennial of its founding with parades, contests, food, and fun. The city had grown from a village with a stump—filled Main Street into a shining example of post–World War II America. The city's diversified economy provided opportunity to thousands through large employers such as the Viking Pump Company, Clay Equipment, and Iowa State Teachers College. Thanks to the foresight of earlier residents, the city had its own hospital and utility company,...