No sightseeing stops were planned on our way back to South Carolina as The Writer was anxious to get back to work. But when an indicator light began flashing and the tires were checked it was apparent that we needed help. The nearest town was Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Both of us went to college in Iowa (not the same college and not at the same time) and we both had some hazy memories of sports matches (tennis and volleyball) at the college in Cedar Falls.
While our tire was being fixed we decided to take a walk in the beautifully restored downtown.
The old Cotton Theatre, which opened in 1910 to bring traveling theater companies to town, was recently restored at a cost of $1.2 million and renamed the Oster Regent Theatre. It once seated 1,000 people which must have been a good share of the population of Cedar Falls at the time!
When movies became popular, the theater was purchased and turned into a movie theater.
I love the prairie style architecture, squat and solid, with subtle but beautiful details.
This was a 3-story department store with offices above, now housing several small shops and apartments.
Once a bank, now a fitness center.
Fun benches offered rest and conversation but it was too cold to stop.
The Black Hawk Hotel has continuously been a hotel since 1853.
It started out as a wood frame stage coach hotel, went through several name changes and grew larger, becoming the Black Hawk in 1918.
We enjoyed our walk and in an hour our tire was fixed and we were on our way south again.
Posted with Blogsy
I really like when towns repurpose buildings. That Jeep bench is unique, but I bet it gets hot in summer!
ReplyDeleteGreat solid buildings that look like they will be around forever. That looks like a lovely little town to pass some time while waiting.
ReplyDeleteWe drove through Iowa once on our way to Colorado. All I remember is cornfields. Really enjoyed your photos.
ReplyDeleteOh goodness! I'm sorry you had a car event on the road. Glad to know it got resolved in a short time. What an interesting statue outside the theater. I like it. Loved the peek at the architecture.
ReplyDeleteMaking lemonade out of lemons!! You covered lots of territory during your forced hiatus with lots of historical evidence. Loved your comments about Laurie H, Salted Woman#10 posted yesterday.
ReplyDeleteThat tire knew that you needed a walk around old haunts. I'll bet it was good to see the old town.
ReplyDeleteThe buildings are very similar to european style nice small town
ReplyDeleteThe buildings are very similar to european style nice small town
ReplyDeleteI do like the buildings and the streets are wonderfully clean in your photos which are indeed a pleasure to look at.
ReplyDeleteI like the building designs and looks like a very nice place to walk and enjoy the great view of the town.
ReplyDeleteThose are very pretty buildings, Im like that style. Great you had an unexpected opportunity to look around!
ReplyDeleteA good insight into the buildings of Cedar Falls. Fortuitous that you had to stop in such an interesting town. I've just returned from my visit to the USA and will try to get my photos posted soon. Another page opens in your life now.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been wonderful t to revisit old haunts. Certainly an enchanting place for a stroll.
ReplyDeleteOh my! What a wonderful place. I love the JEEP bench.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful looking town; love all your photos Cynthia.
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