{"product_id":"a-great-cloud-of-witnesses-memories-of-the-early-20th-century-cedar-rapids-ia-paperback","title":"A Great Cloud of Witnesses: Memories of the Early 20th Century, Cedar Rapids, IA - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eLaura Muntz Derr\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Great Cloud of Witnesses\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e presents \u003cstrong\u003eoral history memories\u003c\/strong\u003e of the \u003cstrong\u003eearly 20\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e century\u003c\/strong\u003e in a Midwestern community. In the 1980s, the Cedar Rapids Public Library and Junior League of Cedar Rapids interviewed nearly 100 community members about their memories. The voices have much to say to us today. They speak with resilience and optimism of their lives and relationships in \u003cstrong\u003eCedar Rapids \u003c\/strong\u003eduring the tumultuous early years of the 20\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century. We are truly surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe oral histories cover \u003cstrong\u003eimmigration, early industries, tragic industrial accidents, downtown businesses, the Depression\u003c\/strong\u003e and its effects on banks and the economy. Memories spotlight the contributions of \u003cstrong\u003eCzech immigrants, African Americans, and strong women \u003c\/strong\u003eto the cultural fabric. They uncover the origins of schools and hospitals, the transformation of communication with early radio and television. Voices share iconic memories of Brucemore, the impact of Grant Wood and his art, the rise of community theater, the Cedar Rapids Symphony, and the public library. Ten chapters profile individual lives; seven expand on events and institutions viewed through the memories of those who experienced them. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey give us a glimpse of a time when people made community through hardship, sacrifice, and perseverance, a time when people created fun out of nothing and endured whatever came their way. And took care of each other through it all. We need to hear these stories again. They hold hope for the future of our American communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 338\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.76 x 9 x 6 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e November 12, 2021\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51783814021408,"sku":"9781087988214","price":15.1,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0974\/9764\/5344\/files\/f9863ac04d049b985cb140c4b8bfbe74.webp?v=1780595032","url":"https:\/\/ebocreations.com\/products\/a-great-cloud-of-witnesses-memories-of-the-early-20th-century-cedar-rapids-ia-paperback","provider":"The E-Book Oasis LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}