News Cedar River project gains momentum; nearly half of $60K goal already raised

The informal group of Cedar River enthusiasts has already collected $25,000 in donations toward the Celebrate the Cedar River project, which will include a relief map showing many of the unique historical places along the river.

These people who live near and/or spend much time boating or fishing on the river can identify places like Horse Thief Caves or Mud Creek, and many other spots that were favorite fishing holes or stops between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo for water travelers a century and a half ago.

Yet none of them has yet been able to find the spot once called “Linger Longer.'

The group met for an update on the project Thursday evening at Farmers Savings Bank. They are working with the Vinton Guild of Fine Arts; the Vinton Community Foundation is helping by accepting tax-deductible donations from area businesses and river enthusiasts.

“The project is gathering great momentum,” said Don Eeels. “We are confident it will be finished by fall.”

Bob and Ann Harrison originally shared their idea with Brian Parr and other members of the arts guild. Many of them recently boated from the new Mount Auburn boat ramp to Vinton, identifying and discussing places they have remembered.

The group also hopes to receive more information from others who are familiar with the river. They would like to know more about the history of the Cedar, including its uniquely-named areas, the sawmills, cabins, and button factory and other structures.

“This group has no real leader,” says Eells, “bu everyone is piling in, offering suggestions.”

The main project includes a 20 x 28 feet building that will be set up in the northwest corner of Celebration Park. Inside this structure will be 72 feet of aluminum panels containing a raised relief map of the river. The group hopes to also be able to create some web sites with oral histories, photos and other information that park visitors can access by scanning QR codes with a smart phone.

There will be six limestone pillars, four benches, and lighting. The new structure will match the rest of the park's architecture, and may include a marker that reminds visitors how high the water rose in 2008 as well as during other flood events. Celebration Park was once a residential neighborhood where several homes were destroyed by the high waters seven years ago.

The area where the new building will sit will be the site of a special display during the June 20 Arts in the Park. Group members will explain to visitors the scope and purpose of the project.

“This is a good project,” says group member Dick Kenney, whose father lived in a cabin along the river.

“I thought I knew everything by name but have already forgotten some of it,” says Kenney.

The project will also record the changes in the river, and river transportation history. Group members

say the first bridge across the Cedar became a reality after a woman drowned when a ferry capsized. A price list for ferry travelers as well as lists of Cedar River stops are among the items the group has collected in its effort to preserve the history of the river.

Anyone who wants to contribute their memories of the river to this project and those who would like to help financially are invited to send their contributions to the Vinton Community Foundation, C/O the Vinton Guild of Fine Arts, 401 B Avenue, Vinton IA 52349.

See an earlier story about the project and the group's first river ride HERE.