Flood Damage to Cultural Institutions in Iowa
The floods of Eastern Iowa caused an estimated $1 billion of damage to crops, and another $350 million damage to personal property. Often unreported is the damage to the cultural institutions to Iowa. The bohemian neighborhood of Czech village was destroyed, many museums suffered significant damage, the library lost much of it’s stacks, and the legendary and historic Paramount Theatre was gutted. The Paramount, built in 1928, was home to the symphony orchestra, plays, and two historic Wurlitzer pianos. These pianos, as old as the building itself, were destroyed in the floods. (2:15)



June 19, 2008



