A Success Story for One of the Many Flooded Homes

By Justin Foss, Reporter

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jun 28, 2010 at 7:34 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 28, 2010 at 7:34 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS – This success story started in 1895.

“I would consider it a brand new 115 year old home, ” said Bill Willliamson who grew up in the home he rebuilt.

The house at 1910 C Street SW, Cedar Rapids took on five feet of water in the first floor back in 2008. It needed a complete overhaul, and on Monday, June 28, people who helped with that overhaul stopped by for a house warming.

“Well, I would call it maybe a house re-warming, ” said Williamson.

Williamson’s grandfather built the home back in 1895. He had just moved from the area currently known as the Czech Republic. The home is in the Cedar Rapids Czech Village.

“As I looked at the skeleton, the foundation was still there and it just said, “I don’t want to die, gotta rebuild me.” I heard that in my head,” said Williamson.

He’s hoping that by restoring this place, he can send a message to the rest of the neighborhood. Williamson wants to keep it from going the same place this home next to his went – into the landfill.

Williamson said they’re not just saving the homes, or the neighborhood, but also their memories and heritage.

“We need to do that, we need to save some of our history, I feel,” said Williamson.

This is just one of the 5,390 homes in Cedar Rapids that were damaged in the flood.

Next Article Search for Missing Man in Cedar River Will Resume Monday

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