A tribute to Time Check and Ellis Boulevard neighborhoods

This has been my home for over sixty plus years. Time Check and the area around Ellis Boulevard, the schools, places of faith, memories that have existed since the 1880s as settlers began to build along the Cedar River Banks. My home was a two story 100 year old home built by Czech immigrants on Eighth Street NW. The home had water up into the second floor when the Cedar River crest hit 31.12 feet on June 13, 2008.

We on the west side were the first to be ground zero. Thousands of homes, schools, day cares, places of faith, family businesses, restaurants, bars, auto garages, the list was endless and it stretched for over 10.5 square miles in all the lowlands from the Cedar River. It rushed down its channel and beyond, taking everything in its path all the way to the southern twists in the river beyond the areas south of the city.

I remember all of this not just because I lived it but I also became the North West Neighbors Neighborhood Association president throughout the process of post flood loss and sadness. It was unsettling to have our homes within sight but the Iowa National Guard kept us back.

Recently, a person who also went through the flood told me to "Move on. Throw away all those photos. We cannot focus on the past." I told that person if we do not remember the past we will repeat it. This area has much to be thankful but also there are people who were forgotten and struggle to this day.

Now moving to June 13, 2025, 17 years after the event. It is hardly mentioned. FEMA moved into Cedar Rapids almost immediately to the former Westdale Mall. They had been at Parkersburg, New Hartford, and as far away as east Dunkerton since EF5 Tornadoes flattened these cities May 25, 2008. FEMA, Federal, State and local officials moved into empty storefronts and began helping the flood victims.

I drove over to the area where I had so many memories. Now just blocks and blocks of land, tufts of grass and weeds, not really reminders of the hundreds and hundreds of rooftops that dotted this land for generations. Now flocks of geese rambled together trying to find food in the winter cold. Small wildlife darted back and forth confused at the traffic showing up. I parked about three blocks from where the groundbreaking for the new Casino would take place. Although this is not about the casino.

My eyes filled with tears. I could see vehicles parking along streets that have been abandoned for years and walking toward the ceremony. The somber sky felt very appropriate and sad. My visit today was to say goodbye to Time Check and the hundreds of families who lived here for decades since the 1880s. I cried for the past, the people and the struggles over the past 17 years. I wanted to remember these neighbors, families, churches, mosques, businesses, and all us mucking out our homes and helping others. I vividly recall the piles of garbage the belongings destroyed. I remember how great it was to drive down those streets and see the kids playing, riding bikes, people working in their yards, grilling out, dogs barking and music playing from car radios. I wiped away the tears and felt that ache you get deep inside when you are holding back sobbing your heart out.

I started my car and the radio came on. The song playing was Don McLean’s 1971 hit "American Pie." His tribute to Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens with the pilot killed in a plane crash after their performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. McLean referred to it as" The Day the Music Died.“ I listened to the melody and felt this is a message. Time Check is gone but the memories and the music must never die. Time Check lives forever in our hearts. I am so blessed I got to be a part of this. As I turned on to Ellis Blvd. heading home, the radio playing ”bye-bye Miss American Pie.“

Linda Seger is a longtime Tim Check resident who took on the roles of community leader and activist after the 2008 flood.