The Council Bluffs YMCA moved out of its original building on First Avenue in 1979, but neighbors have fond memories of the historic building: wedding receptions, learning to swim and playing basketball. On Thursday, demolition crews were tearing it down as local historian and author, Sue Senden documented the process.
- “The memories that are coming up, what people are recalling about their childhood, their parents, all kinds of things. So old buildings really keep us in touch with our history,” Senden said.
- “Just being small and taking swimming lessons in this pool in this building. It’s really sad to see all the history of Council Bluffs being torn down,” said Sandra Griffis.
- “History is important,” Senden said. “Because if we don’t learn from history, if we don’t know our history, we might fall into some of the same traps that caught other people before.”
- Photography featured in the story: Urban Photography by Alicia M. Brady
- Sue Senden’s books include “Squirrel Cage Jail” and “Lost Council Bluffs.”