Sandbags along the levee in Council Bluffs
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Evacuation traffic in downtown Council Bluffs
Photographs of the Council Bluffs Pride Parade (Celebrate CB)
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In 1887, the junction of Main and Pearl Streets looked like this. The little building that looks like a popcorn stand was the city scales. There were hitching posts along the streets and all wiring was suspended on cross-arm poles. There were several vacant lots along both streets.
All wiring has moved underground and parking meters have replaced hitching posts. The streets are smooth asphalt and traffic moves one way. The courthouse at left, opened in 1887, is still in use although the tower has come down.
Citizens in derby hats and high button shoes stood stiffly in front of the old First National Bank in this 1887 picture. The Kimball and Champ Building stood at the corner of Main St. and Broadway. The First National was one of the earliest city banks. Next door to the right was "The Manhattan" Store. Other visible offices in the building belonged to A.B. Howe and Co.,, real estate and the Milwaukee Bridge and Iron Works.
Today...all the old buildings are gone, except the one at extreme left. Dominating the present scene are the B and G Hosiery Shops, the Clark Drug Store and Joe Smith and Co. Citizens no longer line stiffly for such a common occurrence as a picture. The First National Bank is gone. The building at extreme left is now occupied by the Vergimini Fur Shop.