Two years after the Cambridge Historical Association published its first book about the town's history, the organization is presenting another one - this time, about Cambridge's educational past.
      "We sold half of what we got, in 15 days," Florence Wheeler, treasurer of the historical association, told the Times.
      "150 Years of Education in Cambridge and Union Township, Story County, Iowa" has been on sale for the past few weeks. The book, which sells for $20, was produced with major contributions in content by Wheeler, Dorothy Denton and Lois Whitney; Valerie Moore and Joyce Williams, association directors; and Don Erickson and Wayne Messer, association co-presidents.
      "We also sold several at the (Cambridge) alumni banquet," Wheeler said.
      In 2006, the association published its sesquicentennial book, "Cambridge: The First 150 Years." According to a May 25, 2006 Times article by Ronna Lawless, the association was hoping to use profits from sales of the first book for one or more additional books about the community's history.
      This latest volume includes photographs and listings of students in Cambridge classes from circa 1890 through 1961, the last class to attend any high school classes at Cambridge. Ballard Community School District, which opened on September 2, 1957, now serves Cambridge and three other communities.
      The book also includes numerous photographs of Cambridge teachers over the years, as well as articles published in the town's old newspaper, the Cambridge Leader.
In the "Activities" chapter of the book, readers will find photographs of students participating in various sports and in cheerleading, music and drama, including the 1947-1948 senior play, "Grandad Steps Out."
      At a time not long after the Iowa Flood of 2008 caused severe flooding in Cambridge, the book, which opens with an aerial photograph of the spot where the town's first school building stood, offers the community a reminder of the town's endurance.
      The second school building in Cambridge was, according to the book, torn down in 1914.
      According to the May, 2006 Times article, publication of the first book was a "dream" for Wheeler's husband, Harold, who passed away in 1995.
      Along with the Cambridge Historical Association officers listed previously, Julie Erickson serves as the organization's secretary.
      The CHA's Web site can be found at www.cha-notes.blogspot.com.