With the incorporation of the town and all of its improvements, taxes began to rise in Cedar Heights. There was discussion of annexation to Cedar Falls, but it was not taken seriously until the Great Depression. The town was having trouble remaining a viable community and when the Galloways and the Litchfields lost their businesses, any hope for maintaining independence disappeared. Committees formed in Cedar Heights and Cedar Falls in 1935 to discuss the merger that would be up for vote on August 6. The conditions settled upon were that Cedar Heights would remain residential and would become a separate ward (5th) of Cedar Falls with a separate councilman. Cedar Falls would pay $7125 plus interest to purchase all of the real estate owned by Cedar Heights. The annexation was approved overwhelmingly by a public majority of more than four to one. On September 1,1935, Cedar Heights and Cedar Falls consolidated. The last mayor of Cedar Heights, Charles Munger, was elected the first councilman to the Fifth Ward and Cedar Falls gained about five hundred new residents, bringing the total population to seven thousand, eight hundred fifty-five. 

    Cedar Falls Mayor C. N. McHugh stated, "Cedar Falls will acquire the most beautiful residential section in Iowa with a high type of citizen, and Cedar Heights will become a part of a city that prides itself on its citizenry, its homes, churches, schools, and municipal utilities."6 The union was celebrated in grand fashion with a three-day celebration in Lookout Park September 11 through 13. The nationally recognized Cedar Falls band performed, and a mock wedding ceremony joined the two communities. Representatives from each town recited vows symbolizing the event. "I, Cedar Falls, take thee, Cedar Heights, to be my new addition, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in depression and in prosperity, to love, to cherish, and thereto I plight my faith."7 The celebration ended with a huge fireworks display. For the past sixty-three years, Cedar Falls has kept its vows and helped Cedar Heights to retain its long tradition of high standards and beauty.  

    From its founding in 1908 by L. H. Edwards and William Galloway, Cedar Heights has been a glorious community in which to live, raise children, and grow old. Its history tells us how Cedar Heights has grown and how it has remained the same. Its beauty will continue to draw park visitors and new residents, but it is the sense of community that makes Cedar Heights a home. 

Written and Edited by Amy Stover

Fall 1998