1950 Memorial Day Weekend in Dubuque

Moonshiners, bootleggers, and gambling are all part of both Dubuque and East Dubuque's legendary past. Here is an example of just one of the many times local establishments were raided by state or federal authorities. At this time, the governor of Illinois was Adlai Stevenson, who would soon become a candidate for President of the United States in the campaign of 1952. 

The governor of Illinois in 1950 was Adlai Stevenson, who went on to run for President in 1952 against General Dwight Eisenhower.

East Dubuque was also in the news because of the Grand Opening of a new auto raceway scheduled to open on Memorial Day. Sadly, it was short-lived and closed forever by the end of the Summer season. 

Dubuque officials were celebrating the release of the 1950 census figures. 

A new musical organization, The VFW Drum and Bugle Corps, made its debut at the Memorial Day Parade. The instructors included Felix Bonafazi, the man who conducted the Dubuque Community Band, and Fred Schreyer, an outstanding trombonist, and teacher whose musical career went back to the 1920s. Us "old-timers will recognize some familiar names in the roster of participating musicians. 

If you were shopping for Memorial Day weekend picnic supplies, Tenneboms offered some great bargains. 

If you were shopping for summer swimwear, Roshek's was the place to go. For the latest summer hats, men visited The Hub. 

J.C. Penney's Main Street store was holding an annual "White Sale." 

The Telegraph-Herald "Society Page" featured some well-known Dubuque residents using unique forms of transportation. 

Dubuque area residents looking for entertainment had a wide variety of choices including radio, movies, ballrooms & nightclubs. You'll notice that the Movie Operators Union was picketing the Capitol Theater (22nd & Central) because they were only using one projectionist per shift. 

Two editorial cartoons displayed the brutality of Stalin in a divided Berlin and the way the UN was welcoming China.

May 20, 1945 Dubuque as WW II was ending

This issue of the Telegraph-Herald is very interesting because it displays numerous stories of brave Dubuque area soldiers during WWII. The important local stories from page one are expanded below. 

The owner of Four Mounds, G.A. Burden died following a fall at home. And, a local man was released from service on the "point plan." 

Staff Sgt. William Buelow receives an award.

Three more fine Dubuque servicemen. 

Logs from Graf aid war production. 

More WW II news from section two 

Business News

Dubuqueland could still enjoy excellent live entertainment at the Circle nightclub in East Dubuque and in area ballrooms.

Dubuque area ballrooms and theaters provided excellent entertainment.

KDTH presented an impressive lineup of talent for "I Am An American Day"

From the "Funnies" May 20, 1945

Your comments and ideas are always welcome

rdbqpaul@gmail.com 

Mid-May 1975 The Way We Were

Mid-May of 1975 was packed with interesting stories that still have an impact on Dubuque in 2020. 

Remember the controversy over "Continuum?"

Do you remember Arenz - A Great Shoestore? 

LP's and Cassettes were the big items at Musicland in Kennedy Mall.

If you were in the mood for "new wheels" Dubuque had strong choices.

How many of you were "Elaine Powers" clients? Can you believe these stock & bond prices? And, remember when 92.9 was "Beautiful Music?" 

The hottest "theater" experience in town was the original rock-musical "MARK" by Father Bob Beck and featuring the many outstanding local musicians.

Look at the variety of movie choices.

Live entertainment included the legendary Circle Sahara Room in East Dubuque. An appearance by Tiny Tim was postponed when Tim was injured in an auto accident. 

If you loved ballroom dancing, "Wayne King - The Waltz King" performed at the Fairgrounds Ballroom. 

Our favorite location for fine dining and the unforgettable theater organ music was "The Timbers in Platteville.

Feel free to forward this to friends. And your comments and suggestions are always welcome. 

rdbqpaul@gmail.com

1970 5-10 Mothers Day in Dubuque

This week our look into Dubuque's past takes us back 50 years to            May 10, 1970. Like this year, it was Mother's Day. The three big local news stories focused on "Racism" - "Protests on the University of Iowa Campus" and a "Grape Protest at the Eagle Supermarket." 

Urban Renewal demolition was occurring downtown. A long-time Dubuque business, Arenz Shoe Store was next to feel the sting of the wrecking ball. 

Dubuque's Kiwanis Club was preparing to celebrate 50 years of distinguished service to the city. 

The new East Dubuque Elementary - Junior High School building was under construction and, law enforcement officials there were investing      a murder.

Kennedy Mall, the first enclosed climate-controlled mall in Iowa had opened April 15, 1970, with 60 stores - making it the largest shopping mall in the state of Iowa. Music lovers were delighted by the addition of Musicland with a huge selection of LPs and cassettes. 

"Cinema on the Mall" provided new movie screens for Dubuque's cinema fans, but the downtown theaters were still operating with their larger screens. 

And, there were entertainment options.

Remember these popular local businesses? 

And here are a few business people you may remember.

The Presidential election was still two years away, but some pundits were predicting this dynamic Democrat duo. 

Your comments are always welcome. Just click on my name. I hope you enjoy these time capsules from Dubuque's past. 

Paul Hemmer 

May 7, 1950 The Way We Were