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.

Interstate Power Company presented an opinion on "Socialism" while Sears offered reduced prices on the new Coldspot refrigerator.

With a June Primary Election in the near future, these political figures were soliciting votes.

If you're looking for a great gift for DAD, I believe he'd enjoy my book. 

Contact me at rdbqpaul@gmail.com for a signed copy. I'll provide personal in-town delivery, and waive the $6.00 shipping fee for out of town delivery.