DATCO - A shortlived alternative to Cable TV
It's doubtful that many Dubuque residents remember DATCO. It was a mildly successful alternative to Cable-TV.
Dubuque-Jerrold TV was granted a franchise to serve the city with cable television as the result of a large turnout of voters in 1955. In the early days of television, Dubuque's hilly terrain made television viewing a tenuous situation. Even with rotors on TV antennas city residents were subject to undependable signals from the three network affiliates in Davenport, Rock Island, Cedar Rapids, or Waterloo. Cable provided the solution, but many residents were unhappy with the monthly bills.
In early 1961 a group known as DATCO offered an alternative.
A one-time $10 subscription to DATCO was considered a terrific deal endorsed by many TV dealers.
The target date of August 14, 1961, was selected.
DATCO lasted through at least 1963, but the expansion of service, including Chicago's WGN by Jerrold Cable led to the demise of this three-channel service.
A few other items in the newspaper on August 14, 1961, include these two grocery store ads.
You've got to love these prices!
The Holiday Inn was under construction on Dodge Street
And here are a few of our entertainment options.
Ladies: Did you get your hair done at the new "Kut & Kurl" or enjoy a shopping break at Roshek's Packet Room?
Your comments are always welcome
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