Julien Dubuque Days - September 1947

 Julien Dubuque Days Festival   September 1947

A three-day celebration "Julien Dubuque Days" was held on September 5-7, 1947. Rides, concessions, a free circus, and novelty acts performed on a stage set up in the center of Comiskey field on Jackson Street. 

The Master of ceremonies was professional entertainer Donald Sweet, a former Dubuque resident. A historical pageant, "Our Yesterdays," was presented Saturday night in the Senior High Auditorium. 

Much of Dubuqueland was represented in the colorful parade which officially opened the three-day celebration of Julien Dubuque Days. 18 bands, 40 floats, and many marching units were featured. An estimated 65,000 people watched the massive parade which stretched from Comiskey Park to First & Main.

Mounted riders were one feature of this parade that made a big hit with the spectators, as did a collection of old-time automobiles occupied by drivers and passengers dressed in the costumes of an earlier era. A popular float was Roshek's "Bicycle Built for Two." Another crowd favorite was occupied by the Festival Queen candidates who threw “kisses” along the parade route.

 

Hollywood actor Peter Lawford participated in the event by selecting the queen.

More Melody Mill Memories

More Melody Mill Memories

"Entertaining Dubuque-The Untold Story (1900-1999) contains a 31-page chapter on the legendary Melody Mill ballroom complete with many pictures and nostalgic memories. Recently I've contacted three members of the Vince Schulting family who have graciously provided additional photos that I can share with all of you who loved this magnificent venue. Thanks to Merl Schulting, Michelle Lewis Bowers (Shirley Schulting's daughter), and Jill Rickoff (Merl's daughter) for their cooperation in further documenting our treasured Melody Mill. 

This clock was positioned on top of a cash register

Remember the "shorty" beer glasses

March 1955

September 1957

November 1957

February 1958

June 1958

October 1959

September 1960

November 1960

June 1962

Ticket stub

Coat Check Claim

Age Certificate

This short video features the voices of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Richie Valens. These radio promotional announcements were heard on WDBQ and KDTH to promote the Winter Dance Party at Melody Mill. 

Jill Rickoff's recreation room is a tribute to Melody Mill complete with framed posters, the cash register clock, beer glasses, and wooden chairs from the ballroom. 

These beautiful posters document the variety of attractions provided by Vince Schluting and his dedicated family and staff. Melody Mill was a meeting place for thousands of people every month during its 40-year history. If you're interested in learning more, a limited number of my books are still available. Send $50 to Paul Hemmer, 2375 Simpson, Dubuque, IA 52003, or contact me at rdbqpaul@gmail.com. (Free shipping or home delivery) 

Here is a color copy of the photo of Roma Heer and Sammy Kaye at the table always reserved for Roma at Melody Mill. Roma was the manager of the Roshek Dept. Store Record Department and later the Stampfer Dept. Store Record Department. She was an important person in the promotion of music in Dubuque throughout the 1950s and 60s. 

I'm currently working on a history of Moonlight Gardens Ballroom which was located midway between East Dubuque & Galena. It was originally constructed by Vince Schulting, who operated it first as "Midway Ballroom" and then "Moonlight Gardens." Watch for it here in the near future. 

Dubuque' Bi-Centennial Parade - 1976

 America - Past, Present & Future 

The Dubuque Bi-Centennial Parade 

I shot the video presented here on Super 8 film which was recently digitized to present as a preservation of history and for your enjoyment. The location was 11th & Iowa in front of what was then the WDBQ building. The two youngsters you see several times are my daughter Michelle at age 6 and son Steve at 2. The creativity of the floats and the excellent marching bands are a tribute to all who made the celebration of our beloved USA. 

Progress 1953 - A supplement to the TH presented by the Chamber of Commerce

This post is a supplement to the Telegraph-Herald that highlighted business and industry in "The Key City" in 1953. It is packed with interesting interviews with the leading business and political figures of Dubuque and provides an historic look at Dubuque 67 years ago.