Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
VARSITY THEATER
VARSITY THEATER. Described as a "neighborhood house" when it opened, the theater was originally named the Iowa Theater whose address was given as 1115 West 14th. Constructed at a cost of $12,000, it was owned by Ray E. Duttle.
At 100 feet long and 24 feet wide, the theater offered 324 upholstered seats. SPANISH COLONIAL REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE was carried out both inside and outside the building. The concrete floor sloped from the lobby to the stage with a total drop of 7 feet. The owner planned to operate the theater seven nights a week, two shows a night with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. (1)
By February, 1943 when it was called the "Varsity," the theater was open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only. (2)
The 1939 through the 1959 Dubuque City Directory gave the address as 1111 Loras.
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Source:
1. "Iowa Theatre Will be Opened Next Saturday,"
2. Advertisement, Telegraph-Herald, February 3, 1943, p. 16
