The original 11th Street Elevator looked much different due to its two grades. The track was later lowered to create a single grade for the elevator.
ELEVENTH STREET ELEVATOR. The success of the
FOURTH STREET ELEVATOR led a group of local citizens to form a corporation to build a second elevator at 11th and Bluff to serve residents on the bluff. James Forrester was the president of the corporation which had twenty-five stockholders and
Williard H. TORBERT was the secretary-treasurer. A partial stairway at the site had proven unpopular due to its steepness.
Nearby residents objected to the project, and claims were filed. After consideration, the court awarded the neighbors $750, but the board of directors of the corporation chose to move ahead.
The total cost was estimated to be between $3,500 and $4,000. The trestle supporting the track started at 11th and Bluff and rose to Grove Terrace. The track was similar to the one used on Fourth Street. As one car moved up the track another came down. Placed in operation on May 13, 1888, the elevator cost three cents to climb the hill and two cents to return.
Electricity was added to the operation in 1900 to replace the steam power. The track was also lowered to create one grade.
Never as successful as the one on Fourth Street, the 11th Street Elevator was torn down in 1929. (Photo Courtesy:
http://www.dubuquepostcards.com)
Photo courtesy: Jim Massey
Promotional material advertising the 11th Street Elevator. Photo courtesy: Center for Dubuque History
