Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
NORTH AMERICAN POSTAL TELEGRAPH COMPANY
NORTH AMERICAN POSTAL TELEGRAPH COMPANY. H. A. Tuttle, general superintendent of the company headquartered in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, visited Dubuque in 1886. (1) The company began stringing lines from Chicago to Dubuque on August 31, 1886. (2)
In 1888 it was announced that the North American Telegraph Company's office at 320 Main would be kept open day and night for the accommodation of its customers. (3) In 1896 Jake Spielman, owner of the Five Point club rooms, arranged with the company to place "instruments" and lines in his club to supply his friends "free of charge" with full election returns all night. "All were invited," (4)
Under competitive pressure from the A.D.T. Company, North American officials announced in May, 1906 that the North American Messenger Company, operated independently of the telegraph company, would begin business on June 1, 1906. Boys provided with bicycles would deliver messages, run errands and carry packages. (5)
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1915, the local company located conveniently near the JULIEN HOTEL announced its decision not to relocate there. (6) In 1917 the announcement was made that the messenger boys were being given new "stylish uniforms." (7)
The 1909 Dubuque City Directory located this business at 210 Main.
The 1911-12 Dubuque City Directory listed 2nd and Main.
The 1913 Dubuque and Dubuque County Directory stated that this business was located at 429 Main.
The 1916-1917 White's Dubuque County Directory through the 1929 Dubuque City Directory listed 335 Main as the address.
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Source:
1. "Local News in Brief," The Dubuque Daily Herald, August 17, 1886, p. 7
2. "Local News in Brief," The Dubuque Daily Herald, August 31, 1886, p. 7
3. "Local News in Brief," The Dubuque Daily Herald, September 8, 1888, p. 4
4. "Election Returns by Wire," The Dubuque Herald, October 29, 1896, p. 8
5. "Demand Has Long Been Felt," The Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, May 29, 1906, p. 11
6. "Will Not Move Their Office," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, August 26, 1915, p. 6
7. "Postal Messengers Have New Uniforms," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, March 12, 1917, p. 13