Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
RAMP DANCES
Ramp Dances. On June 29, 1966 the DUBUQUE YOUTH COUNCIL hosted the first "ramp dance" in Dubuque from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on the top of the Locust Street PARKING RAMP. Attendance at the dance was limited to high school students who were sophomores the past school year to youths no older than 19. Music was provided by a local group, the "QUARRYMEN."
The dance was the first project of the executive committee of the council which had two boys and two girls as members. These students were Sal Sciremammano, Lynn Pregler, Marge Rand, and Pat Crahan. They met with the youth-adult committee which had as adult members Municipal Court Judge Edward Failor, Police Captain Robert O'BRIEN, and Recreation Director Richard J. SLATTERY. (1)
The dances were the cause of some concern in the late 1960s, early 1970s, and 1989. Questions first rose about the effect vibrations caused by the dancers might have on the structure. Charges were made that the dancers had caused cracks in the concrete--charges that were hotly denied by the company that built the ramp.
In 1989 concern was raised about the effects loud music and dancing might have on the TOWN CLOCK tower. Representatives of DURRANT ARCHITECTS INC., the Dubuque firm that designed the pre-cast four-columned pedestal on which the clock rests, denied that either source of vibrations would be enough to cause damage to the structure.
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Source:
1. "Youth Council Maps Plans for Ramp Dance," Telegraph Herald, June 28, 1966, p. 11