DUBUQUE STREET RAILWAY COMPANY - Revision history

Randylyon at 18:54, 7 March 2026

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	In June of 1891 the ''Dubuque Daily Herald'' published a lengthy article about the new storage battery cars. Included in the information, the cars were constructed for up to a 7% grade while the highest on the line in Dubuque was 5%. While the cars could reach 20 miles per hour, the usual speed was between 10-12. Each car had two batteries on board with another two batteries being charged. When fully charged, the car could travel fifty miles, but they were charged every three hours or twenty-one miles to ensure having reserve power. Charging required two hours. The cars were fourteen feet long, and the electric brake allowed the car to be stopped in a distance half its length. Among the advantages of battery-powered cars was the absence of poles and wires. If a car got off the track, it could still run and "help itself back by means of cross bars." (23)		In June of 1891 the ''Dubuque Daily Herald'' published a lengthy article about the new storage battery cars. Included in the information, the cars were constructed for up to a 7% grade while the highest on the line in Dubuque was 5%. While the cars could reach 20 miles per hour, the usual speed was between 10-12. Each car had two batteries on board with another two batteries being charged. When fully charged, the car could travel fifty miles, but they were charged every three hours or twenty-one miles to ensure having reserve power. Charging required two hours. The cars were fourteen feet long, and the electric brake allowed the car to be stopped in a distance half its length. Among the advantages of battery-powered cars was the absence of poles and wires. If a car got off the track, it could still run and "help itself back by means of cross bars." (23)

	The county board of supervisors in July 1891 agreed to grant Rhomberg the right-of-way to construct a street car track from the city limits to the ~~[[DUBUQUE DRIVING PARK]]~~. The right-of-way from there to Sageville would be considered later. (24) This "later" date proved to be August 3rd.		The county board of supervisors in July 1891 agreed to grant Rhomberg the right-of-way to construct a street car track from the city limits to the Dubuque Driving Park. The right-of-way from there to Sageville would be considered later. (24) This "later" date proved to be August 3rd.

	In August, 1891, the ordinance concerning an electric street railway was amended and additional rights were granted. (25)		In August, 1891, the ordinance concerning an electric street railway was amended and additional rights were granted. (25)

Randylyon at 18:52, 7 March 2026

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	[[Image:switch.jpeg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|[[ROOT, Samuel\|Samuel ROOT]] photographed Main Street 'above the Switch' seen toward the south from about 10th Street. This was the one place where two of the five cars on the single track, horse drawn street railways could pass. The track began by the levee at Jones and turned at 13th to the [[DUBUQUE CITY HALL]] and then up Clay and Couler. Photo courtesy: Dubuque County Historical Society and Larry Friedman]]By ordinance of October, 1867, the Dubuque Street Railway Company and their successors were granted "the exclusive right and privilege to construct, operate and maintain over the streets of the city of Dubuque street railways for carrying passengers and freight for the term of twenty years." (2) They were required to have at least two miles of track completed and in operation within one year. The first horse-powered [[STREETCARS]] ran from the southern terminus of the ferry landing below Jones Street to Main and then north along Main to Thirteenth, to Clay, Eighteenth, and Couler Avenue. Continuing northward, the route ended at the fair grounds.		[[Image:switch.jpeg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|[[ROOT, Samuel\|Samuel ROOT]] photographed Main Street 'above the Switch' seen toward the south from about 10th Street. This was the one place where two of the five cars on the single track, horse drawn street railways could pass. The track began by the levee at Jones and turned at 13th to the [[DUBUQUE CITY HALL]] and then up Clay and Couler. Photo courtesy: Dubuque County Historical Society and Larry Friedman]]By ordinance of October, 1867, the Dubuque Street Railway Company and their successors were granted "the exclusive right and privilege to construct, operate and maintain over the streets of the city of Dubuque street railways for carrying passengers and freight for the term of twenty years." (2) They were required to have at least two miles of track completed and in operation within one year. The first horse-powered [[STREETCARS]] ran from the southern terminus of the ferry landing below Jones Street to Main and then north along Main to Thirteenth, to Clay, Eighteenth, and Couler Avenue. Continuing northward, the route ended at the fair grounds.

	The first work on the street railway was done late in November, 1867, near [[HEEB BREWERY]]; the first section ended at [[TIVOLI GARDENS]]. Extensions could be run to [[EAGLE POINT]] and the ~~driving park~~. (3)		The first work on the street railway was done late in November, 1867, near [[HEEB BREWERY]]; the first section ended at [[TIVOLI GARDENS]]. Extensions could be run to [[EAGLE POINT]] and the [[DUBUQUE DRIVING PARK]]. (3)

	In 1872 a stable and car house was the northern end of Couler Avenue were constructed. Built of brick, the former building was 50x65 feet and two stories tall while the latter was one story and 50x150 feet with a capacity of twenty cars. (4)		In 1872 a stable and car house was the northern end of Couler Avenue were constructed. Built of brick, the former building was 50x65 feet and two stories tall while the latter was one story and 50x150 feet with a capacity of twenty cars. (4)

Randylyon at 18:50, 7 March 2026

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	The Dubuque Street Railway was sold in 1899 to the [[STAR ELECTRIC COMPANY]]. At the time, it was suggested that the purchase was to prevent its purchase and consolidation with the [[DUBUQUE LIGHT AND TRACTION COMPANY]]. A person identified as Mr. Gibson, an Eastern capitalist, was in town hoping to obtain control of both lines. (44)		The Dubuque Street Railway was sold in 1899 to the [[STAR ELECTRIC COMPANY]]. At the time, it was suggested that the purchase was to prevent its purchase and consolidation with the [[DUBUQUE LIGHT AND TRACTION COMPANY]]. A person identified as Mr. Gibson, an Eastern capitalist, was in town hoping to obtain control of both lines. (44)

	The life of the company was extended thirty-three years from April 25, 1915. It was required "to construct, create, establish and permanently maintain a park and pleasure resort on both sides of the Maquoketa River at Sageville" with a lake to be formed by damming up the waters of river. The dam to be built about 100 feet west of ~~Thompson~~'~~s Mill~~. The city reserved the right to purchase the entire plant of the street railway company and required half-fare tickets for working people during certain hours.		The life of the company was extended thirty-three years from April 25, 1915. It was required "to construct, create, establish and permanently maintain a park and pleasure resort on both sides of the Maquoketa River at Sageville" with a lake to be formed by damming up the waters of river. The dam to be built about 100 feet west of [[THOMPSON'S MILL]]. The city reserved the right to purchase the entire plant of the street railway company and required half-fare tickets for working people during certain hours.

	See: [[LABOR MOVEMENT]]		See: [[LABOR MOVEMENT]]

Randylyon at 16:52, 7 March 2026

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Randylyon at 04:44, 22 November 2021

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	An ordinance of February, 1892, permitted the company to extend its lines to certain other streets. One would extend from the power house to the levee. Another would run along Clay Street and Rhomberg Avenue. The third would reach from the power house to the northern terminus of the line.		An ordinance of February, 1892, permitted the company to extend its lines to certain other streets. One would extend from the power house to the levee. Another would run along Clay Street and Rhomberg Avenue. The third would reach from the power house to the northern terminus of the line.

	On February 22, 1892 J. A. Rhomberg purchased the one-half interest in the Dubuque Street Railway Company owned by Mrs. J. J. Linehan for $142,000. The new board of directors included Rhomberg, president and general manager; [[RHOMBERG, Joseph H.\|Joseph H. RHOMBERG]], superintendent and treasurer; [[MEYER, Charles H.\|Charles H. MEYER]], secretary; [[BURDEN, George A.\|George A. BURDEN]], C. E. Wales, [[WALKER, Marshall M.\|Marshall M. WALKER]], [[MCCANN, James\|James MCCANN]], [[KIENE, Peter\|Peter KIENE]], [[O'DONNELL, Frederick\|Frederick O'DONNELL]], [[VOELKER, Christian Anton\|Christian Anton VOELKER]], E. W. Duncan, [[RHOMBERG, Alphons L.\|Alphons L. RHOMBERG]], [[HEEB, Anthony F.\|Anthony F. HEEB]], [[GLAB, Nicholas\|Nicholas GLAB]], and [[JAEGER, Adam Francis\|Adam Francis JAEGER]]. (31) The equipment of the new company was stated to be fifteen motor cars and ten new trailers each seating thirty people. The nine cars then equipped with storage batteries would be used on the overhead system without the storage batteries. A 350 horse power Corliss engine and a boiler of 100 horse power would be added to the power house which already contained a new Corliss engine of 725 horse power and two boilers each of 100 horse power. While storage battery cars were fourteen feet long, the overhead cars would be sixteen feet in length.		On February 22, 1892 J. A. Rhomberg purchased the one-half interest in the Dubuque Street Railway Company owned by Mrs. J. J. Linehan for $142,000. The new board of directors included Rhomberg, president and general manager; [[RHOMBERG, Joseph H.\|Joseph H. RHOMBERG]], superintendent and treasurer; [[MEYER, Charles H.\|Charles H. MEYER]], secretary; [[BURDEN, George A.\|George A. BURDEN]], C. E. Wales, [[WALKER, Marshall M.\|Marshall M. WALKER]], [[MCCANN, James\|James MCCANN]], [[KIENE, Peter\|Peter KIENE]], [[O'DONNELL, Frederick\|Frederick O'DONNELL]], [[VOELKER, Christian Anton\|Christian Anton VOELKER]], E. W. Duncan, [[RHOMBERG, Alphons L.\|Alphons L. RHOMBERG]], [[HEEB, Anthony F.\|Anthony F. HEEB]], [[GLAB, Nicholas\|Nicholas GLAB]], and [[JAEGER, Adam Francis, Sr.\|Adam Francis JAEGER, Sr.]] (31) The equipment of the new company was stated to be fifteen motor cars and ten new trailers each seating thirty people. The nine cars then equipped with storage batteries would be used on the overhead system without the storage batteries. A 350 horse power Corliss engine and a boiler of 100 horse power would be added to the power house which already contained a new Corliss engine of 725 horse power and two boilers each of 100 horse power. While storage battery cars were fourteen feet long, the overhead cars would be sixteen feet in length.

	Ornamental iron poles were to be set along the curbs, 125 feet apart, to carry the trolley lines along upper Main Street. When the poles arrived, they were described as "severely plain, scarcely realizing the promises of the street railway people." Wooden poles were used along Clay Street. (32) In response of the newspaper's description, the city electrician informed the ''Herald'' that the poles would be painted red for seven feet from the ground and then gray to the top in accordance with the rules established by the city council. The appearance of the poles would be further enhanced when ornamental iron rings and flanges were installed. (33)		Ornamental iron poles were to be set along the curbs, 125 feet apart, to carry the trolley lines along upper Main Street. When the poles arrived, they were described as "severely plain, scarcely realizing the promises of the street railway people." Wooden poles were used along Clay Street. (32) In response of the newspaper's description, the city electrician informed the ''Herald'' that the poles would be painted red for seven feet from the ground and then gray to the top in accordance with the rules established by the city council. The appearance of the poles would be further enhanced when ornamental iron rings and flanges were installed. (33)

Randylyon at 15:14, 4 November 2021

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Randylyon at 15:24, 9 January 2021

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	Five cars began operations on May 23, 1868, with fifteen horses. [[Image:strailway2.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Token]]		Five cars began operations on May 23, 1868, with fifteen horses. [[Image:strailway2.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Token]]
	[[Image:strailway1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Token]]		[[Image:strailway1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Token]]
	The company was leased to Platt Smith and James Hughes until 1876. [[RHOMBERG, Joseph H.\|Joseph H. RHOMBERG]], [[LINEHAN, John J.\| John J. LINEHAN]], and [[LINEHAN, Bart E.\|Bart E. LINEHAN]] then purchased the franchise and reduced the fare from ten cents to a nickel. For interested customers, twenty-four tickets could be purchased at one time for one dollars. (5) One of the changes proposed was a lunch table in each car with a keg of beer available. (6) Conductors on the cars were paid forty-five dollars per month. The streetcars, later equipped with storage batteries, ran their route so frequently that they passed each other every five minutes. A round trip took one hour.		The company was leased to Platt Smith and James Hughes until 1876. [[RHOMBERG, Joseph H.\|Joseph H. RHOMBERG]], [[LINEHAN, John J.\| John J. LINEHAN]], and [[LINEHAN, Bart E.\|Bart E. LINEHAN]] then purchased the franchise and reduced the fare from ten cents to a nickel. For interested customers, twenty-four tickets could be purchased at one time for one dollars. (5) One of the changes proposed was a lunch table in each car with a keg of beer available. (6) Conductors on the cars were paid forty-five dollars per month. The streetcars, later equipped with storage batteries, ran their route so frequently that they passed each other every five minutes. A round trip took one hour.

	In 1879 the ~~railway had~~ twenty-four horses supplied by the Tyler Brothers of Texas who were still supplying the animals in 1890. (7) Each traveled thirty-five miles daily. Feed for all the animals included fifteen bushels of oats daily and one ton of hay per week. (8)		Around 1879 the company owned thirteen cars each capable of accommodating twenty passengers and twenty-four horses supplied by the Tyler Brothers of Texas who were still supplying the animals in 1890. (7) Each horse horse traveled thirty-five miles daily. Feed for all the animals included fifteen bushels of oats daily and one ton of hay per week. (8)

	By an act of July, 1883, additional rights and privileges were granted to the company and additional requirements were expected from it. (9)		By an act of July, 1883, additional rights and privileges were granted to the company and additional requirements were expected from it. (9)

Randylyon at 20:13, 8 January 2021

2021-01-08T20:13:24Z

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Randylyon at 05:42, 13 January 2018

2018-01-13T05:42:42Z

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Randylyon at 03:00, 5 December 2017

2017-12-05T03:00:36Z

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	By an act of July, 1883, additional rights and privileges were granted to the company and additional requirements were expected from it. (8)		By an act of July, 1883, additional rights and privileges were granted to the company and additional requirements were expected from it. (8)

	~~The right-~~of~~-way granted~~ to the company ~~in April, 1890 along~~ Rhomberg ~~Avenue~~ to ~~Eagle Point required~~ the ~~firm to keep the street~~ in ~~good repair~~, ~~make regular trips~~, and ~~clear the~~ lines ~~of snow. More importantly, it stated that after January 1, 1891 the company had to change from "broncho" (horse) to some more modern system of power~~. (9)		Rumors spread in August, 1889 that the Holmes Syndicate of Chicago had offered to purchase the company. J. A. Rhomberg quickly responded that there was no truth to the stories. Although Holmes was building an electric line in Stillwater, Minnesota, Rhomberg contended there was not room in Dubuque was such an operation and not enough passengers to support two lines. (9)

	~~Spurred by the demands~~ of ~~the council,~~ the company ~~moved quickly into action. It was announced that it would lay a track along side that of the [[DUBUQUE ELECTRIC RAILWAY~~, ~~LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY]]~~ along ~~Couler~~ Avenue to the ~~city limits~~. ~~(10) The city council~~, ~~meeting as a committee of the whole~~, ~~later in June 1890 decided to withhold this right-of-way until~~ the company had ~~proven itself able~~ to ~~operate its present lines with the conversion~~ from "~~mule~~" to ~~electric~~ power. (11)		The right-of-way granted to the company in April, 1890 along Rhomberg Avenue to Eagle Point required the firm to keep the street in good repair, make regular trips, and clear the lines of snow. More importantly, it stated that after January 1, 1891 the company had to change from "broncho" (horse) to some more modern system of power. (10)

	J. ~~A. Rhomberg~~ announced ~~in July 1890~~ that ~~a storage battery powered streetcar from Philadelphia~~ would ~~be brought to Dubuque within~~ a ~~week~~ to ~~test on his lines~~. (12) ~~Named the "Edco"~~ as ~~an abbreviation~~ of the ~~Electro-Dynamic Company, the car reached Dubuque on July 30~~, 1890~~. (13) Representatives~~ of the Accumulator Company of Boston announced the portable engine of thirty horsepower could reach a maximum speed of twelve miles per hour on level grades and climb any incline not exceeding 8%. The Dubuque Street Railway Company had ~~an option on fifteen cars. A double set of batteries was purchased~~ with ~~each car so that one battery could be in use while~~ the ~~other was being charged. (14) It was estimated that a car could operate for fifty miles before batteries would need~~ to ~~be recharged~~. (~~15) The car was tested on August 8, 1890 and thrilled the crowds since it operated without horses or overhead wires. (16~~)		Spurred by the demands of the council, the company moved quickly into action. It was announced that it would lay a track along side that of the [[DUBUQUE ELECTRIC RAILWAY, LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY]] along Couler Avenue to the city limits. (11) The city council, meeting as a committee of the whole, later in June 1890 decided to withhold this right-of-way until the company had proven itself able to operate its present lines with the conversion from "mule" to electric power. (12)

	~~Rumors spread~~ in ~~August~~, ~~1889 that~~ the ~~Holmes Syndicate~~ of ~~Chicago had offered to purchase~~ the ~~company~~. J. A. ~~Rhomberg quickly responded~~ that ~~there was no truth~~ to ~~the stories~~. ~~Although Holmes~~ was ~~building an electric line in Stillwater, Minnesota~~, ~~Rhomberg contended there was not room in Dubuque was such an operation~~ and ~~not enough passengers to support two lines~~. (17)		J. A. Rhomberg announced in July 1890 that a storage battery powered streetcar from Philadelphia would be brought to Dubuque within a week to test on his lines. (13) Named the "Edco" as an abbreviation of the Electro-Dynamic Company, the car reached Dubuque on July 30, 1890. (14) Representatives of the Accumulator Company of Boston announced the portable engine of thirty horsepower could reach a maximum speed of twelve miles per hour on level grades and climb any incline not exceeding 8%. The Dubuque Street Railway Company had an option on fifteen cars. A double set of batteries was purchased with each car so that one battery could be in use while the other was being charged. (15) It was estimated that a car could operate for fifty miles before batteries would need to be recharged. (16) The car was tested on August 8, 1890 and thrilled the crowds since it operated without horses or overhead wires. (17)

	In August, 1890, the company was granted the right to erect an electric light and power station within the city limits, and was limited to twenty-five years duration. By ordinance of September, 1890, the company was permitted to lay and maintain a double track on certain streets.		In August, 1890, the company was granted the right to erect an electric light and power station within the city limits, and was limited to twenty-five years duration. By ordinance of September, 1890, the company was permitted to lay and maintain a double track on certain streets.
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	9. "The ~~Rhomberg Charter Accepted~~," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', ~~May 3~~, ~~1890~~, p. 4~~. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900503&printsec=frontpage&hl=en~~		9. "The Holmes Syndicate," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', August 10, 1889, p. 4

	10. "~~Local News in Brief~~," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', ~~June 17~~, 1890, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=~~18900617~~&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		10. "The Rhomberg Charter Accepted," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', May 3, 1890, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900503&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	11. "~~In Status Quo~~," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', June 21, 1890, p. 4. Online: ~~http~~://~~www~~.~~encyclopediadubuque~~.~~org~~/~~index.php~~?~~title~~=~~DUBUQUE_STREET_RAILWAY_COMPANY~~&~~action~~=~~edit~~		11. "Local News in Brief," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', June 17, 1890, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900617&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	12. "~~Local News in Brief~~," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', ~~July 10~~, 1890, p. 4. Online: ~~https~~://~~news~~.~~google~~.~~com~~/~~newspapers~~?~~nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900710&printsec~~=~~frontpage~~&hl=en		12. "In Status Quo," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', June 21, 1890, p. 4. Online: http://www.encyclopediadubuque.org/index.php?title=DUBUQUE_STREET_RAILWAY_COMPANY&action=edit

	13. "~~Storage Battery~~," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', ~~August 2~~, 1890, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=~~18900805~~&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		13. "Local News in Brief," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', July 10, 1890, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900710&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	14. "~~Business Begins~~," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', ~~July 31~~, 1890, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=~~18900731~~&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		14. "Storage Battery," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', August 2, 1890, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900805&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	15. "~~Storage Battery~~."		15. "Business Begins," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', July 31, 1890, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900731&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	16. "~~A Triumphant Trip,~~" ~~''Dubuque Daily Herald'', August 9, 1890, p. 12. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900809&printsec=frontpage&hl=en~~		16. "Storage Battery."

	17. "~~The Holmes Syndicate~~," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', August 10, ~~1889~~, p. 4		17. "A Triumphant Trip," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', August 9, 1890, p. 12. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900809&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	18. "Rhomberg's New Railroad," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', April 19, 1891, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18910419&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		18. "Rhomberg's New Railroad," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', April 19, 1891, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18910419&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

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	[[Image:switch.jpeg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|[[ROOT, Samuel\|Samuel ROOT]] photographed Main Street 'above the Switch' seen toward the south from about 10th Street. This was the one place where two of the five cars on the single track, horse drawn street railways could pass. The track began by the levee at Jones and turned at 13th to the [[DUBUQUE CITY HALL]] and then up Clay and Couler. Photo courtesy: Dubuque County Historical Society and Larry Friedman]]By ordinance of October, 1867, the Dubuque Street Railway Company and their successors were granted "the exclusive right and privilege to construct, operate and maintain over the streets of the city of Dubuque street railways for carrying passengers and freight for the term of twenty years." (2) They were required to have at least two miles of track completed and in operation within one year. The first horse-powered [[STREETCARS]] ran from the southern terminus of the ferry landing below Jones Street to Main and then north along Main to Thirteenth, to Clay, Eighteenth, and Couler Avenue. Continuing northward, the route ended at the fair grounds.		[[Image:switch.jpeg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|[[ROOT, Samuel\|Samuel ROOT]] photographed Main Street 'above the Switch' seen toward the south from about 10th Street. This was the one place where two of the five cars on the single track, horse drawn street railways could pass. The track began by the levee at Jones and turned at 13th to the [[DUBUQUE CITY HALL]] and then up Clay and Couler. Photo courtesy: Dubuque County Historical Society and Larry Friedman]]By ordinance of October, 1867, the Dubuque Street Railway Company and their successors were granted "the exclusive right and privilege to construct, operate and maintain over the streets of the city of Dubuque street railways for carrying passengers and freight for the term of twenty years." (2) They were required to have at least two miles of track completed and in operation within one year. The first horse-powered [[STREETCARS]] ran from the southern terminus of the ferry landing below Jones Street to Main and then north along Main to Thirteenth, to Clay, Eighteenth, and Couler Avenue. Continuing northward, the route ended at the fair grounds.

	The first work on the street railway was done late in November, 1867, near ~~Heeb's brewery~~; the first section ended at [[TIVOLI GARDENS]]. Extensions could be run to [[EAGLE POINT]] and the driving park. (3)		The first work on the street railway was done late in November, 1867, near [[HEEB BREWERY]]; the first section ended at [[TIVOLI GARDENS]]. Extensions could be run to [[EAGLE POINT]] and the driving park. (3)

	In 1872 a stable and car house was the northern end of Couler Avenue were constructed. Built of brick, the former building was 50x65 feet and two stories tall while the latter was one story and 50x150 feet with a capacity of twenty cars. (4)		In 1872 a stable and car house was the northern end of Couler Avenue were constructed. Built of brick, the former building was 50x65 feet and two stories tall while the latter was one story and 50x150 feet with a capacity of twenty cars. (4)
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	The company was leased to Platt Smith and James Hughes until 1876. [[RHOMBERG, Joseph H.\|Joseph H. RHOMBERG]], [[LINEHAN, John J.\| John J. LINEHAN]], and [[LINEHAN, Bart E.\|Bart E. LINEHAN]] then purchased the franchise and reduced the fare from ten cents to a nickel. For interested customers, twenty-four tickets could be purchased at one time for one dollars. (5) One of the changes proposed was a lunch table in each car with a keg of beer available. (6) Conductors on the cars were paid forty-five dollars per month. The streetcars, later equipped with storage batteries, ran their route so frequently that they passed each other every five minutes. A round trip took one hour.		The company was leased to Platt Smith and James Hughes until 1876. [[RHOMBERG, Joseph H.\|Joseph H. RHOMBERG]], [[LINEHAN, John J.\| John J. LINEHAN]], and [[LINEHAN, Bart E.\|Bart E. LINEHAN]] then purchased the franchise and reduced the fare from ten cents to a nickel. For interested customers, twenty-four tickets could be purchased at one time for one dollars. (5) One of the changes proposed was a lunch table in each car with a keg of beer available. (6) Conductors on the cars were paid forty-five dollars per month. The streetcars, later equipped with storage batteries, ran their route so frequently that they passed each other every five minutes. A round trip took one hour.

	Around 1879 the company owned thirteen cars each capable of accommodating twenty passengers and twenty-four horses supplied by the Tyler Brothers of Texas who were still supplying the animals in 1890. (7) Each horse horse traveled thirty-five miles daily. Feed for all the animals included fifteen bushels of oats daily and one ton of hay per week. (8) Weather affected the system. In 1879 the track running through Eighth ~~Streert~~ was raised two inches to bring it above the anticipated ice and snow accumulations. (9)		Around 1879 the company owned thirteen cars each capable of accommodating twenty passengers and twenty-four horses supplied by the Tyler Brothers of Texas who were still supplying the animals in 1890. (7) Each horse horse traveled thirty-five miles daily. Feed for all the animals included fifteen bushels of oats daily and one ton of hay per week. (8) Weather affected the system. In 1879 the track running through Eighth Street was raised two inches to bring it above the anticipated ice and snow accumulations. (9)

	By an act of July, 1883, additional rights and privileges were granted to the company and additional requirements were expected from it. (10)		By an act of July, 1883, additional rights and privileges were granted to the company and additional requirements were expected from it. (10)

	Rumors spread in August, 1889 that the Holmes Syndicate of Chicago had offered to purchase the company. J. A. ~~Rhomberg~~ quickly responded that there was no truth to the stories. Although Holmes was building an electric line in Stillwater, Minnesota, Rhomberg contended there was not room in Dubuque was such an operation and not enough passengers to support two lines. (11)		Rumors spread in August, 1889 that the Holmes Syndicate of Chicago had offered to purchase the company. [[RHOMBERG, Joseph A.\|Joseph A. RHOMBERG]] quickly responded that there was no truth to the stories. Although Holmes was building an electric line in Stillwater, Minnesota, Rhomberg contended there was not room in Dubuque was such an operation and not enough passengers to support two lines. (11)

	The company and the ferry company had their own announcement to make in August, 1889. The companies proposed to run a ferry in connection with the street railway with the fare from East Dubuque to the end of the line in Dubuque being five cents. Passengers arriving from East Dubuque would be given a transfer ticket to use the transportation system in Dubuque. (12)		The company and the ferry company had their own announcement to make in August, 1889. The companies proposed to run a ferry in connection with the street railway with the fare from East Dubuque to the end of the line in Dubuque being five cents. Passengers arriving from East Dubuque would be given a transfer ticket to use the transportation system in Dubuque. (12)
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	In August, 1890, the company was granted the right to erect an electric light and power station within the city limits, and was limited to twenty-five years duration. By ordinance of September, 1890, the company was permitted to lay and maintain a double track on certain streets.		In August, 1890, the company was granted the right to erect an electric light and power station within the city limits, and was limited to twenty-five years duration. By ordinance of September, 1890, the company was permitted to lay and maintain a double track on certain streets.

	On February 12, 1890 the Dubuque Street Railway Company was given the right-of-way from the city limits to Sageville if work could be completed in one year. In April, 1891 the company lost its right-of-way when the work was not finished, but immediately refiled. The ''Dubuque Daily Herald'' reminded readers of the desire of Mayor [[STEWART, Robert W.\|Robert W. STEWART]] to require more of the companies being granted franchises. The two-hour service of the company to ~~Eagle Point~~ and no service along Couler, according to the newspaper, should cause the county supervisors to question reissuing the franchise. (21)		On February 12, 1890 the Dubuque Street Railway Company was given the right-of-way from the city limits to Sageville if work could be completed in one year. In April, 1891 the company lost its right-of-way when the work was not finished, but immediately refiled. The ''Dubuque Daily Herald'' reminded readers of the desire of Mayor [[STEWART, Robert W.\|Robert W. STEWART]] to require more of the companies being granted franchises. The two-hour service of the company to [[EAGLE POINT]] and no service along Couler, according to the newspaper, should cause the county supervisors to question reissuing the franchise. (21)

	Realizing the company needed more funding, a trust deed was filed on May 21, 1891 with the Illinois Trust and Savings Bank of Chicago to obtain $250,000 in bonds payable on January 1, 1911. Immediately $200,000 worth of bonds were to be sold. The remaining $50,000 were to be held by the bank after $50,000 had been spent on improvements of the line. (22)		Realizing the company needed more funding, a trust deed was filed on May 21, 1891 with the Illinois Trust and Savings Bank of Chicago to obtain $250,000 in bonds payable on January 1, 1911. Immediately $200,000 worth of bonds were to be sold. The remaining $50,000 were to be held by the bank after $50,000 had been spent on improvements of the line. (22)
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	An ordinance of February, 1892, permitted the company to extend its lines to certain other streets. One would extend from the power house to the levee. Another would run along Clay Street and Rhomberg Avenue. The third would reach from the power house to the northern terminus of the line.		An ordinance of February, 1892, permitted the company to extend its lines to certain other streets. One would extend from the power house to the levee. Another would run along Clay Street and Rhomberg Avenue. The third would reach from the power house to the northern terminus of the line.

	On February 22, 1892 J. A. Rhomberg purchased the one-half interest in the Dubuque Street Railway Company owned by Mrs. J. J. Linehan for $142,000. The new board of directors included Rhomberg, president and general manager; [[RHOMBERG, Joseph H.\|Joseph H. RHOMBERG]], superintendent and treasurer; [[MEYER, Charles H.\|Charles H. MEYER]], secretary; [[BURDEN, George A.\|George A. BURDEN]]~~, C. E. Wales~~, [[WALKER, Marshall M.\|Marshall M. WALKER]], [[MCCANN, James\|James MCCANN]], [[KIENE, Peter\|Peter KIENE]], [[O'DONNELL, Frederick\|Frederick O'DONNELL]], [[VOELKER, Christian Anton\|Christian Anton VOELKER]], E. W. Duncan, [[RHOMBERG, Alphons L.\|Alphons L. RHOMBERG]], [[HEEB, Anthony F.\|Anthony F. HEEB]], [[GLAB, Nicholas\|Nicholas GLAB]], and [[JAEGER, Adam Francis, Sr.\|Adam Francis JAEGER, Sr.]] (31) The equipment of the new company was stated to be fifteen motor cars and ten new trailers each seating thirty people. The nine cars then equipped with storage batteries would be used on the overhead system without the storage batteries. A 350 horse power Corliss engine and a boiler of 100 horse power would be added to the power house which already contained a new Corliss engine of 725 horse power and two boilers each of 100 horse power. While storage battery cars were fourteen feet long, the overhead cars would be sixteen feet in length.		On February 22, 1892 J. A. Rhomberg purchased the one-half interest in the Dubuque Street Railway Company owned by Mrs. J. J. Linehan for $142,000. The new board of directors included Rhomberg, president and general manager; [[RHOMBERG, Joseph H.\|Joseph H. RHOMBERG]], superintendent and treasurer; [[MEYER, Charles H.\|Charles H. MEYER]], secretary; [[BURDEN, George A.\|George A. BURDEN]], [[WALKER, Marshall M.\|Marshall M. WALKER]], [[MCCANN, James\|James MCCANN]], [[KIENE, Peter\|Peter KIENE]], [[O'DONNELL, Frederick]]\|Frederick O'DONNELL]], [[WALES, Charles E.\|Charles E. WALES]] [[VOELKER, Christian Anton\|Christian Anton VOELKER]], E. W. Duncan, [[RHOMBERG, Alphons L.\|Alphons L. RHOMBERG]], [[HEEB, Anthony F.\|Anthony F. HEEB]], [[GLAB, Nicholas\|Nicholas GLAB]], and [[JAEGER, Adam Francis, Sr.\|Adam Francis JAEGER, Sr.]] (31) The equipment of the new company was stated to be fifteen motor cars and ten new trailers each seating thirty people. The nine cars then equipped with storage batteries would be used on the overhead system without the storage batteries. A 350 horse power Corliss engine and a boiler of 100 horse power would be added to the power house which already contained a new Corliss engine of 725 horse power and two boilers each of 100 horse power. While storage battery cars were fourteen feet long, the overhead cars would be sixteen feet in length.

	Ornamental iron poles were to be set along the curbs, 125 feet apart, to carry the trolley lines along upper Main Street. When the poles arrived, they were described as "severely plain, scarcely realizing the promises of the street railway people." Wooden poles were used along Clay Street. (32) In response of the newspaper's description, the city electrician informed the ''Herald'' that the poles would be painted red for seven feet from the ground and then gray to the top in accordance with the rules established by the city council. The appearance of the poles would be further enhanced when ornamental iron rings and flanges were installed. (33)		Ornamental iron poles were to be set along the curbs, 125 feet apart, to carry the trolley lines along upper Main Street. When the poles arrived, they were described as "severely plain, scarcely realizing the promises of the street railway people." Wooden poles were used along Clay Street. (32) In response of the newspaper's description, the city electrician informed the ''Herald'' that the poles would be painted red for seven feet from the ground and then gray to the top in accordance with the rules established by the city council. The appearance of the poles would be further enhanced when ornamental iron rings and flanges were installed. (33)