Encyclopedia Dubuque
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CENTER GROVE: Difference between revisions
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Many of the people living in the area were Methodists who traveled to [[ROCKDALE]] for religious services. In 1852 Center Grove Methodist Church was established. By 1886, it was torn down and a new church was constructed on the same site. That church, [[CENTER GROVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH]] stood along Brunskill Road and was visible from Highway 20 in 2010. | Many of the people living in the area were Methodists who traveled to [[ROCKDALE]] for religious services. In 1852 Center Grove Methodist Church was established. By 1886, it was torn down and a new church was constructed on the same site. That church, [[CENTER GROVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH]] stood along Brunskill Road and was visible from Highway 20 in 2010. | ||
Perhaps the greatest developer of Center Grove was Edward C. Bartels. When the Hawkeye Highway (old Highway 20) was built, he | Perhaps the greatest developer of Center Grove was Edward C. Bartels. When the Hawkeye Highway (old Highway 20) was built, he relocated a seven-room building with a store front that he had purchased in 1906 close to the highway. Rooms were rented to travelers. This business was located on the left side of the road, when headed west, a few blocks beyond the Illinois Central Railroad viaduct over present-day Cedar Cross Road. Bartels also built cabins on the hill for more travelers to rent. A community kitchen was operated, but as more cottages were added they included kitchen and bathroom facilities. His business sign read, "Bartels Cabin Camp." | ||
Bartels also noticed the activity at Center Grove's Luther Park. Summer dances were popular at the open air dance pavilion operated by William Luther. Looking to expand his business opportunities, Bartels bought out Luther's business and replaced it with the [[CRYSTAL BALLROOM]]. The crystal ball that hung over the middle of the dance floor was made by Bartels from a ball of wire, plaster of Paris and small six-sided mirrors. Spotlights shining on the revolving ball made sparkling lights shimmer around the ballroom. Dancers enjoyed local musical groups and big bands from Chicago and the East during the late 1920s through the 1940s. | Bartels also noticed the activity at Center Grove's Luther Park. Summer dances were popular at the open air dance pavilion operated by William Luther. Looking to expand his business opportunities, Bartels bought out Luther's business and replaced it with the [[CRYSTAL BALLROOM]]. The crystal ball that hung over the middle of the dance floor was made by Bartels from a ball of wire, plaster of Paris and small six-sided mirrors. Spotlights shining on the revolving ball made sparkling lights shimmer around the ballroom. Dancers enjoyed local musical groups and big bands from Chicago and the East during the late 1920s through the 1940s. | ||
The ballroom, store and cabins are all gone. The site of the ballroom became the home of an outdoor advertising agency. In 1973 Center Grove was annexed to the City of Dubuque. | The ballroom, store and cabins are all gone. The site of the ballroom became the home of an outdoor advertising agency. In 1973 Center Grove was annexed to the City of Dubuque. | ||
Revision as of 19:09, 31 May 2011
Center Grove. Village annexed into Dubuque. Center Grove, located in Section 27 of Dubuque Township in Dubuque County, was named for a group of cedar trees.
English immigrants arrived to mine LEAD. In 1845 William Daykin and his family arrived. Their sons, Metcalf and John, operated the Center Grove general store for many years. Metcalf was also the postmaster. The post office remained open until January 1900 when Rural Free Delivery started at Dubuque.
Many of the people living in the area were Methodists who traveled to ROCKDALE for religious services. In 1852 Center Grove Methodist Church was established. By 1886, it was torn down and a new church was constructed on the same site. That church, CENTER GROVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH stood along Brunskill Road and was visible from Highway 20 in 2010.
Perhaps the greatest developer of Center Grove was Edward C. Bartels. When the Hawkeye Highway (old Highway 20) was built, he relocated a seven-room building with a store front that he had purchased in 1906 close to the highway. Rooms were rented to travelers. This business was located on the left side of the road, when headed west, a few blocks beyond the Illinois Central Railroad viaduct over present-day Cedar Cross Road. Bartels also built cabins on the hill for more travelers to rent. A community kitchen was operated, but as more cottages were added they included kitchen and bathroom facilities. His business sign read, "Bartels Cabin Camp."
Bartels also noticed the activity at Center Grove's Luther Park. Summer dances were popular at the open air dance pavilion operated by William Luther. Looking to expand his business opportunities, Bartels bought out Luther's business and replaced it with the CRYSTAL BALLROOM. The crystal ball that hung over the middle of the dance floor was made by Bartels from a ball of wire, plaster of Paris and small six-sided mirrors. Spotlights shining on the revolving ball made sparkling lights shimmer around the ballroom. Dancers enjoyed local musical groups and big bands from Chicago and the East during the late 1920s through the 1940s.
The ballroom, store and cabins are all gone. The site of the ballroom became the home of an outdoor advertising agency. In 1973 Center Grove was annexed to the City of Dubuque.