ARMORY

ARMORY. Discussion of establishing an armory and convention hall in the city developed in 1914. Prominent soldiers from Dubuque reported that the state would pay $2,000 annually if the new building was built. The state allowed each militia company $1,000 annually for armory rental and with another militia company close to being organized the $2,000 could be reached. Assistance was not being asked from the DUBUQUE INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION. Figures obtained from other communities indicated that the cost of the building would be approximately $60,000. (1)

The armory at 9th and Iowa STREETS, a combination of engine house for the FIRE DEPARTMENT and the third floor for the military, sent soldiers to two world wars and other problems at home. The building was vacated around July 9, 1950. The National Guard moved to a new location at Southern Avenue and Valley Street. An article in the Telegraph Herald stated that a military officer inspecting many reserve units found Dubuque to be "the most reserve minded town he had ever been in." (2)

Dubuque's history includes a company of men organized for drill in 1836. Another group of reservists were called during an uprising of SIOUX in Minnesota and northern Iowa. The Jackson Guards and others were formed prior to the CIVIL WAR. When hostilities finally began, the GOVERNOR'S GREYS were formed on April 7, 1859 and drilled in the first armory in the Rebman Block.

The Greys were mustered into Company A of the national guard in 1885. They were issued a uniform and paid one dollars a week for drilling. The company became so proficient that it won first place in competition with other national guard companies held at the 1892 Chicago World's Fair.

Company A of the national guard served in the SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR in 1898. Returning to Dubuque, the guard was used to quiet a street car strike. The next call to war was in 1916 when Pancho Villa began raids in the southern United States from his base in Mexico. Company A was the largest national guard company on duty.

Company A with 150 soldiers and 3 officers became the first company of the first regiment called up for duty in WORLD WAR I. Returning home, the guard was called out during the "Cow War" in Iowa.

On February 10, 1941 the guard with 72 regularly enlisted personnel and 31 volunteers were mobilized for WORLD WAR II. Dubuque became the battalion headquarters.

In 1974 Iowa National Guard looked for land upon which to build a new armory and attention turned to the Petrakis Park, the only city-owned property on CITY ISLAND large enough to satisfy the Guard's wishes. Brig. General Francis J. KELLY said the Guard wanted inner-city land which would offer the convenience of a centrally located armory to potential recruits and would save time during alerts and emergencies. Two facts quickly dampened any enthusiasm for the military's use of that site. City Manager Gilbert D. CHAVENELLE noted this would mean the necessary relocation of the ballpark while City Engineer John White estimated it would cost $90,000 just to move the ballpark's light towers. (3)

In 1978 the suggestion of placing it near West 32nd and Kennedy Road proved so controversial that it was definitely rejected by the city council on June 18th. The State of Iowa had appropriated $231,000 as its share of the cost of replacing the old facility on Southern Avenue. The federal government had appropriated $63,000 as its share, but that would be withdrawn June 30th if the state could not find a building site. The Guard considered a location at the AIRPORT too far to attract and retain recruits. (4)

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Source:

1. "Convention Hall and Armory is Discussed," Telegraph-Herald, March 25, 1914, p. 1

2. "Home of City's Military Glory Now Quiet Landmark," Telegraph Herald, July 16, 1950, p. 17

3. Fyten, David, "City, National Guard Search for Mutually Acceptable Plot," Telegraph Herald, December 17, 1974, p. 9

4. Kelly, Steve. "Council Retreats From 32nd Street Armory," Telegraph Herald, June 19, 1978, p. 12