Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
CENTER GROVE: Difference between revisions
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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. | 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 [[ROCKDALE]] for church. 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, | Many of the people living in the area were Methodists who traveled [[ROCKDALE]] for church. 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 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 moved a seven-room 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. | |||
Noticing summer dances were popular, Bartels built | At the turn of the twentieth century, Center Grove also had Luther Park. Operated by William Luther, the open air dance pavilion was popular with local residents. Noticing summer dances were popular, Bartels bought out Luther's business and built the Crystal Ballroom on the site of the former park The crystal ball that hung in 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. Dances drew big bands from Chicago and the East during the late 1920s through the 1940s. | ||
Bartels eventually built cabins on the hill | Bartels eventually built cabins on the hill near the park 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." | ||
The ballroom, store and cabins are all gone. 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 23:48, 5 February 2010
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 ROCKDALE for church. 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 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 moved a seven-room 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.
At the turn of the twentieth century, Center Grove also had Luther Park. Operated by William Luther, the open air dance pavilion was popular with local residents. Noticing summer dances were popular, Bartels bought out Luther's business and built the Crystal Ballroom on the site of the former park The crystal ball that hung in 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. Dances drew big bands from Chicago and the East during the late 1920s through the 1940s.
Bartels eventually built cabins on the hill near the park 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."
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.