RHOMBERG PARK

RHOMBERG PARK. Established in 1890 by Joseph A. RHOMBERG, Rhomberg Park was located at the intersection of Rhomberg and Shiras avenues. To create a memorable approach to the site, he planted hundreds of ELMS along Rhomberg Avenue. (1) The park offered a bandstand and was often the site of German beer picnics. In 1890 for the park's July opening, Rhomberg announced that many additional street cars belonging to his DUBUQUE STREET RAILWAY COMPANY would be available with both Main and Clay street cars taking riders to the park for the cost of five cents. (2)

In 1894 Mr. Matt Kusell, formerly the manager of the Corrinne Opera Company of Chicago was hired to manage the presentation of opera and concerts during the summer. Admission to the groups was free and dancing was available twice each week. (3)

In 1900 J. C. Morris, a theatrical manager, convinced the park managers to allow him to perform vaudeville during the summer. He then convinced them to allow him to move his acts to his new COATES OPERA HOUSE during the week. Performances at the park were reserved for Sunday afternoon and evening. (4)

Although renamed Riverside Park in 1900, the name Rhomberg Park continued to be used. In preparation for the May festival of the local Order of Moose, a carnival was hired, a balloon ascension and parachute jump were scheduled, and the dancing pavilion was made ready along with most of the larger stands. (5)

It was later used for one of the FRESH AIR CAMPS.

---

Source:

1. Day, Mike (editor), The '50s: Vol. 1: 1950-1954, Dubuque: Woodward Communications, 2015, p. 72

2. "Dubuque New Pleasure Resort," Dubuque Daily Herald, July 12, 1890, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900712&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

3. "Municipal Molecules," Dubuque Daily Herald, May 22, 1894, p. 5

4. "Now It's Riverside Park," Dubuque Daily Herald, June 7, 1900, p. 3

5. "Park Will Be Beautiful," The Telegraph-Herald, May 24, 1911, p. 10