Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
GREAT WESTERN UNION BAND
GREAT WESTERN UNION BAND. Beginning with the GERMANIA BAND, this group of Dubuque musicians underwent several name changes resulting around 1879 with it known as the Great Western Union (G. W. U.) Band. In that year a major disagreement with the manager, a Mr. Wunderlich, and the director, Fred Hoppe occurred. The band members disassociated themselves with both people. (1)
With its offices in 1880 at 845 Iowa, the Great Western Union Band was directed by A. T. Jennings. According to the Dubuque City Directory of 1880, "engagements can be made by either one of the officers." The manager was H. Tischer.
In November 1879 residents of Dubuque were eager to see the new musical instrument being introduced by the band, a xylophone, played by Fred Hoppe. (2)
---
Source:
1. "Reorganization of the G. W. U. Band," Dubuque Herald, October 5, 1879, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18791005&printsec=frontpage&hl=en
2. "Caught on the Fly," Dubuque Herald, November 14, 1879, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18791114&printsec=frontpage&hl=en