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.
CITY HOTEL
CITY HOTEL. Famed Dubuque landmark on the northwest corner of Fourth and Main STREETS, the hotel was erected in 1833 by John G. Shields and J. H. Emerson, father and uncle respectively, of James H. SHIELDS. In 1859, the City Hotel was redecorated and renamed the Peosta House. The name was changed twice within the next three years - Peosta Hall and Our New Hall - before Mr. William G. Stewart purchased the building and began converting the Hall into Dubuque's fifth major theater in 1862.
In 1864 - the facility reopened as the Athenaeum Theater. In its heyday, the Athenaeum hosted some of America's finest legitimate theater talent. World-famous actor, Edwin Forrest, performed there in 1870. Perhaps the most interesting performer was Kate Claxton, who appeared on it's stage in July of 1877, one of its last shows as the Athenaeum.
C.H. Eighmey and a Mr. Waller purchased, refurbished, and reopened the theater as the Duncan-Waller Opera House in late 1877. The Opera House was a thriving operation until 1893, when it again changed names and became the Main Street Opera House.
The 1873-74 Dubuque City Directory listed the north side of 1st 3 west of Main.
The 1874-1875 Dubuque City Directory stated that this business was located on Clay between 5th and 6th.
The 1880 through 1886-87 Dubuque City Directory listed 553 White.