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.
PLATT BROTHERS COMPANY
PLATT BROTHERS COMPANY. The first introduction of electric power in Dubuque did not bring immediate or wide-spread acceptance. One exception was Platt Brothers which saw an opportunity. It welcomed some use of electricity and announced themselves as the "Renowned, Leading, Reliable and NOW Electric Clothiers." The company also advertised that with electric lights, customers could make their selections in the evening in safety. The Dubuque Herald stated that,"the interior of the store was as bright as noonday while the reflecting rays of the beautiful light distinctly showed every shade, color and thread of the large stock in every department." (1)
The Chicago branch of the story was destroyed by fire in July, 1874. (2)
According to the 1880 and 1883 Dubuque City Directory, this business was located at 520 Main.
The 1884-1885 through 1890-91 Dubuque City Directory listed 520-522 Main as the address.
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Source:
1. History of Dubuque and Dubuque County, Telegraph Herald, January 15, 1939, p. 5
2. "Caught on the Fly," Dubuque Herald, July 15, 1874, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18740715&printsec=frontpage&hl=en
