Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
WEST DUBUQUE LITERARY SOCIETY
WEST DUBUQUE LITERARY SOCIETY. Meeting on August 10, 1876, members listened to several scientific and philosophic selections, some poetry recitations, and some vocal and instrumental selections. Midway through the evening, violins began a lively tune leading to marching exercises and a mini-opera.
When asked why they would join a society in West Dubuque rather than any other location, the "best answer" at the previous meeting was the availability of a bus. The person who made the statement won a large sausage.
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Source:
"Caught on the Fly," Dubuque Herald, August 12, 1876, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18760812&printsec=frontpage&hl=en