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.
Encyclopedia Dubuque:About: Difference between revisions
(New page: The basis of this website is a book published in 1991 entitled ''Dubuque: The Encyclopedia''. This book, written by Randolph W. Lyon for First National Bank of Dubuque, was used by the ...) |
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The basis of this website is a book published in 1991 entitled ''Dubuque: The Encyclopedia''. This book, written by Randolph W. Lyon for | The basis of this website is a book published in 1991 entitled ''Dubuque: The Encyclopedia''. This book, written by Randolph W. Lyon for [[FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DUBUQUE]], was used by the bank as a promotional item for people investing in certificates of deposit or for outright purchase. | ||
The book was planned as a table-top reference to much of Dubuque history. Exhaustive research and interviews over five years provided the material. Editing the size of the entries and the number of photographs was necessary to keep the book of reasonable size and price. | The book was planned as a table-top reference to much of Dubuque history. Exhaustive research and interviews over five years provided the material. Editing the size of the entries and the number of photographs was necessary to keep the book of reasonable size and price. | ||
Sales of the book after it was announced were brisk. The long-term response to the book can be measured by the | Sales of the book after it was announced were brisk. The long-term response to the book can be measured by the [[CARNEGIE-STOUT PUBLIC LIBRARY]]. Their copies had to be rebound from frequent use. Over the years, the encyclopedia has frequently been cited in the local newspaper, the ''Telegraph Herald'', as a source of information. | ||
As Dubuque reached its sesquicentennial, the Dubuque City Council announced that it would fund ten applications from local historical societies or groups with projects involving Dubuque history. The Carnegie-Stout Library Foundation chose to apply for a grant to convert ''Dubuque: The Encyclopedia'' to an on-line format. This would allow the entries to be updated and expanded. It would also allow the encyclopedia to grow with new entries and pictures. | As Dubuque reached its sesquicentennial, the Dubuque City Council announced that it would fund ten applications from local historical societies or groups with projects involving Dubuque history. The Carnegie-Stout Library Foundation chose to apply for a grant to convert ''Dubuque: The Encyclopedia'' to an on-line format. This would allow the entries to be updated and expanded. It would also allow the encyclopedia to grow with new entries and pictures. | ||
Revision as of 21:47, 2 September 2008
The basis of this website is a book published in 1991 entitled Dubuque: The Encyclopedia. This book, written by Randolph W. Lyon for FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DUBUQUE, was used by the bank as a promotional item for people investing in certificates of deposit or for outright purchase.
The book was planned as a table-top reference to much of Dubuque history. Exhaustive research and interviews over five years provided the material. Editing the size of the entries and the number of photographs was necessary to keep the book of reasonable size and price.
Sales of the book after it was announced were brisk. The long-term response to the book can be measured by the CARNEGIE-STOUT PUBLIC LIBRARY. Their copies had to be rebound from frequent use. Over the years, the encyclopedia has frequently been cited in the local newspaper, the Telegraph Herald, as a source of information.
As Dubuque reached its sesquicentennial, the Dubuque City Council announced that it would fund ten applications from local historical societies or groups with projects involving Dubuque history. The Carnegie-Stout Library Foundation chose to apply for a grant to convert Dubuque: The Encyclopedia to an on-line format. This would allow the entries to be updated and expanded. It would also allow the encyclopedia to grow with new entries and pictures.
This grant application was approved.
I would like to thank the Carnegie-Stout Library Foundation for its interest in this project. The conversion of the encyclopedia to an on-line form ensures continue growth in the volume of information available to the public about Dubuque. Available though the Internet to an international audience, the readership of this information will be increased exponentially. This offers the opportunity for additional fact checking and ex citing opportunities for the acquisition of new information and pictures.
I have especially appreciated the support given to this project by Michael May of the Carnegie-Stout Library. His foresight in realizing the potential of the grant, writing the application, and then guiding it through to its approval earns him my highest respect. He has always been open to suggestions and has offered encouragement at every phase of this work.
My technical support came from Angela and Ransom Briggs of Iowa City. Their knowledge of the Wiki and issues related to computers was unmatched.
In addition to all the people who provided pictures and information for the book Dubuque: The Encyclopedia I would like to add my deep appreciation to Bob Reding whose love of Dubuque history is unmatched. Ever willing to answer questions or provide material for pictures, he is a treasure.
For all the times I had to say, "Just a minute and I'll be there" or "I need a bit more time on the computer," I want to thank my wife, Ruth. I owe her everything.
Randolph W. Lyon
