This postcard is my most recent purchase. It's an image of The Depot taken from The Fishpond. To the right, you can see the stairs to The Lodge. The men in the center look like either baseball players or gardeners. There are 2 trolleys waiting at The Depot. It's a nice black and white postcard, but unfortunately it was not dated nor was it postmarked.
Here are a few links to previous posts with images of The Depot: Depot 1, Depot 2, and Depot 3
This photo was taken standing on the hillside behind the fishpond area. You can still see the landing area of The Depot as well as part of The Loop. That's The Promenade going off to the left there.
This springtime photo of the fishpond is one of my favorites. You can clearly see the outline of the pond itself. It must have been beautiful in its heyday.
Here are the links to the images that were posted previously: Fishpond 1 and Fishpond 2
This postcard features another inside view of Wonder Cave. Compare it to the postcard from an earlier post.
Here is another view of the stairs to Wonder Cave. It was taken in the spring of 2005 so there is less vegetation in the photo than in the other post which was taken during late summer of 2003.
This item of interest is what remains of one of Union Park's original light posts. What's really cool is that a tree has grown around it. It's one of the few remnants of a time gone by. Its location is in what used to be The Children's Playground area.
This is a very similar scene to the one in the previous post. It's a photo of the path to the restrooms.
This postcard is entitled "Scene in Union Park Dubuque, Iowa". I have not been able to find an exact match for this scene. My guess is that it's the sidewalk that leads to the restrooms, but then again I could be wrong. If any one knows where this scene is in Union Park, please send me an email.
Here is another view of The Pavilion area from a slightly different angle. The Promenade cuts through the park passing by the Triangle Garden and the Tree with Three Trunks. You can also see the area where the Ice Cream Stand and the Bowling Alley stood.
This image is very similar to a previous post "The Pavilion, Union Park" which posted on 10/26/09. The Triangle Garden and the Tree with Three Trunks are both visible. Also, you can clearly see the meandering creek which would have passed under the building.
Picture yourself walking down The Promenade. Here in this scene you can see The Pavilion off to your right. Notice on the far right how the creek meanders under the building. Further down the sidewalk past the Triangle Garden is The Ice Cream Stand and The Bowling Alley.
Can you spot what is missing from this image? Answer: The two water fountains. Even under magnification, I can't find them. Perhaps this photo was taken before the installation of the fountains. Since this postcard was never used, it is difficult to determine when it was taken.
These photos were taken standing at the far western end of the park where the sidewalk ends in The Children's Playground. This ends our walk through Union Park, but it is not "The End". From time to time I will post additional photos, articles, and postcards. I hope you have enjoyed your tour of Dubuque's very own amusement park!
After the 1919 flood the Death Pavilion was never rebuilt. A swimming pool replaced it. The photos above were taken in late August, 2003. I have not been able to find an image of the swimming pool in use during the time Union Park operated. If you have such an image and would like to share it, please send me an email.
This is the area where the Death Pavilion once stood. If you compare this photo to the postcard from the previous post, you can see the same steep terrain in the background. This photo was taken in the Spring of 2005.
This is an image of the pagoda in The Children's Playground that later became known as "The Death Pavilion." It was built in the same rustic style like the other picnic pavilions and bandstands in the park. During the flood of 1919 it became detached from its foundation and crashed into the Wading Pool. A total of seven people died in Dubuque on that fateful day including five at Union Park. The Death Pavilion was never rebuilt. This postcard was mailed in 1912.
This photo taken in 2008 and shows the playground as it appears today. That's the sidewalk on the right hand side. Looking at the center, you can just see the outline of the Wading Pool. There are probably a few more trees in the play area than there were during its heyday, but it's still a great place for kids to play.
The far end of the park is depicted in this scene. The rustic style pavilion or pagoda on the left later became known as "The Death Pavilion". It was used for picnics until the 1919 flood when it floated away. The park had at least two sandboxes with covers that could be lowered each night. This card was postmarked in 1909.
This is a photo of the wading pool as it appeared in the Fall of 2008. The cement work is actually in very good condition although it's difficult to see with all the mud. This photo is taken facing towards the entrance of the park. As you can see the water stagnates in the pool. There is a small trench or crack in the upper left hand side of the pool; the trench was put in to drain the water. The plumbing is still intact, but is plugged up.
The dirt is encroaching on the top of the cement and covering it up. If it is not cleared soon, plants will start to grow and the pool will deteriorate even more. You can already see that happening on the lower left hand side of this photo. Hopefully, someone will clean up the debris one day.
Here's another view of the Wading Pool taken during the summer of 2003. Note the tree at the end of the pool where the picnic pavilion once stood. Also, a crack in the wading pool is visible on the right-hand side; the idea was to drain the standing water in the pool. However, as you can see, water still accumulates there. Additionally, the pool is often caked in mud during different seasons.
The Pagoda or picnic pavilion in this scene was located at the west end of the Wading Pool; it replaced the benches that were visible in a previous post. I'm still researching the construction of this pavilion. From the clothing of the young woman and children, this postcard appears to have been taken after 1910. The set of swings were there before the pavilion was built.
This photo of the wading pool was taken from the southwest end.
This photo was taken at a similar angle to the image in the previous post. The Death Pavilion and the sand pits are long gone, but you can still see the swimming pool in the background.
This is the "Children's Wading Pool at Union Park, Dubuque". The pool was designed to be a miniature version of the one at Ogden Park in Chicago, IL. The end near the photographer is rounded; the other end is straight edged. You can see benches at the end of the pool. The water depth varied from 3" at the straight end to 12" on the curved end.
A picnic pavilion was later built at the straight end; I am currently unable to locate a date for its construction. In the background on the far left hand side you can just make out The Death Pavilion. In the background center, the covers for the sand pits are visible. Also, if you put the postcard under magnification, you can see slides, swings, and gliders.
The wading pool still exists today. However, rain water and mud tend to fill it up.
This is the same scene of the playground that was pictured in the previous post. You can almost picture the girls with their big hair bows still standing there.
The Death Pavilion is long gone. The Wading Pool is still there to the right. Also, at the end of the sidewalk, you can barely see the swimming pool that was built in 1923 and remains today.
A postcard used in 1914 shows the entrance to the Children's Playground. I'm guessing that the building on the left is the pagoda that later became known as "The Death Pavilion". The people on the right in the background are crowded around The Wading Pool. This is one of my favorite postcards. It has a magical quality to it and takes you back to a different era.
This photo was taken as you walk past the foundation of the Dance Hall and head west towards the Children's Playground. You can see where The Promenade sidewalk ends. You have to cross the creek to get to the other side where the playground used to be.
Another image featuring a merry-go-round, glider swing, and slides. It was postmarked in 1909.
Here is another view called "Children in the Playgrounds at Union Park, Dubuque." It offers a better view of the Wading Pool in the background. You can also see the merry-go-round, slides, gliders, benches, and picnic tables. The Promenade sidewalk continues through the playground straight down the center. This card was also postmarked in 1911.
The next series of posts will focus on the "Children's Playground". As you can see from this postcard, the park featured an array of amusements including glider swings, slides, and teeter totters. Every effort was made to bring in the latest in outdoor play equipment. There's also an abundance of picnic tables and benches making it the perfect location for a family outing.
You can see just how crowded and popular the park was back in its day. Kids and adults alike could have fun; there was always something to do at Union Park. If you look very carefully, you can see The Wading Pool in the center. The Death Pavilion is visible in the background too. This card was postmarked back in 1911.
During its heyday, Union Park featured a variety of plant collections including peonies, cannas, and roses. Above are a couple of plant types that were found in the park. The top photo is a yellow Iris and the bottom photo features a Bleeding Heart.
I would love to be able to photograph the flowers of Union Park as they bloom in the springtime; however, I live too far away. If you have current images of flowers in the park and want to see your name on the Internet, please send me an email to share your photos.
Here is another view of the fountain.
This postcard entitled "Central Fountain in Union Park, Dubuque, IA" features the park's main water fountain. Those are little turtles in the pond spraying water at the larger stone sculpture in the center. Other details include: 1.) The sign by the fountain which says "NEW SOD KEEP OFF" and 2.) The seating in the background which was probably for the Mammoth Theater. It was postmarked 1909. If any one knows where this fountain is today, please send me an email.
This is another view of the Union Park Theater or Mammoth Theater as it was known.
When the Mammoth Theater was built in 1909, it literally divided the park into 2 areas. This division would eventually be the park's downfall. When the sky opened up on July 9, 1919 and let forth a torrent of rain, the theater acted like a dam. Water to the west side of the building was trapped and by some accounts the water rose to 20 feet. This postcard was used in 1911.
This postcard features (from left to right) the second Rustic Bandstand, a ticket booth, and the Rustic Inn restaurant. The flower garden on the far right no longer exists. Further down the Promenade, you can see the stairs to the Miner's Hut and a pavilion. This scene was taken in front of The Mammoth Theatre looking northeast down the sidewalk.
This particular postcard is somewhat yellowed; thus, the image is a little fuzzy. It was postally used in 1914.
This adorable image of 2 little girls was most likely taken around 1910. The girls are standing in front of the second Rustic Bandstand; however, we are seeing the bandstand from back left side (northwest). The building on the right looks like a corner of the Mammoth Theatre. The building in the far background might be the Rustic Inn restaurant, but I can't see it clearly enough to make a verification. The card was postally used in 1913.
This view features the second Rustic Bandstand and the plaza. This postcard was postally used in 1910. I can't be 100% sure, but I'm taking a guess that the performers are "The Park Players". However, it could just as easily be one of the traveling acting troupes hired by the park for entertainment purposes. This scene actually reminds me of the bandshell and plaza area at Eagle Point Park (also in Dubuque and still open).
Here is another image of the second bandstand. It offers a better view of the rustic style which incorporates rough-cut branches into the trim and as support columns. There is an upright piano on stage. The man in the image looks familiar; perhaps he is the same individual pictured in a few of the earlier posts.
In the background, the stairs to the Miner's Hut is visible. Also, to the far right you can just see a pavilion.
The copyright for this image is 1907 by F. L. Egelhof. It is titled "RUSTIC BAND STAND, UNION PARK, DUBUQUE, IOWA. U.S.A." As in his previous images, Egelhof photographed Union Park in its early days. In the upper right-hand corner of this postcard you can barely see a toadstool-shaped pagoda or miner's hut. This is the same miner's hut pictured in an earlier post "The Miner's Hut, Union Park."
This is the second Rustic Band Stand built in Union Park. The original was across from The Pavilion. The plaza area is not pictured in this postcard, but will be visible in an upcoming post. This band stand was a very popular aspect of the park before the Mammoth Theatre was built. Music and plays were the typical forms of entertainment offered. In fact, if you look closely there is a piano and a few chairs on the stage.
I was unable to read the sign posted on the stairs. If anyone knows what it says, please email me.
I took this photo from the northwest corner of the Dance Hall. I was standing on The Promenade facing the Dance Hall. You can see the retaining wall in the background. Also, in the front of the photo, you can see where the creek is meandering along its new path along the dance hall foundation.
In this photo taken in early Spring of 2005, you can see the outline of the Dance Hall that replaced the Mammoth Theatre. Also, you can just barely see The Promenade at the bottom of this shot. I took this picture standing on the northern slope of the park looking down. Normally, during the Summer and Fall, there is too much foliage to see the remains of the building well.
This is another image of all that remains of the former Dance Hall that replaced the Mammoth Theatre. Plants and shrubs have taken over the structure.
After the flood of 1919, the Mammoth Theatre was torn down and replaced. Instead of cutting the hollow in half, a new building was constructed along the south side. Due to the decline of interest in theatre entertainment, its function was as a Dance Hall. When Union Park closed, the building was torn down. The Dance Hall floor was reused in Dubuque's new ballroom called Melody Mill. Eventually Melody Mill was torn down as well (in 1964); however, the dance floor was again saved. It is still used today at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds Ballroom.Pictured above are the stairs as they appear today. Note the chunks of sidewalk which made up The Promenade. Years of exposure to water and the elements have caused the cement to crack and the pieces have been gradually pushed along the creek's path.For more information about Melody Mill (including photos), visit Encyclopedia Dubuque
This undated postcard, "Scene in Union Park, Dubuque, Iowa" has a great view of one of the original Miner's Huts. It was located to the right, just past the Bowling Alley, as you walked down The Promenade towards the Children's Playground. Remnants of the stairs still exist; however, the railing was removed long ago. Also, there are many more trees on the hillside currently. It's actually quite steep.
This postcard is my most recent purchase. It's an image of The Depot taken from The Fishpond. To the right, you can see the stairs to The Lodge. The men in the center look like either baseball players or gardeners. There are 2 trolleys waiting at The Depot. It's a nice black and white postcard, but unfortunately it was not dated nor was it postmarked.
This photo was taken standing on the hillside behind the fishpond area. You can still see the landing area of The Depot as well as part of The Loop. That's The Promenade going off to the left there.
This springtime photo of the fishpond is one of my favorites. You can clearly see the outline of the pond itself. It must have been beautiful in its heyday.
This postcard features another inside view of Wonder Cave. Compare it to the postcard from an earlier post.
Here is another view of the stairs to Wonder Cave. It was taken in the spring of 2005 so there is less vegetation in the photo than in the other post which was taken during late summer of 2003.
This item of interest is what remains of one of Union Park's original light posts. What's really cool is that a tree has grown around it. It's one of the few remnants of a time gone by. Its location is in what used to be The Children's Playground area.
This is a very similar scene to the one in the previous post. It's a photo of the path to the restrooms.
This postcard is entitled "Scene in Union Park Dubuque, Iowa". I have not been able to find an exact match for this scene. My guess is that it's the sidewalk that leads to the restrooms, but then again I could be wrong. If any one knows where this scene is in Union Park, please send me an email.
Here is another view of The Pavilion area from a slightly different angle. The Promenade cuts through the park passing by the Triangle Garden and the Tree with Three Trunks. You can also see the area where the Ice Cream Stand and the Bowling Alley stood.
Picture yourself walking down The Promenade. Here in this scene you can see The Pavilion off to your right. Notice on the far right how the creek meanders under the building. Further down the sidewalk past the Triangle Garden is The Ice Cream Stand and The Bowling Alley.
These photos were taken standing at the far western end of the park where the sidewalk ends in The Children's Playground. This ends our walk through Union Park, but it is not "The End". From time to time I will post additional photos, articles, and postcards. I hope you have enjoyed your tour of Dubuque's very own amusement park!
After the 1919 flood the Death Pavilion was never rebuilt. A swimming pool replaced it. The photos above were taken in late August, 2003. I have not been able to find an image of the swimming pool in use during the time Union Park operated. If you have such an image and would like to share it, please send me an email.
This is the area where the Death Pavilion once stood. If you compare this photo to the postcard from the previous post, you can see the same steep terrain in the background. This photo was taken in the Spring of 2005.
This is an image of the pagoda in The Children's Playground that later became known as "The Death Pavilion." It was built in the same rustic style like the other picnic pavilions and bandstands in the park. During the flood of 1919 it became detached from its foundation and crashed into the Wading Pool. A total of seven people died in Dubuque on that fateful day including five at Union Park. The Death Pavilion was never rebuilt. This postcard was mailed in 1912.
This photo taken in 2008 and shows the playground as it appears today. That's the sidewalk on the right hand side. Looking at the center, you can just see the outline of the Wading Pool. There are probably a few more trees in the play area than there were during its heyday, but it's still a great place for kids to play.
The far end of the park is depicted in this scene. The rustic style pavilion or pagoda on the left later became known as "The Death Pavilion". It was used for picnics until the 1919 flood when it floated away. The park had at least two sandboxes with covers that could be lowered each night. This card was postmarked in 1909. 
This is a photo of the wading pool as it appeared in the Fall of 2008. The cement work is actually in very good condition although it's difficult to see with all the mud. This photo is taken facing towards the entrance of the park. As you can see the water stagnates in the pool. There is a small trench or crack in the upper left hand side of the pool; the trench was put in to drain the water. The plumbing is still intact, but is plugged up.
Here's another view of the Wading Pool taken during the summer of 2003. Note the tree at the end of the pool where the picnic pavilion once stood. Also, a crack in the wading pool is visible on the right-hand side; the idea was to drain the standing water in the pool. However, as you can see, water still accumulates there. Additionally, the pool is often caked in mud during different seasons.
The Pagoda or picnic pavilion in this scene was located at the west end of the Wading Pool; it replaced the benches that were visible in a previous post. I'm still researching the construction of this pavilion. From the clothing of the young woman and children, this postcard appears to have been taken after 1910. The set of swings were there before the pavilion was built.
This photo of the wading pool was taken from the southwest end.
This photo was taken at a similar angle to the image in the previous post. The Death Pavilion and the sand pits are long gone, but you can still see the swimming pool in the background.
This is the "Children's Wading Pool at Union Park, Dubuque". The pool was designed to be a miniature version of the one at Ogden Park in Chicago, IL. The end near the photographer is rounded; the other end is straight edged. You can see benches at the end of the pool. The water depth varied from 3" at the straight end to 12" on the curved end.
This is the same scene of the playground that was pictured in the previous post. You can almost picture the girls with their big hair bows still standing there.
A postcard used in 1914 shows the entrance to the Children's Playground. I'm guessing that the building on the left is the pagoda that later became known as "The Death Pavilion". The people on the right in the background are crowded around The Wading Pool. This is one of my favorite postcards. It has a magical quality to it and takes you back to a different era.
This photo was taken as you walk past the foundation of the Dance Hall and head west towards the Children's Playground. You can see where The Promenade sidewalk ends. You have to cross the creek to get to the other side where the playground used to be.
Another image featuring a merry-go-round, glider swing, and slides. It was postmarked in 1909.
Here is another view called "Children in the Playgrounds at Union Park, Dubuque." It offers a better view of the Wading Pool in the background. You can also see the merry-go-round, slides, gliders, benches, and picnic tables. The Promenade sidewalk continues through the playground straight down the center. This card was also postmarked in 1911.
The next series of posts will focus on the "Children's Playground". As you can see from this postcard, the park featured an array of amusements including glider swings, slides, and teeter totters. Every effort was made to bring in the latest in outdoor play equipment. There's also an abundance of picnic tables and benches making it the perfect location for a family outing.
During its heyday, Union Park featured a variety of plant collections including peonies, cannas, and roses. Above are a couple of plant types that were found in the park. The top photo is a yellow Iris and the bottom photo features a Bleeding Heart.
This postcard entitled "Central Fountain in Union Park, Dubuque, IA" features the park's main water fountain. Those are little turtles in the pond spraying water at the larger stone sculpture in the center. Other details include: 1.) The sign by the fountain which says "NEW SOD KEEP OFF" and 2.) The seating in the background which was probably for the Mammoth Theater. It was postmarked 1909. If any one knows where this fountain is today, please send me an email.
This is another view of the Union Park Theater or Mammoth Theater as it was known. 
When the Mammoth Theater was built in 1909, it literally divided the park into 2 areas. This division would eventually be the park's downfall. When the sky opened up on July 9, 1919 and let forth a torrent of rain, the theater acted like a dam. Water to the west side of the building was trapped and by some accounts the water rose to 20 feet. This postcard was used in 1911.
This postcard features (from left to right) the second Rustic Bandstand, a ticket booth, and the Rustic Inn restaurant. The flower garden on the far right no longer exists. Further down the Promenade, you can see the stairs to the Miner's Hut and a pavilion. This scene was taken in front of The Mammoth Theatre looking northeast down the sidewalk. 
This adorable image of 2 little girls was most likely taken around 1910. The girls are standing in front of the second Rustic Bandstand; however, we are seeing the bandstand from back left side (northwest). The building on the right looks like a corner of the Mammoth Theatre. The building in the far background might be the Rustic Inn restaurant, but I can't see it clearly enough to make a verification. The card was postally used in 1913. 
This view features the second Rustic Bandstand and the plaza. This postcard was postally used in 1910. I can't be 100% sure, but I'm taking a guess that the performers are "The Park Players". However, it could just as easily be one of the traveling acting troupes hired by the park for entertainment purposes. This scene actually reminds me of the bandshell and plaza area at Eagle Point Park (also in Dubuque and still open).
Here is another image of the second bandstand. It offers a better view of the rustic style which incorporates rough-cut branches into the trim and as support columns. There is an upright piano on stage. The man in the image looks familiar; perhaps he is the same individual pictured in a few of the earlier posts. 
The copyright for this image is 1907 by F. L. Egelhof. It is titled "RUSTIC BAND STAND, UNION PARK, DUBUQUE, IOWA. U.S.A." As in his previous images, Egelhof photographed Union Park in its early days. In the upper right-hand corner of this postcard you can barely see a toadstool-shaped pagoda or miner's hut. This is the same miner's hut pictured in an earlier post "The Miner's Hut, Union Park."
I took this photo from the northwest corner of the Dance Hall. I was standing on The Promenade facing the Dance Hall. You can see the retaining wall in the background. Also, in the front of the photo, you can see where the creek is meandering along its new path along the dance hall foundation.
In this photo taken in early Spring of 2005, you can see the outline of the Dance Hall that replaced the Mammoth Theatre. Also, you can just barely see The Promenade at the bottom of this shot. I took this picture standing on the northern slope of the park looking down. Normally, during the Summer and Fall, there is too much foliage to see the remains of the building well.
This is another image of all that remains of the former Dance Hall that replaced the Mammoth Theatre. Plants and shrubs have taken over the structure.
After the flood of 1919, the Mammoth Theatre was torn down and replaced. Instead of cutting the hollow in half, a new building was constructed along the south side. Due to the decline of interest in theatre entertainment, its function was as a Dance Hall. When Union Park closed, the building was torn down. The Dance Hall floor was reused in Dubuque's new ballroom called Melody Mill. Eventually Melody Mill was torn down as well (in 1964); however, the dance floor was again saved. It is still used today at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds Ballroom.
This undated postcard, "Scene in Union Park, Dubuque, Iowa" has a great view of one of the original Miner's Huts. It was located to the right, just past the Bowling Alley, as you walked down The Promenade towards the Children's Playground. Remnants of the stairs still exist; however, the railing was removed long ago. Also, there are many more trees on the hillside currently. It's actually quite steep.
