Sunday, October 18, 2009

The Recreation Grounds

The Recreation Grounds, Union Park, Dubuque, IAThis is an early shot of The Recreation Grounds of Union Park. This main sidewalk in this area was later renamed The Promenade. The vast number of benches reflects the popularity of the park. Also, it illustrates the function of this area later nicknamed The Waiting Area.

There are 2 distinct styles of handwriting on this postcard. The first hand is written by the sender. The second hand is responsible for the notes on the postcard image directly. Written in pencil, the writer noted the function of the buildings. The Pavilion is labeled "dance hall". There are also notations for "ice cream hall," "pool hall," and "bowling alleys."

This image has a notation: Copyright 1906 by F.L. EGELHOF. He is the same photographer who took the black and white image of 4 trolleys posted earlier. The two images could have been taken on the same day.

It is interesting to note that there are no fountains in front of Pavilion. Also, you can still see the old style wooden electric poles; therefore, photo was probably taken between 1901 and 1904. This card was postally used in 1907.

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