Union Park Now: Remnants of the Dance Hall Part 1

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

The Miner's Hut, Union Park

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.