Union Park Now: The Area Where the Death Pavilion Once Stood

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.

The Death Pavilion, Union Park

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.

Union Park Now: The Children's Playground 1

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 Children's Playground, Union Park, postcard 6

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.