Union Park Now: Remnants of the Dance Hall Part 4

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.

Union Park Now: Remnants of the Dance Hall Part 3

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.

Union Park Now: Remnants of the Dance Hall Part 2

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.

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