Union Park Timeline

This timeline is based on information found in Michael A. Boge's book, Union Park: A Place of Memories, 1983. Additionally, the timeline was supplemented with information from Encyclopedia Dubuque.

• 1890 - William Graham (W.G.) Stewart donates several acres of farmland to Dubuque for a family outing place.

• 1891 - March 6 - Dubuque Electric Railway, Light, and Power Co. (known locally as the Allen and Swiney Motor Line Co.) purchases 40 acres of land from Stewart. April 24 - Dubuque's dignitaries take the first trolleys out to Stewart Park. April 26 - Stewart Park officially opens.

• 1893 - The Company's holdings are sold to the Old Colony Trust Co. Later that same year, control goes to the Dubuque Light and Traction Co.

• 1899 - The deed is transferred to the General Electric Co. and later to the Home Electric Co.

• 1900 - Control is transferred to the Union Electric Co. Stewart Park is renamed Union Park. L. D. Mathes is hired as the Park Manager.

• 1904 - The Waiting Station is built. Other improvements include a new pavilion and cement sidewalks.

• 1905 - The first Rustic Bandstand is built across from The Pavilion.

• 1907 - The second Rustic Bandstand is build with a plaza area.

• 1908 - Additional land is purchased to develop The Children's Playground; park additions include a new rustic picnic pavilion (which would later become known as "The Death Pavilion") and a roller coaster. Wonder Cave is improved with electric lighting and a walkway.

• 1909 - The Mammoth Theatre is built at a cost of $30,000.

• 1910 - The theatre has trouble attracting patrons resulting in a new amusement policy. The Children's Wading Pool is constructed. The park beautification project occurs.

• 1916 - The Dubuque Electric Co. takes over. Park Manager L. D. Mathes is replaced.

• 1919 - July 9 - The infamous day of the flood. 5 people die at Union Park. Damages = ~ $15,000. July 13 - The park reopens.

• 1921 - People are allowed to drive to Union Park.

• 1923 - The new ballroom opens replacing Mammoth Theatre. The Swimming Pool is built.

• 1927 - The Interstate Power Co. takes over.

• 1934 - The Interstate Power Co. announces that Union Park is to be closed.

• 1935 - Union Park is dismantled.

• 1946 - The Y.M.C.A. and The Boy Scouts of America buy the land that was once Union Park.

• The Present Day - The Y.M.C.A. Union Park Day Camp still operates during the summer months.