Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
CAPITOL
CAPITOL THEATER. Beginning in the 1930s, the Capitol Theater, the "Most Beautiful Small Show House in the Midwest," located at 2205 Central, entertained thousands of Dubuque residents.
Owned by Joseph Diener, the Capitol had formerly been the FAMILY THEATER until purchased and remodeled by Diener in 1925. He had been interested in other small theaters for some time. An article in the Telegraph Herald listed the many local businesses which had a role in the renovation. The "Galena Music House," Dubuque's oldest music house, sold the reproducing piano. According to the story "only one Dubuque brick concern could produce brick that measured up and above the standards set" so the HEIM BRICK COMPANY was given the contract. "The Bank That Boosts Dubuque," UNION TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK provided the financing. The great opening was held on December 13, 1925.
The Capitol remained in operation until 1954 when it was demolished and replaced by a drug store owned by the HARTIG DRUG COMPANY.
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Source:
"Beautiful New Theater Opens," Telegraph Herald, December 13, 1925, p. 20
Special thanks to Paul Hemmer