Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
JOHNSON AND KALKE
JOHNSON & KALKE. A boat building company located at EAGLE POINT, Johnson & Kalke was started by James A. JOHNSON around 1869. (1) The firm was originally called Johnson and Gaylord.
In 1875 through the influence of Senator William Boyd ALLISON a contract for the construction of three boats for use on the Fox River was awarded to the Dubuque company. (2)
In 1876 a new steam ferryboat, the "Key City", was put into service at Dubuque. Built by Johnson & Kalke, it measured 100x25, was powered by two vertical steam engines and double screw propellers and had a carrying capacity of 18 wagons. (3)
Johnson and Kalke was dissolved after five years when Kalke sold his interest to the DIAMOND JO LINE and Johnson went to work for the company as the superintendent. (4)
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Source:
1. Oldt, Franklin T. History of Dubuque County, Iowa, Chicago, Goodspeed Historical Society, 1880.
2. "Public Enterprise," The Daily Herald, January 6, 1875, p. 4
3. National Park Service. Dubuque, the Key City: The Architectural And Historical Resources of Dubuque, Iowa, 1837-1955, Post Phase III Version. Online: http://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/2936
4. Oldt.
Special appreciation to Michael May of the Carnegie-Stout Public Library