MELODY MILL - Revision history

Randylyon at 21:51, 18 March 2018

2018-03-18T21:51:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:51, 18 March 2018
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	Opened to the public on August 8, 1934, the Mill became a center of entertainment. Described prior to its opening as "one of the largest and finest dance pavilions and cabarets in the middle West," it was located almost in the center of what had been [[NUTWOOD PARK]]. In later years it was the site of Dubuque's first airport. (1) After that it became [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]]. (2)		Opened to the public on August 8, 1934, the Mill became a center of entertainment. Described prior to its opening as "one of the largest and finest dance pavilions and cabarets in the middle West," it was located almost in the center of what had been [[NUTWOOD PARK]]. In later years it was the site of Dubuque's first airport. (1) After that it became [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]]. (2)

	Melody Mill's pavilion had its own unique story. Designed for [[UNION PARK]] in 1909, the Union Park Ballroom was advertised as "the largest ballroom in Iowa." (3) When the park closed, the ballroom renamed the Woodland Ballroom remained in operation through the fall of 1933. (4) It was then dismantled by [[AKINS, Everett "Shorty"\|Everett "Shorty" AKINS]] and moved piece-by-piece to its new location. The dancing pavilion at Melody Mill measured 100 by 162 feet of polished maple dance floor. (5) Trusses supporting the roof were 100 feet long; each weighed four tons. (6) The stage was 32 by 16 feet. Under the cabaret was a 32 by 48 foot kitchen while over the pavilion entrance was an electric sign 30 feet long with "Melody Mill" in letters three feet high. (7)		Melody Mill's pavilion had its own unique story. Designed for [[UNION PARK]] in 1909, the Union Park Ballroom was advertised as "the largest ballroom in Iowa." (3) When the park closed, the ballroom, renamed the Woodland Ballroom, remained in operation through the fall of 1933. (4) It was then dismantled by [[AKINS, Everett "Shorty"\|Everett "Shorty" AKINS]] and moved piece-by-piece to its new location. The dancing pavilion at Melody Mill measured 100 by 162 feet of polished maple dance floor. (5) Trusses supporting the roof were 100 feet long; each weighed four tons. (6) The stage was 32 by 16 feet. Under the cabaret was a 32 by 48 foot kitchen while over the pavilion entrance was an electric sign 30 feet long with "Melody Mill" in letters three feet high. (7)

	Ownership of Melody Mill was in a corporation, [[DUBUQUE AMUSEMENT CORPORATION]] (formed by attorney [[KINTZINGER, John\|John KINTZINGER]]). Among its stockholders was Harold H. "Buck" Kunz, a well-known amateur prizefighter (boxing) who was involved in other forms of amusement such as slot machines (when legal), pin ball machines, punch boards and the like, all popular in the 1930s. When "Buck" died suddenly and unexpectedly in 1937 from a cranial aneuyrism his DAC stock went to Charles G. Kunz, who for more than forty years worked for [[DUBUQUE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY]]. (8)		Ownership of Melody Mill was in a corporation, [[DUBUQUE AMUSEMENT CORPORATION]] (formed by attorney [[KINTZINGER, John\|John KINTZINGER]]). Among its stockholders was Harold H. "Buck" Kunz, a well-known amateur prizefighter (boxing) who was involved in other forms of amusement such as slot machines (when legal), pin ball machines, punch boards and the like, all popular in the 1930s. When "Buck" died suddenly and unexpectedly in 1937 from a cranial aneuyrism his DAC stock went to Charles G. Kunz, who for more than forty years worked for [[DUBUQUE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY]]. (8)

Randylyon at 21:49, 18 March 2018

2018-03-18T21:49:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:49, 18 March 2018
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	Opened to the public on August 8, 1934, the Mill became a center of entertainment. Described prior to its opening as "one of the largest and finest dance pavilions and cabarets in the middle West," it was located almost in the center of what had been [[NUTWOOD PARK]]. In later years it was the site of Dubuque's first airport. (1) After that it became [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]]. (2)		Opened to the public on August 8, 1934, the Mill became a center of entertainment. Described prior to its opening as "one of the largest and finest dance pavilions and cabarets in the middle West," it was located almost in the center of what had been [[NUTWOOD PARK]]. In later years it was the site of Dubuque's first airport. (1) After that it became [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]]. (2)

	Melody Mill's pavilion had its own unique story. Designed for [[UNION PARK]] in 1909, the ~~Woodland~~ Ballroom was advertised as "the largest ballroom in Iowa." (3) When the park closed, the ballroom remained in operation through the fall of 1933. (4) It was then dismantled by [[AKINS, Everett "Shorty"\|Everett "Shorty" AKINS]] and moved piece-by-piece to its new location. The dancing pavilion at Melody Mill measured 100 by 162 feet of polished maple dance floor. (5) Trusses supporting the roof were 100 feet long; each weighed four tons. (6) The stage was 32 by 16 feet. Under the cabaret was a 32 by 48 foot kitchen while over the pavilion entrance was an electric sign 30 feet long with "Melody Mill" in letters three feet high. (7)		Melody Mill's pavilion had its own unique story. Designed for [[UNION PARK]] in 1909, the Union Park Ballroom was advertised as "the largest ballroom in Iowa." (3) When the park closed, the ballroom renamed the Woodland Ballroom remained in operation through the fall of 1933. (4) It was then dismantled by [[AKINS, Everett "Shorty"\|Everett "Shorty" AKINS]] and moved piece-by-piece to its new location. The dancing pavilion at Melody Mill measured 100 by 162 feet of polished maple dance floor. (5) Trusses supporting the roof were 100 feet long; each weighed four tons. (6) The stage was 32 by 16 feet. Under the cabaret was a 32 by 48 foot kitchen while over the pavilion entrance was an electric sign 30 feet long with "Melody Mill" in letters three feet high. (7)

	Ownership of Melody Mill was in a corporation, [[DUBUQUE AMUSEMENT CORPORATION]] (formed by attorney [[KINTZINGER, John\|John KINTZINGER]]). Among its stockholders was Harold H. "Buck" Kunz, a well-known amateur prizefighter (boxing) who was involved in other forms of amusement such as slot machines (when legal), pin ball machines, punch boards and the like, all popular in the 1930s. When "Buck" died suddenly and unexpectedly in 1937 from a cranial aneuyrism his DAC stock went to Charles G. Kunz, who for more than forty years worked for [[DUBUQUE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY]]. (8)		Ownership of Melody Mill was in a corporation, [[DUBUQUE AMUSEMENT CORPORATION]] (formed by attorney [[KINTZINGER, John\|John KINTZINGER]]). Among its stockholders was Harold H. "Buck" Kunz, a well-known amateur prizefighter (boxing) who was involved in other forms of amusement such as slot machines (when legal), pin ball machines, punch boards and the like, all popular in the 1930s. When "Buck" died suddenly and unexpectedly in 1937 from a cranial aneuyrism his DAC stock went to Charles G. Kunz, who for more than forty years worked for [[DUBUQUE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY]]. (8)

Randylyon at 21:47, 18 March 2018

2018-03-18T21:47:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:47, 18 March 2018
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	Opened to the public on August 8, 1934, the Mill became a center of entertainment. Described prior to its opening as "one of the largest and finest dance pavilions and cabarets in the middle West," it was located almost in the center of what had been [[NUTWOOD PARK]]. In later years it was the site of Dubuque's first airport. (1) After that it became [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]]. (2)		Opened to the public on August 8, 1934, the Mill became a center of entertainment. Described prior to its opening as "one of the largest and finest dance pavilions and cabarets in the middle West," it was located almost in the center of what had been [[NUTWOOD PARK]]. In later years it was the site of Dubuque's first airport. (1) After that it became [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]]. (2)

	Melody Mill's pavilion had its own unique story. Designed for [[UNION PARK]] in 1909, it was ~~originally a huge ballroom~~ advertised as "the largest ballroom in Iowa." (3) When the park closed, the ballroom ~~was~~ remained in operation ~~until~~ the fall of 1933. (4) ~~After which it~~ was dismantled by [[AKINS, Everett "Shorty"\|Everett "Shorty" AKINS]] and moved piece-by-piece to its new location. The dancing pavilion at Melody Mill measured 100 by 162 feet of polished maple dance floor. (5) Trusses supporting the roof were 100 feet long; each weighed four tons. (6) The stage was 32 by 16 feet. Under the cabaret was a 32 by 48 foot kitchen~~. Over~~ the pavilion entrance was an electric sign 30 feet long with "Melody Mill" in letters three feet high. (7)		Melody Mill's pavilion had its own unique story. Designed for [[UNION PARK]] in 1909, the Woodland Ballroom was advertised as "the largest ballroom in Iowa." (3) When the park closed, the ballroom remained in operation through the fall of 1933. (4) It was then dismantled by [[AKINS, Everett "Shorty"\|Everett "Shorty" AKINS]] and moved piece-by-piece to its new location. The dancing pavilion at Melody Mill measured 100 by 162 feet of polished maple dance floor. (5) Trusses supporting the roof were 100 feet long; each weighed four tons. (6) The stage was 32 by 16 feet. Under the cabaret was a 32 by 48 foot kitchen while over the pavilion entrance was an electric sign 30 feet long with "Melody Mill" in letters three feet high. (7)

	Ownership of Melody Mill was in a corporation, [[DUBUQUE AMUSEMENT CORPORATION]] (formed by attorney [[KINTZINGER, John\|John KINTZINGER]]). Among its stockholders was Harold H. "Buck" Kunz, a well-known amateur prizefighter (boxing) who was involved in other forms of amusement such as slot machines (when legal), pin ball machines, punch boards and the like, all popular in the 1930s. When "Buck" died suddenly and unexpectedly in 1937 from a cranial aneuyrism his DAC stock went to Charles G. Kunz, who for more than forty years worked for [[DUBUQUE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY]]. (8)		Ownership of Melody Mill was in a corporation, [[DUBUQUE AMUSEMENT CORPORATION]] (formed by attorney [[KINTZINGER, John\|John KINTZINGER]]). Among its stockholders was Harold H. "Buck" Kunz, a well-known amateur prizefighter (boxing) who was involved in other forms of amusement such as slot machines (when legal), pin ball machines, punch boards and the like, all popular in the 1930s. When "Buck" died suddenly and unexpectedly in 1937 from a cranial aneuyrism his DAC stock went to Charles G. Kunz, who for more than forty years worked for [[DUBUQUE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY]]. (8)

Randylyon at 21:44, 18 March 2018

2018-03-18T21:44:48Z

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Randylyon at 21:37, 18 March 2018

2018-03-18T21:37:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:37, 18 March 2018
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	Opened to the public on August 8, 1934, the Mill became a center of entertainment. Described prior to its opening as "one of the largest and finest dance pavilions and cabarets in the middle West," it was located almost in the center of what had been [[NUTWOOD PARK]]. In later years it was the site of Dubuque's first airport. (1) After that it became [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]]. (2)		Opened to the public on August 8, 1934, the Mill became a center of entertainment. Described prior to its opening as "one of the largest and finest dance pavilions and cabarets in the middle West," it was located almost in the center of what had been [[NUTWOOD PARK]]. In later years it was the site of Dubuque's first airport. (1) After that it became [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]]. (2)

	Melody Mill's pavilion had its own unique story. Designed for [[UNION PARK]] in 1909, it was originally a huge ballroom advertised as "the largest ballroom in Iowa." (3) When the park closed, the ballroom was dismantled in 1931 by [[AKINS, Everett\|Everett AKINS]] and moved piece-by-piece to its new location. The dancing pavilion at Melody Mill measured 100 by 162 feet of polished maple dance floor. (4) Trusses supporting the roof were 100 feet long; each weighed four tons. (5) The stage was 32 by 16 feet. Under the cabaret was a 32 by 48 foot kitchen. Over the pavilion entrance was an electric sign 30 feet long with "Melody Mill" in letters three feet high. (6)		Melody Mill's pavilion had its own unique story. Designed for [[UNION PARK]] in 1909, it was originally a huge ballroom advertised as "the largest ballroom in Iowa." (3) When the park closed, the ballroom was dismantled in 1931 by [[AKINS, Everett "Shorty"\|Everett "Shorty" AKINS]] and moved piece-by-piece to its new location. The dancing pavilion at Melody Mill measured 100 by 162 feet of polished maple dance floor. (4) Trusses supporting the roof were 100 feet long; each weighed four tons. (5) The stage was 32 by 16 feet. Under the cabaret was a 32 by 48 foot kitchen. Over the pavilion entrance was an electric sign 30 feet long with "Melody Mill" in letters three feet high. (6)

	Ownership of Melody Mill was in a corporation, [[DUBUQUE AMUSEMENT CORPORATION]] (formed by attorney [[KINTZINGER, John\|John KINTZINGER). Among its stockholders was Harold H. "Buck" Kunz, a well-known amateur prizefighter (boxing) who was involved in other forms of amusement such as slot machines (when legal), pin ball machines, punch boards and the like, all popular in the 1930s. When "Buck" died suddenly and unexpectedly in 1937 from a cranial aneuyrism his DAC stock went to Charles G. Kunz, who for more than forty years worked for [[DUBUQUE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY]]. (7)		Ownership of Melody Mill was in a corporation, [[DUBUQUE AMUSEMENT CORPORATION]] (formed by attorney [[KINTZINGER, John\|John KINTZINGER). Among its stockholders was Harold H. "Buck" Kunz, a well-known amateur prizefighter (boxing) who was involved in other forms of amusement such as slot machines (when legal), pin ball machines, punch boards and the like, all popular in the 1930s. When "Buck" died suddenly and unexpectedly in 1937 from a cranial aneuyrism his DAC stock went to Charles G. Kunz, who for more than forty years worked for [[DUBUQUE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY]]. (7)

Randylyon at 16:54, 27 July 2017

2017-07-27T16:54:02Z

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Randylyon at 00:24, 4 July 2017

2017-07-04T00:24:35Z

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			[[Image:1930nutwood.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Aerial view showing the outline of the former Nutwood Park. The white building is Melody Mill and its parking lot. Photo courtesy: John Pregler]]
	[[Image:melodymill-1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Illustration by Norman Zepeski.]]MELODY MILL. Located along Highway 3/52 about one mile north of Dubuque, Melody Mill once featured the most popular big bands in the United States. The area had been swampland until being transformed in 1895 into [[NUTWOOD PARK]]. (1) In 1928 the site became Dubuque's first airport which was moved to [[CITY ISLAND]] in July of 1934.		[[Image:melodymill-1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Illustration by Norman Zepeski.]]MELODY MILL. Located along Highway 3/52 about one mile north of Dubuque, Melody Mill once featured the most popular big bands in the United States. The area had been swampland until being transformed in 1895 into [[NUTWOOD PARK]]. (1) In 1928 the site became Dubuque's first airport which was moved to [[CITY ISLAND]] in July of 1934.

Randylyon at 03:51, 20 June 2017

2017-06-20T03:51:10Z

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	[[Image:1952ads.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill offered space for many occasions.]]Political rallies, organization dinners, public service affairs and wrestling and boxing matches arranged by [[FENELON, Ken\|Ken FENELON]] drew huge crowds. In August 1950 4-H members, county Farm Bureau workers, and officials of the Tr-State Exposition prepared for the opening of the exposition and county 4-H achievement show. Officials expected attendance to reach 20,000 people. (9)		[[Image:1952ads.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill offered space for many occasions.]]Political rallies, organization dinners, public service affairs and wrestling and boxing matches arranged by [[FENELON, Ken\|Ken FENELON]] drew huge crowds. In August 1950 4-H members, county Farm Bureau workers, and officials of the Tr-State Exposition prepared for the opening of the exposition and county 4-H achievement show. Officials expected attendance to reach 20,000 people. (9)

	In 1947, Vincent and Vi Schulting purchased the landmark. The Schultings booked the best of the big name entertainment as Andy Williams, Count Basie, Lawrence Welk and Louis Armstrong to please their hundreds of fans. Among the "might-have-been performers were Elvis Presley who was not booked because the owners feared his gyrations on stage might offend the conservative audience. Buddy Holly was scheduled to appear on February 10, 1959, but died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa a week before. (10)		In 1947, Vincent and Vi Schulting purchased the landmark. The Schultings booked the best of the big name entertainment as Andy Williams, Count Basie, Lawrence Welk and Louis Armstrong to please their hundreds of fans. Among the "might-have-been performers were Elvis Presley who was not booked because the owners feared his gyrations on stage might offend the conservative audience. Buddy Holly was scheduled to appear on February 10, 1959, but died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa a week before. (10) In 2013 a call for memorabilia including posters of the scheduled appearance in Dubuque was made. The artifacts were scheduled for a documentary entitled "Gotta Travel On: The Winter Dance Party Odyssey" by Blue Days Productions, an independent film company of Montreal, Canada and Madison, Wisconsin. (11)

	[[Image:musicdied.png\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill advertisement announcing a concert that never happened (The Day the Music Died). Following a performance in Mason City, Iowa, the plane carrying Buddy Holly; Richie Valens; and J. P. Richardson, "The Big Bopper" crashed on February 3, 1959 killing the pilot and all three musicians. The appearance of the Winter Dance Party scheduled for Dubuque on February 10, 1959 featured replacement stars including Frankie Avalon and Jimmy Clanton. Photo courtesy: https://nortonsafe.search.ask.com/web?q=You+Know+You%27re+From+Dubuque&o=APN11957&l=dis&prt=NIM&chn=RETAIL&geo=US&ver=5&locale=EN&gct=kwd&qsrc=2869]]With the growth of rock 'n roll music, the couple made the decision to continue the format of bringing the bands people were demanding to see. Musicians appearing at Melody Mill included the Beach Boys, Brenda Lee, Frankie Avalon, the Everly Brothers, Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Gillmer and the Fireballs, Bobbie Vee, Conway Twitty, Johnny & the Hurricanes, Freddy Cannon, Bobby Rydell, and the Ventures. They also booked country entertainers such as Johnny Cash, Wanda Jackson and Web Pearce.		[[Image:musicdied.png\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill advertisement announcing a concert that never happened (The Day the Music Died). Following a performance in Mason City, Iowa, the plane carrying Buddy Holly; Richie Valens; and J. P. Richardson, "The Big Bopper" crashed on February 3, 1959 killing the pilot and all three musicians. The appearance of the Winter Dance Party scheduled for Dubuque on February 10, 1959 featured replacement stars including Frankie Avalon and Jimmy Clanton. Photo courtesy: https://nortonsafe.search.ask.com/web?q=You+Know+You%27re+From+Dubuque&o=APN11957&l=dis&prt=NIM&chn=RETAIL&geo=US&ver=5&locale=EN&gct=kwd&qsrc=2869]]With the growth of rock 'n roll music, the couple made the decision to continue the format of bringing the bands people were demanding to see. Musicians appearing at Melody Mill included the Beach Boys, Brenda Lee, Frankie Avalon, the Everly Brothers, Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Gillmer and the Fireballs, Bobbie Vee, Conway Twitty, Johnny & the Hurricanes, Freddy Cannon, Bobby Rydell, and the Ventures. They also booked country entertainers such as Johnny Cash, Wanda Jackson and Web Pearce.

	Opening bands were needed for these national acts so the Melody Mill provided many Iowa ‘garage bands’ the opportunity to play. One of these, [[SHADES (THE)]] performed with Jerry Lee Lewis, Frankie Avalon, and Bobby Rydell before being inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. (11) A favorite feature for many years was the Tuesday night wedding dances which offered couples who had met at Melody Mill a chance to celebrate. (12) Friday and Saturday nights were country or big band nights; Sunday was reserved for rock 'n' roll.		Opening bands were needed for these national acts so the Melody Mill provided many Iowa ‘garage bands’ the opportunity to play. One of these, [[SHADES (THE)]] performed with Jerry Lee Lewis, Frankie Avalon, and Bobby Rydell before being inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. (12) A favorite feature for many years was the Tuesday night wedding dances which offered couples who had met at Melody Mill a chance to celebrate. (13) Friday and Saturday nights were country or big band nights; Sunday was reserved for rock 'n' roll.

	[[Image:melodymill.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill being torn down. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]] The last public dance at Melody Mill occurred on August 7, 1964 although an appreciation dance was held the following Tuesday. (13) Vincent Schulting sold the property to [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]]. The building was auctioned for $1,040 to be torn down for salvage. The structure had been deeded to the Dubuque County Fair Board by Interstate Power that planned to use the land for industrial sites. (14)		[[Image:melodymill.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill being torn down. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]] The last public dance at Melody Mill occurred on August 7, 1964 although an appreciation dance was held the following Tuesday. (14) Vincent Schulting sold the property to [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]]. The building was auctioned for $1,040 to be torn down for salvage. The structure had been deeded to the Dubuque County Fair Board by Interstate Power that planned to use the land for industrial sites. (15)

	[[Image:melodymill.gif\|left\|thumb\|300px\|Well-known bands and orchestras made Melody Mill a popular ballroom.]]		[[Image:melodymill.gif\|left\|thumb\|300px\|Well-known bands and orchestras made Melody Mill a popular ballroom.]]
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	Hingtgen recalled that materials were sold to many buyers from throughout eastern Iowa. The floor, however, was worn so badly-nearly down to the tongue and groove--that it was never reused at the fairgrounds. Some people purchased enough to floor a room in their homes and a Petersburg, Iowa, farmer bought a lot to line his grain bins. Wood for the fairground's ballroom came from the former [[PETER J. SEIPPEL LUMBER COMPANY]].		Hingtgen recalled that materials were sold to many buyers from throughout eastern Iowa. The floor, however, was worn so badly-nearly down to the tongue and groove--that it was never reused at the fairgrounds. Some people purchased enough to floor a room in their homes and a Petersburg, Iowa, farmer bought a lot to line his grain bins. Wood for the fairground's ballroom came from the former [[PETER J. SEIPPEL LUMBER COMPANY]].

	In 2009 Melody Mill was inducted into the Iowa Rock'n Roll Music Association's Hall of Fame. (15)		In 2009 Melody Mill was inducted into the Iowa Rock'n Roll Music Association's Hall of Fame. (16)


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	[[Image:mmposter.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:mmposter.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]
	[[Image:melodymillticket.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Table Reservation Ticket from Melody Mill.Photo Courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:melodymillticket.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Table Reservation Ticket from Melody Mill.Photo Courtesy: Bob Reding]]
	[[Image:AY.png\|left\|thumb\|~~200px~~\|A. Y. McDonald advertisement from 1956.]]		[[Image:AY.png\|left\|thumb\|350px\|A. Y. McDonald advertisement from 1956. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]
			[[Image:KF.png\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Melody Mill wrestling advertisement (1942). Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]
	---		---

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	10. Nevans-Pederson, Mary. "Our Love Affair With Melody Mill," ''Telegraph Herald'', September 6, 2009, p. 7A		10. Nevans-Pederson, Mary. "Our Love Affair With Melody Mill," ''Telegraph Herald'', September 6, 2009, p. 7A

	11. ~~Ibid~~.		11. Hogstrom, Erik. "Film on Buddy Holly Nearing Completion," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 30, 2013, p. 5

			12. Nevans-Pederson

	12. Hellert		13. Hellert

	13. Nevans-Pederson		14. Nevans-Pederson

	14. Ibid		15. Ibid

	15. Nevans-Pederson		16. Nevans-Pederson

	Kruse, Len. "Remembering Melody Mill," ''My Old Dubuque''. Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, 2000, p. 326-327		Kruse, Len. "Remembering Melody Mill," ''My Old Dubuque''. Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, 2000, p. 326-327

Randylyon at 03:36, 20 June 2017

2017-06-20T03:36:39Z

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	The leading bands and orchestras in the United States were booked through the Music Corporation of America. Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Guy Lombardo, and Wayne King were favorites. During an appearance of Eddie Howard in 1936, all the women were given little silver bracelets as souvenirs. From 1936 to 1940 the [[DUBUQUE AMUSEMENT CORPORATION]] contracted with radio station WKBB (later WDBQ) to broadcast big band music from Melody Mill.		The leading bands and orchestras in the United States were booked through the Music Corporation of America. Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Guy Lombardo, and Wayne King were favorites. During an appearance of Eddie Howard in 1936, all the women were given little silver bracelets as souvenirs. From 1936 to 1940 the [[DUBUQUE AMUSEMENT CORPORATION]] contracted with radio station WKBB (later WDBQ) to broadcast big band music from Melody Mill.

	[[Image:1952ads.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill offered space for many occasions.]]Political rallies, organization dinners, public service affairs and wrestling and boxing matches arranged by [[FENELON, Ken\|Ken FENELON]] drew huge crowds.		[[Image:1952ads.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill offered space for many occasions.]]Political rallies, organization dinners, public service affairs and wrestling and boxing matches arranged by [[FENELON, Ken\|Ken FENELON]] drew huge crowds. In August 1950 4-H members, county Farm Bureau workers, and officials of the Tr-State Exposition prepared for the opening of the exposition and county 4-H achievement show. Officials expected attendance to reach 20,000 people. (9)

	In 1947, Vincent and Vi Schulting purchased the landmark. The Schultings booked the best of the big name entertainment as Andy Williams, Count Basie, Lawrence Welk and Louis Armstrong to please their hundreds of fans. Among the "might-have-been performers were Elvis Presley who was not booked because the owners feared his gyrations on stage might offend the conservative audience. Buddy Holly was scheduled to appear on February 10, 1959, but died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa a week before. (9)		In 1947, Vincent and Vi Schulting purchased the landmark. The Schultings booked the best of the big name entertainment as Andy Williams, Count Basie, Lawrence Welk and Louis Armstrong to please their hundreds of fans. Among the "might-have-been performers were Elvis Presley who was not booked because the owners feared his gyrations on stage might offend the conservative audience. Buddy Holly was scheduled to appear on February 10, 1959, but died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa a week before. (10)

	[[Image:musicdied.png\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill advertisement announcing a concert that never happened (The Day the Music Died). Following a performance in Mason City, Iowa, the plane carrying Buddy Holly; Richie Valens; and J. P. Richardson, "The Big Bopper" crashed on February 3, 1959 killing the pilot and all three musicians. The appearance of the Winter Dance Party scheduled for Dubuque on February 10, 1959 featured replacement stars including Frankie Avalon and Jimmy Clanton. Photo courtesy: https://nortonsafe.search.ask.com/web?q=You+Know+You%27re+From+Dubuque&o=APN11957&l=dis&prt=NIM&chn=RETAIL&geo=US&ver=5&locale=EN&gct=kwd&qsrc=2869]]With the growth of rock 'n roll music, the couple made the decision to continue the format of bringing the bands people were demanding to see. Musicians appearing at Melody Mill included the Beach Boys, Brenda Lee, Frankie Avalon, the Everly Brothers, Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Gillmer and the Fireballs, Bobbie Vee, Conway Twitty, Johnny & the Hurricanes, Freddy Cannon, Bobby Rydell, and the Ventures. They also booked country entertainers such as Johnny Cash, Wanda Jackson and Web Pearce.		[[Image:musicdied.png\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill advertisement announcing a concert that never happened (The Day the Music Died). Following a performance in Mason City, Iowa, the plane carrying Buddy Holly; Richie Valens; and J. P. Richardson, "The Big Bopper" crashed on February 3, 1959 killing the pilot and all three musicians. The appearance of the Winter Dance Party scheduled for Dubuque on February 10, 1959 featured replacement stars including Frankie Avalon and Jimmy Clanton. Photo courtesy: https://nortonsafe.search.ask.com/web?q=You+Know+You%27re+From+Dubuque&o=APN11957&l=dis&prt=NIM&chn=RETAIL&geo=US&ver=5&locale=EN&gct=kwd&qsrc=2869]]With the growth of rock 'n roll music, the couple made the decision to continue the format of bringing the bands people were demanding to see. Musicians appearing at Melody Mill included the Beach Boys, Brenda Lee, Frankie Avalon, the Everly Brothers, Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Gillmer and the Fireballs, Bobbie Vee, Conway Twitty, Johnny & the Hurricanes, Freddy Cannon, Bobby Rydell, and the Ventures. They also booked country entertainers such as Johnny Cash, Wanda Jackson and Web Pearce.

	Opening bands were needed for these national acts so the Melody Mill provided many Iowa ‘garage bands’ the opportunity to play. One of these, [[SHADES (THE)]] performed with Jerry Lee Lewis, Frankie Avalon, and Bobby Rydell before being inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. (10) A favorite feature for many years was the Tuesday night wedding dances which offered couples who had met at Melody Mill a chance to celebrate. (11) Friday and Saturday nights were country or big band nights; Sunday was reserved for rock 'n' roll.		Opening bands were needed for these national acts so the Melody Mill provided many Iowa ‘garage bands’ the opportunity to play. One of these, [[SHADES (THE)]] performed with Jerry Lee Lewis, Frankie Avalon, and Bobby Rydell before being inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. (11) A favorite feature for many years was the Tuesday night wedding dances which offered couples who had met at Melody Mill a chance to celebrate. (12) Friday and Saturday nights were country or big band nights; Sunday was reserved for rock 'n' roll.

	[[Image:melodymill.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill being torn down. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]] The last public dance at Melody Mill occurred on August 7, 1964 although an appreciation dance was held the following Tuesday. (12) Vincent Schulting sold the property to [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]]. The building was auctioned for $1,040 to be torn down for salvage. The structure had been deeded to the Dubuque County Fair Board by Interstate Power that planned to use the land for industrial sites. (13)		[[Image:melodymill.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill being torn down. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]] The last public dance at Melody Mill occurred on August 7, 1964 although an appreciation dance was held the following Tuesday. (13) Vincent Schulting sold the property to [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]]. The building was auctioned for $1,040 to be torn down for salvage. The structure had been deeded to the Dubuque County Fair Board by Interstate Power that planned to use the land for industrial sites. (14)

	[[Image:melodymill.gif\|left\|thumb\|300px\|Well-known bands and orchestras made Melody Mill a popular ballroom.]]		[[Image:melodymill.gif\|left\|thumb\|300px\|Well-known bands and orchestras made Melody Mill a popular ballroom.]]
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	Hingtgen recalled that materials were sold to many buyers from throughout eastern Iowa. The floor, however, was worn so badly-nearly down to the tongue and groove--that it was never reused at the fairgrounds. Some people purchased enough to floor a room in their homes and a Petersburg, Iowa, farmer bought a lot to line his grain bins. Wood for the fairground's ballroom came from the former [[PETER J. SEIPPEL LUMBER COMPANY]].		Hingtgen recalled that materials were sold to many buyers from throughout eastern Iowa. The floor, however, was worn so badly-nearly down to the tongue and groove--that it was never reused at the fairgrounds. Some people purchased enough to floor a room in their homes and a Petersburg, Iowa, farmer bought a lot to line his grain bins. Wood for the fairground's ballroom came from the former [[PETER J. SEIPPEL LUMBER COMPANY]].

	In 2009 Melody Mill was inducted into the Iowa Rock'n Roll Music Association's Hall of Fame. (14)		In 2009 Melody Mill was inducted into the Iowa Rock'n Roll Music Association's Hall of Fame. (15)


	[[Image:melodym.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Photo courtesy: Cathy's Treasures, 156 Main, Dubuque]]		[[Image:melodym.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Photo courtesy: Cathy's Treasures, 156 Main, Dubuque]]
	[[Image:ticketmm.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]		[[Image:ticketmm.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]
	[[Image:mmposter.jpg\|~~right~~\|thumb\|200px\|Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:mmposter.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]
	[[Image:melodymillticket.jpg\|~~left~~\|thumb\|200px\|Table Reservation Ticket from Melody Mill.Photo Courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:melodymillticket.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Table Reservation Ticket from Melody Mill.Photo Courtesy: Bob Reding]]
			[[Image:AY.png\|left\|thumb\|200px\|A. Y. McDonald advertisement from 1956.]]

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	8. Ibid.		8. Ibid.

	9~~. Nevans-Pederson, Mary~~. "~~Our Love Affair With Melody Mill~~," Telegraph Herald, ~~September 6~~, ~~2009~~, p. 7A		9. "Final Touches Put on Exhibits," ''Telegraph-Herald'', August 21, 1950, p. 6

	10. ~~Ibid~~.		10. Nevans-Pederson, Mary. "Our Love Affair With Melody Mill," ''Telegraph Herald'', September 6, 2009, p. 7A

	11. ~~Hellert~~		11. Ibid.

	12. ~~Nevans-Pederson~~		12. Hellert

	13. ~~Ibid~~		13. Nevans-Pederson

	14. Nevans-Pederson		14. Ibid

			15. Nevans-Pederson

	Kruse, Len. "Remembering Melody Mill," ''My Old Dubuque''. Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, 2000, p. 326-327		Kruse, Len. "Remembering Melody Mill," ''My Old Dubuque''. Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, 2000, p. 326-327

Randylyon at 03:25, 20 June 2017

2017-06-20T03:25:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:25, 20 June 2017
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	[[Image:musicdied.png\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill advertisement announcing a concert that never happened (The Day the Music Died). Following a performance in Mason City, Iowa, the plane carrying Buddy Holly; Richie Valens; and J. P. Richardson, "The Big Bopper" crashed on February 3, 1959 killing the pilot and all three musicians. The appearance of the Winter Dance Party scheduled for Dubuque on February 10, 1959 featured replacement stars including Frankie Avalon and Jimmy Clanton. Photo courtesy: https://nortonsafe.search.ask.com/web?q=You+Know+You%27re+From+Dubuque&o=APN11957&l=dis&prt=NIM&chn=RETAIL&geo=US&ver=5&locale=EN&gct=kwd&qsrc=2869]]With the growth of rock 'n roll music, the couple made the decision to continue the format of bringing the bands people were demanding to see. Musicians appearing at Melody Mill included the Beach Boys, Brenda Lee, Frankie Avalon, the Everly Brothers, Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Gillmer and the Fireballs, Bobbie Vee, Conway Twitty, Johnny & the Hurricanes, Freddy Cannon, Bobby Rydell, and the Ventures. They also booked country entertainers such as Johnny Cash, Wanda Jackson and Web Pearce.		[[Image:musicdied.png\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill advertisement announcing a concert that never happened (The Day the Music Died). Following a performance in Mason City, Iowa, the plane carrying Buddy Holly; Richie Valens; and J. P. Richardson, "The Big Bopper" crashed on February 3, 1959 killing the pilot and all three musicians. The appearance of the Winter Dance Party scheduled for Dubuque on February 10, 1959 featured replacement stars including Frankie Avalon and Jimmy Clanton. Photo courtesy: https://nortonsafe.search.ask.com/web?q=You+Know+You%27re+From+Dubuque&o=APN11957&l=dis&prt=NIM&chn=RETAIL&geo=US&ver=5&locale=EN&gct=kwd&qsrc=2869]]With the growth of rock 'n roll music, the couple made the decision to continue the format of bringing the bands people were demanding to see. Musicians appearing at Melody Mill included the Beach Boys, Brenda Lee, Frankie Avalon, the Everly Brothers, Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Gillmer and the Fireballs, Bobbie Vee, Conway Twitty, Johnny & the Hurricanes, Freddy Cannon, Bobby Rydell, and the Ventures. They also booked country entertainers such as Johnny Cash, Wanda Jackson and Web Pearce.

	Opening bands were needed for these national acts so the Melody Mill provided many Iowa ‘garage bands’ the opportunity to play. One of these, [[SHADES (THE)]] performed with Jerry Lee Lewis, Frankie Avalon, and Bobby Rydell before being inducted into the ~~[[IOWA ROCK~~ 'N' ~~ROLL HALL OF FAME]]~~ in 2003. (10) A favorite feature for many years was the Tuesday night wedding dances which offered couples who had met at Melody Mill a chance to celebrate. (11) Friday and Saturday nights were country or big band nights; Sunday was reserved for rock 'n' roll.		Opening bands were needed for these national acts so the Melody Mill provided many Iowa ‘garage bands’ the opportunity to play. One of these, [[SHADES (THE)]] performed with Jerry Lee Lewis, Frankie Avalon, and Bobby Rydell before being inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. (10) A favorite feature for many years was the Tuesday night wedding dances which offered couples who had met at Melody Mill a chance to celebrate. (11) Friday and Saturday nights were country or big band nights; Sunday was reserved for rock 'n' roll.

	[[Image:melodymill.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill being torn down. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]] The last public dance at Melody Mill occurred on August 7, 1964 although an appreciation dance was held the following Tuesday. (12) Vincent Schulting sold the property to [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]]. The building was auctioned for $1,040 to be torn down for salvage. The structure had been deeded to the Dubuque County Fair Board by Interstate Power that planned to use the land for industrial sites. (13)		[[Image:melodymill.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Melody Mill being torn down. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]] The last public dance at Melody Mill occurred on August 7, 1964 although an appreciation dance was held the following Tuesday. (12) Vincent Schulting sold the property to [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]]. The building was auctioned for $1,040 to be torn down for salvage. The structure had been deeded to the Dubuque County Fair Board by Interstate Power that planned to use the land for industrial sites. (13)