Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
GINTER, Donna: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:navyclub.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Ashtray. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]] | [[Image:navyclub.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Ashtray. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]] | ||
Source: "175 Years" Vol. II Telegraph Herald, p. 96 | Source: "175 Years" Vol. II Telegraph Herald, p. 96, Interview with Donna Ginter Oct. 31, 2010 | ||
[[Category: Bar]] | [[Category: Bar]] | ||
Revision as of 20:13, 31 October 2010
GINTER, Donna. (Humboldt, SD- ). "Mother of Main Street." Ginter's father brought his family to Asbury, Iowa, after losing two sections of farm ground to droughts and grasshoppers. Beginning in 1949, Donna and her late husband Joe owned the NAVY CLUB on Main Street in what had been the GERMAN SAVINGS BANK. Over the years, it was renamed the Broken Spur and finally the Silver Dollar. Ginter's renowned hospitality included letting customers charge their food until the arrival of their next Social Security check. She relocated to the WEST DUBUQUE TAP in May of 1980.
Better known became her free Thanksgiving dinners that fed thousands annually. Initially she invited six homeless people to her house for Thanksgiving. This continued annually until the number of her guests outgrew the space available. Ginter later received help with the dinner from local organizations and volunteers. In 2007 her leadership of the effort led to meals serving 2,400 people including some taken to people's homes.
In 1994 she was honored by the TELEGRAPH HERALD with its FIRST CITIZEN AWARD.
Source: "175 Years" Vol. II Telegraph Herald, p. 96, Interview with Donna Ginter Oct. 31, 2010