EAGLE POINT BEACH

Enjoying the beach at Eagle Point. Photo courtesy: Robert Klauer

EAGLE POINT BEACH. In the Western world, beach bathing was a late 18th-19th century phenomenon. Bathing became fashionable because, like taking spa water, it was thought to be healthful. Before then nobody went to the beach since "having a tan" was considered only for peasants. It was a sign that you labored outdoors. In Dubuque, the portion of the MISSISSIPPI RIVER near EAGLE POINT was popular as early as 1890. The danger posed by the river, however, led to a watchman being stationed there to keep people out of the water. (1)

In 1916 the Commercial Club offered $200 if the City would supply an equal amount to begin a beach project. With some private money included, a 700-foot site of sandy soil south of the boat landing at EAGLE POINT and north of the City Water Works building was chosen. The city engineer found no drop-offs or deep holes so willows and weeds were cleared from the area. Large booms were used to rope of the south and east sides of the swimming area. The largest boom running parallel to the river channel could be pulled closer to shore with ropes if the river level rose. The diving tower had another boom.

The official opening of the beach was August 19, 1916 when a crowd estimated at 3,000 people jammed the area. There was a five cent charge for checking clothes and another small charge for renting swimming suits. In 1920 adults who brought their own suits were still charged ten cents while children were changed five cents. Miss Helen Ross, a local teacher, was in charge of the bath house. In early June, 1920 she organized a group of women to form a sewing circle to repair the swimming suits rented for the reason. (2)

By 1923 a quarter allowed a person to rent a bathing suit, use of a dressing booth, a locker and a shower. The cost dropped to ten cents if you had your own suit. A "Tots Crib" at the edge of the river had only 1.5 feet of water in it. The beach was open daily 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. aided by lights installed in 1927. (3)

Eagle Point Beach continued to develop. In July 1923 a long-distance swim meet was held. Canoes were used to take people to Sinipee, Wisconsin where the 2.5 mile return trip/competitive swim began. Playground equipment was added along with stands where cold drinks and food could be purchased. The American Red Cross offered instructions with such local lifeguards as Oran H. PAPE. A group of local ladies performed synchronized swimming.

The last year for the beach was 1936. A municipal pool partially funded by the Works Progress Administration was constructed and opened for the public on June 26, 1937. The same pool was later replaced by an up-to-date facility named the Nicholas J. Sutton Pool.

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Source:

1. "Safety at Eagle Point," Dubuque Daily Herald, July 4, 1890, p. 9

2. "Beach Will Open June 6th; All Will Have to Pay Fee," Telegraph Herald, June 17, 1920, p. 1

2. "People Swarm to Municipal Beach," Telegraph Herald, July 1, 1927, p. 5

Kruse, Len. "Bathing at the Beach," My Old Dubuque. Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, 2000 p. 323-324