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.
EAGLE POINT BEACH
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 for peasants only. It was a sign that you labored outdoors.
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. 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 from 12:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
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. The American Red Cross gave instructions with such local lifeguards as Oran H. PAPE. A group of local ladies performed synchronized swimming.
1936 proved to be the last year for the beach. 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.