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.
RICHARD J. SLATTERY ARTS AND RECREATION CENTER
RICHARD J. SLATTERY ARTS AND RECREATION CENTER. Formerly known as "The Barn," this site near FLORA PARK was the home of the BARN COMMUNITY THEATER and the current site of the DUBUQUE MONTESSORI SCHOOL.
In 1968 "The Barn" was purchased by the Dubuque Recreation Department and moved to its present site from a farm on which STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL was later constructed. Developed through the leadership of Susan RIEDEL, volunteer help and donations, the building was renamed the Richard J. Slattery Arts and Recreation Center on June 11, 1978, for Richard J. SLATTERY, head of Dubuque recreation projects for twelve years.
The Center has served the community as an art gallery, concert hall, theater, and classroom for community school students. Annual productions were staged in the Center by the Barn Community Theater. The DUBUQUE ART ASSOCIATION used the building to house its annual art fair. The basement has served as a warming house for ice skaters using the nearby rink during the winter.