Encyclopedia Dubuque
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ST. MARY'S CASINO
ST. MARY'S CASINO. With its grand opening held on April 15, 1901, St. Mary's Casino was illuminated "from pit to dome." The featured speaker was Nicholas GONNER, the newly elected national president of the Central Society of America. Constructed at a cost of $40,000, the Casino was planned as as a place to provide wholesome activity for parish youth. To celebrate its opening, a St. Mary's Casino Fair was scheduled for two weeks with a program every evening. There was prize bowling with $75.00 in prizes. Supper was served at the hall every evening fro 5:30-7:30 with admission of ten cents. There was a ladies card party on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. (1)
The basement was used as a gymnasium and bowling alley. A league with several teams had been formed by July. (2) The main floor was the scene of card playing and billiards. The upstairs contained an elaborate auditorium. On November 24 1901 the children of St. Mary's School presented their first performance of songs, drills, "declamations" and a comical play. (3) Two gym classes were held each week for the men and two for the children. Occasionally the classes would perform in the auditorium.
In 1906 it was announced that smaller rooms on two of the floors would be converted into a high school for girls. It was the intention that "only the higher branches will be taught, but instruction also be given in the more useful things, such as needle work." (3)
Under the direction of Anthony SIGWARTH (Monsignor), the interior of the Casino was completely removed in 1959. The building was converted into a completely new school that was blessed by Archbishop Leo BINZ on April 5, 1959. (Photo Courtesy: http://www.dubuquepostcards.com)
See: ST. MARY'S SCHOOL
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Source:
1. "St. Mary's Casino Fair," Dubuque Daily Telegraph, April 26, 1901, p. 2
2. "Sporting World," Dubuque Daily Telegraph, July 14, 1901, p. 2
3. "To Appear on the Stage," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, November 24, 1901, p. 9
3. "Catholic High School to Open," Telegraph-Herald, August 26, 1906, p. 16