Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
WILDWOOD
WILDWOOD. "Wildwood" around 1908 was a summer retreat for many Dubuque Elks. Members boarded the steamer "Potosi," for the trip to the park located near the "Maquoketa Chute." (1)
Motor boat races were scheduled for Wildwood in September, 1911. In this case entries would not be limited to Dubuque residents. (2) One of the boats featured in the race was the "Cactus," featuring fifty horse-power engines capable of driving the craft at thirty miles per hour. Piloted by Charles Scheppele with engineer Charles Loetscher, the boat in a trial run just days before the event had an engine failure that caused the craft to swerve perpendicular to its line of travel. Both pilot and engineer were thrown into the river.
In October, 1911 articles of incorporation for what was to be known as the DUBUQUE AUTOMOBILE AND BOAT CLUB were filed. An option was held by several members of the club on WILDWOOD, a camping resort north of the city. It was the intention to improve the property and especially the landing place to encourage more weekly outings. A commissary department was to be established for those owning or renting cottages. (3)
The Dubuque Motor Boat Club held its annual picnic at Wildwood in 1912. Included in the events was a racing program beginning with the boats lining up in the MISSISSIPPI RIVER near EAGLE POINT for a race taking ninety minutes to the park. Other races followed lunch. (4)
In 1913 the renaming of Wildwood caused confusion locally. Wildwood had been renamed the Riverside Country Club. There was also a Riverside Athletic Club which was involved with the promotion of athletic bouts at Stumpf's Island across from EAGLE POINT. (5) From subsequent articles, it appears the choice to rename the site was not universally accepted.
In 1922 Wildwood was the site of a program for handicapped children. The bill for caring for children from Dubuque was $293.40 which was referred to the county supervisors for payment. (6)
The KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS held a picnic on the grounds in July, 1930. The orchestra associated with the steamer Capitol performed all afternoon for dancing on the boat. Free coffee was provided by the K. C council. (7)
The site continued to be used for picnics and social gatherings. STAMPFER'S DEPARTMENT STORE closed early on July 22, 1924 and arranged for cars to take its employees to Wildwood and entertainment and refreshments during the afternoon and evening. In August, 1928 members of the Disabled Veterans of Foreign Wars Fighting Back Chapter No. 6 and their families or friends enjoyed an all day outing.
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Source:
1. "Elks to Have Yearly Picnic," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, August 8, 1911, p. 19
2. "Wildwood Races Are Sure Thing," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, September 10, 1911, p. 8
3. "Automobile and Boat Club Formed, Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, October 12, 1911, p. 13
4. "Motor Boat Picnic a Great Success," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, June 24, 1912, p. 8
5. "Misconstrue Two Names," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, June 3, 1913, p. 10
6. "34 Local Sub-Normal Children at Wildwood," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, April 20, 1922, p. 27
7. "K.C. Picnic to be Staged Tuesday," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, July 30, 1923, p. 19