Locust Street 0781
Site Inventory Form
State Historical Society of Iowa
(December 1, 1999)
State Inventory No. 31-02006 0 New 181 Supplemental
D Part of a district with known boundaries (enter inventory no.)_
Relationship: D Contributing D Noncontributing
D Contributes to a potential district with ~t unknown boundaries
National Register Status:(any that apply) U Listed 0 De-listed 0 NHL 0 DOE
9-Digit SHPO Review & Compliance Number _
o Non-Extant (enter year) _
1. Name of Property
historic name Rider-Wallis Warehouse/Kniahts of Columbus Hall
other names/site number Council 510 Kniahts of Columbus Hall
2. Location
street & number 781 North Locust Street
city or town Dubuaue
Legal Description: (If Rural) Township Name
o vicinity, county Dubuaue
Township No. Range No. Section Quarter of Quarter
(If Urban) Subdivision Oriainal Town
3. StatelFederal Agency Certification [Skip this Section]
4. National Park Service Certification [Skip this Section]
5. Classification
Catego~ of Property (Check only one box) Number of Resources \l Ithin Pronertv
181 building(s)
o district
o site
o structure
o object
Block(s) 7
Lot(s) 626
If Non-Eligible Property
Enter number of:
1 buildings
sites
structu res
objects
Total
1
If Eligible Property, enter number of:
Contributina Noncontributina
Q Q buildings
sites
structures
objects
Q Total
Q
Name of related project report or multiple property study (Enter "N/A" if the property is not part of a multiple property examination).
Title Historical Architectural Data Base Number
Dubuaue--the Key City: The Arch. & His. Resources of Dubuaue...2004 N/A
6. Function or Use
Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions)
03A04-Social/hall of other fraternal.
03A04-Social/hall of other fraternal.
7. Description
Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions)
06-Late 19th&20th Century American Movements
06C-Classical Revival (Nee-Classical Revival)
Materials (Enter categories from instructions)
foundation stone?
walls brick
roof ASDhalt
other _
Narrative Description (181 SEE CONTINUATION SHEETS, WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED)
8. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" representing your opinion of eligibility after applying relevant National Register criteria)
DYes 0 No 181 More Research Recommended A Property is associated with significant events.
DYes 0 No 181 More Research Recommended B Property is associated with the lives of significant persons.
DYes 0 No 181 More Research Recommended C Property has distinctive architectural characteristics.
DYes 0 No 181 More Research Recommended D Property yields significant information in archaeology or history.
County Dubuaue
City Dubuaue
Criteria Considerations
o A Owned by a religious institution or used
for religious purposes.
o B Removed from its original location.
DCA birthplace or grave.
o D A cemetery
Address 781 North Locust Street
Site Number 31-02006
District Number
DE
OF
DG
A reconstructed building, object, or structure.
A commemorative property.
Less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past
50 years.
Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions)
Significant Dates
Construction date
Dre-1907 181 check if circa or estimated date
Other dates
1912
N/A
N/A
Significant Person
(Complete if National Register Criterion B is marked above)
N/A
Architect/Builder
Architect
Donohue. Edward J.
Builder
Unknown
Narrative Statement of Significance (181 SEE CONTINUATION SHEETS, WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED)
9. Major Blbllographlcal References
Bibliography 181 See continuation sheet for citations of the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form
10. Geographic Data
UTM References (OPTIONAL)
Zone Easting
Northing
Zone
Easting
Northing
1
3
2
4
o See continuation sheet for additional UTM references or comments
11. Form Prepared By
name/title James E. Jacobsen
organization Historv Pays! Historic Preservation Consultina Firm
street & number 44111naersoll Avenue
city or town Des Moines
state IA
date June 15. 2006
telephone 515-274-3625
zip code 50312
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION (Submit the following Items with the completed form)
FOR ALL PROPERTIES
1. Map: showing the property's location in a town/city or township.
2. Site plan: showing position of buildings and structures on the site in relation to public road(s).
3. Photographs: representative black and white photos. If the photos are taken as part of a survey for which the Society is to
be curator of the negatives or color slides, a photo/catalog sheet needs to be included with the negatives/slides and the
following needs to be provided below on this particular inventory site:
Roll/slide sheet # N/A Frame/slot # Date Taken
Roll/slide sheet # Frame/slot # Date Taken
Roll/slide sheet # Frame/slot # Date Taken
181 See continuation sheet or attached photo & slide catalog sheet for list of photo roll or slide entries.
D Photoslillustrations without negatives are also in this site inventory file.
FOR CERTAIN KINDS OF PROPERTIES, INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AS WELL
1. Farmstead & District: (List of structures and buildings, known or estimated year built, and contributing or non-contributing status)
2. Barn:
a. A sketch of the frameltruss configuration in the form of drawing a typical middle bent of the barn.
b. A photograph of the loft showing the frame configuration along one side.
c. A sketch floor plan of the interior space arrangements along with the barn's exterior dimensions in feet.
State Historic Preservation OffIce (SHPO) Use On Below This Line
Concur with above survey opinion on National Register eligibility: Yes No More Research Recommended
o This is a locally designated property or part of a locally designated district.
Comments:
Evaluated by (nameAitle):
Date:
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-02006
Related District Number
Paae 1
Rider-Wallis Warehouse/Kni ghts of Columbus Hall
Name of Property
781 North Locust Street
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
7. Narrative Descriotion:
This two-story brick dry goods warehouse was executed in the Nee-Classical style. The
building footprint measures 110 by 51 and occupies the entirety of Lot 626, Block 7, Original Town Plat
of Dubuque.
The overall massing consists of soft red brick sidewalls, laid up without ornamentation, a flat
roof that drains to the west, stepped side parapet walls, and an ornate fa~ade, that is built with
distinctive gray pressed brick that was used to mimic stone. The fa~ade (see photos 1-6) has a
symmetrical design, in keeping with the Neo-Classical style. There is a centered one-story high
shallow entrance pavilion. A large horseshoe entry arch with keystone is flanked by paired square
engaged columns which terminate with a joined capital at the spring stone level. A distinctive feature
of the entry arch is a sculpted hood that projects more boldly as it ascends to the keystone. The
overall fa~ade design consists of three structural bays that are defined by four flat engaged columns or
pilasters. The central two of these arise from the corners of the ground floor pavilion. Sharply cut
square columns cap each pilaster at the base of the cornice. Paired window sets are placed in each of
the outer upper level bays and these have matching arches, hoods, and spring stone level capitals. A
single window is centered in the narrower middle upper bay above the entrance. The round level
fenestration now consists of two large rectangular lights, with flanking sidelights, transom-like lower
lights and a solid band where a transom light might have been placed.
Horizontal ornamentation is of central importance on the fa~ade. Twin pressed metal cornices
cap each floor level, the lowermost running just below the sill level of the second floor. The uppermost
is a part of the parapet front, and is boldly bracketed. The parapet base is defined by a row of
corbelled brackets that support a belt course "capital" that lings the pilaster capitals. The metal cornice
above this point is supported by a denticulated brick course and the parapet line has a slightly raised
and centered section that completes the vertical feel of the ground level pavilion. The lower cornice
employs circular forms, paired large circles that are linked by smaller ones. At each outer corner there
is a pendant, an upward-pointing triangle with a round base that is set below a small decorative
pediment. The upper cornice line is plainly executed, with an angled edge and supportive brackets.
The vestibule (see photos 5-6) features a six-feet high marble wainscott and a highly
ornamental cast plaster ceiling that features interlaced garlands, braces and plaques. The entry hall
ceiling is the only preserved original interior area. The ceiling ornamentation features exposed beams
that assume the form of large leaf-wrapped garlands, combined with egg and dart moldings. The
original tile floor survives in the vestibule and retains the "K of C" inscription.
The north exterior sidewall(see photo 7) retains just four second floor windows on the west end.
These have been shortened, and their rowlock arches remain in the wall plane above them. One
window on the east end of the row has been completely bricked in. There is a side entrance with metal
hood near the east end that is of recent origin. A ground level door, located west of center, has also
been infilled. The minimal fenestration is accounted for by the fact that buildings, fronting north on
West 8th Street, stood just beyond a side alley on this side of the plan.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-02006
Related District Number
Paae 2
Rider-Wallis Warehouse/Kniahts of Columbus Hall
Name of Property
781 North Locust Street
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
The rear or west wall (see photo 8) was originally fully fenestrated with six elongated upper
level windows, all of which have been bricked in or sealed off. A door has been cut into the lower
range of one of these, to serve a fire escape. On the ground level pairs of shorter windows flanked two
large rectangular openings in the center (these had flat lintels and are of later date). All of these have
been brick in, a door has been cut into the southernmost opening and others are pierced for vents. An
enclosed concrete basement stairwell has been added at the center of this wall. The entry is surely an
original one but the housing rises in triangular form and is secured with a north-facing door.
The south sidewall (see photo 10) had ten fairly evenly distributed upper level elongated
window openings, all of which have been bricked in. Four half-length windows (one of these was likely
a door) on the ground floor have been bricked in or paneled closed. All of these openings and those
on the rear wall feature stone sills and rowlock arches.
An interior inspection failed to determine what the foundation walls are made of. Large halls
are located on the west end of each level including the basement. Twin round metal columns support
the interior of the plan. The stairway is located adjacent to the north sidewall. The ground floor has
bathrooms in the northeast corner and an office area in the southeast front corner. No other historical
surfaces were observed and drop ceilings throughout the building disguise any other surviving detail.
Changes since construction include the loss of all original facade windows and the brick infilling
of or the reduction of all of the upper front openings. The lower windows have similarly been replaced
and the basement windows and the original bracketed sill of the ground floor windows have been
replaced with a brick infill. Sidewall fenestration has similarly been completely in-filled. Inside, an east
end balcony that was above the main auditorium has apparently been lost when the second floor was
in-filled. The historical sequences for these changes is discussed and portrayed in Section 8, below.
The Knights of Columbus Hall is located immediately west of the downtown proper, and the
building fronts east onto North Locust Street, being just one lot south from West 8 th Street. Historically
the half block to the south was a mixed use zone, with residences being intermixed with commercial
buildings. The Knights building is the sole surviving historic building on this half block. The half block
was not included in the Cathedral Historic District that runs along the ally immediately west.
8. Narrative Statement of Sianificance:
Two strong claims for historical significance are associated with this building. It is the only
surviving component of the Rider-Wallis department store, which in turn was one of a number of very
substantial commercial and industrial buildings that dominated Locust Street on either side of
Washington Park. Built as a combination twin storefront and warehouse, that company designed the
facade to allow for ready conversion for use as an apartment house once its warehouse capacity was
outgrown. The second historical association is with Council 510, Knights of Columbus. The Knights
purchased the building in late 1911 and remodeled its interior for use as a club house. As Iowa's
oldest Knights Council, the building's use from 1912 until the present day, attests to the key role played
by this organization in unifying and supporting the many Catholic parishes in Dubuque. The
architecture of the building is also noteworthy, the style being Neo-Classical. The problem however, is
that of integrity. The facade has suffered the complete removal and replacement of its front basement
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-02006
Related District Number
Paae 3
Rider-Wallis Warehouse/Knights of Columbus Hall
Name of Property
781 North Locust Street
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
windows, the replacement of the original ground floor window sets, and the infilling of a majority of the
second floor fac;ade windows. All of the side and rear wall windows have also been infilled with brick
but it is the fac;ade alterations which are the most troubling. At the same time, much remains, including
twin cornices, the overall pavilion and upper arch design, and a splendid entry vestibule. The ceiling
detailing on the latter and in the entry hall inside are perfectly preserved. Within the building, ceilings
have been dropped, obscuring a rich array of similarly detailed surfaces and little if any of the original
oak woodwork remains. The infilling of the side and rear windows has apparently caused the
elimination of original interior window trim as well. So it is a difficult call. The building would certainly
contribute to a district had there been a district to contribute to, but this consultant has to shy away
from finding individual eligibility given the extensive fac;ade alterations.
The integrity matter renders perhaps mute the possibility for additional research on this building.
This research would focus on the actual construction date of the building and its use by the Rider-
Wallis Company. The original architect could be identified. An intriguing question is the fact that the
original builders designed the fac;ade to allow for conversion into an apartment house when it was no
longer needed for a warehouse. This is an unusual example of design planning, when the norm would
be to over-build and count on further expanding a new warehouse.
In 1864 James Wallis and John V. Rider became partners in what was to become a dominant
early dry goods firm in Dubuque. By 1890 they could commission Chicago architect Willoughby J.
Edbrooke to design a four-story department store on the northeast corner of Locust and Seventh
streets. The multiple property document, Dubuque-The Key City: The Architectural And Historical
Resources of Dubuque, Iowa, 1837-1955 identified this warehouse building as being of historically
important given the loss of more substantial sales facility. Identified as 769-75 Locust, the building was
dated to c.1892-98, and was deemed to be National Register eligible. That study did not have access
to information about the fac;ade changes or the re-design work completed by the Knights of Columbus
(Jacobsen, p. 98).
Buildina Historv:
The early building history is difficult to divine because the building is not listed in city directories
prior to 1913, the first year that it appears as housing the Knights of Columbus. Apparently when a
commercial entity had a warehouse without an office, there was no reason to list it individually. Later
sources state that two storefronts were provided for in the original design, but again, neither of these
potential addresses is to be found in the directories.
The Rider-Wallis Company, a dry goods department store, constructed this building sometime
prior to 1907, and probably after 1900, given the style used. The newspapers do not mention the
building's construction in the years 1896-1907, by which time the Sanborn Map first shows the building
as being extant.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-02006
Related District Number
Paae 4
Rider-Wallis Warehouse/Kniahts of Columbus Hall
Name of Property
781 North Locust Street
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
West 8th Street
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Detail, 1907 simplified Sanborn Fire Insurance Map
(subject building shaded gray)
The Herald gives a vital early history of the building when it described the remodeling plans of
the new owners:
The building was erected by the Rider-Wallis Dry Goods company, to use as a
warehouse, but with their usual foresightedness the builders thought that at some future
time they might not find enough use for such a warehouse and accordingly built a
handsome pressed brick front on the building, intending to turn the warehouse into flats
should the warehouse idea be abandoned. Had the building been originally built for a
clubhouse no better front could have been chosen... .When the building was purchased
by the Knights of Columbus it was merely a shell. Intended for use as a warehouse no
partitions had been built in it and the three floors-basement, ground floor and second
story---stretched unbroken from the street [Locust] to the alley... The front of the
building, as originally erected, contained two "store fronts", one on each side of an
arched entrance. These were removed and handsome curved sash windows
substituted. The lower quarter of three windows, which extend clear to the sidewalk, is
of clouded glass and give light into the basement. Directly behind the arched entrance
there was an elevator shaft, which has been cut into and made a part of the entrance
hall... When the building was erected the basement floor was first laid six inches deep
with concrete, then on top of this were placed joists four inches square and the spaces
between them filled with concrete, giving a floor absolutely damp proof. The other floors
were constructed with similar care, the joists on the first and second floors, and even on
the roof, being of selected timbers 2 1-2 inches thick and 12 inches wide, set eight
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-02006
Related District Number
Paae 5
Rider-Wallis Warehouse/Kniahts of Columbus Hall
Name of Property
781 North Locust Street
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
inches apart, making floors strong enough to support an entire room full of freight, as
strong as a bridge.
This account indicates that there was apparently no office areas while the building was being used as a
warehouse. The storefronts appear to have been conceptual, although they might have had their own
direct entrances. At any rate, these fronts were replaced in 1912. It is unclear whether the basement
windows were original, and left in place (Herald, August 4, 1912).
So little is known concerning the Rider-Wallis use of the warehouse. It could have been
constructed as early as the late 1890s although the February 1911 purchase announcement noted that
the Rider Building was "practically a new building" implying both recent construction and limited use.
The warehouse served a massive four-story department store that filled an entire quarter block and
was located diagonally south, across North Locust Street (see below) (Telegraph-Herald, February 11,
1911 ).
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Detail, 1909 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map
(subject building shaded gray)
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The 1909 Sanborn map indicates the presence of wooden posts but offers no details as to how
many rows of columns there were. While the warehouse floor system was reused, it would appear that
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-02006
Related District Number
Paae 6
Rider-Wallis Warehouse/Kni ahts of Columbus Hall
Name of Property
781 North Locust Street
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
round metal column supports replaced the original wooden columns, and these were employed on a
sparing basis, minimizing visual obstructions in the larger hall areas. Presumably I-beams were
employed within the beamed ceilings to support the building interior. Two photographs document both
the unobstructed nature of the hall and parlor, as well as the extensive ceiling and beam ornamentation
that was employed.
Hall interior view, to the south (Center for Dubuque History, Loras College)
" 1"
Second floor parlor interior view to the north (Center for Dubuque History, Loras College)
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-02006
Related District Number
Paae 7
Rider-Wallis Warehouse/Kniahts of Columbus Hall
Name of Property
781 North Locust Street
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
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Fire, December 30, 1955, view north
(The Crusader, January 1956)
This fire image depicts the replacement ground level windows that were installed in 1912.
Described as hand-made, the fire damaged the south bay sufficiently to cause their replacement with
completely different storefront-type windows with sidelights and an unusual multi-paned reverse-
transom.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-02006
RQlated District Number _
Paae 8
Rider-Wallis Warehouse/Kniahts of Columbus Hall
Name of Property
781 North Locust Street
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
This second image more clearly depicts the very unusual window light pattern that was put in
place in 1912, with four oval lights being centered across the base of the transom. It would appear that
the lower lights were louvered openings.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-02006
Related District Number
Paae 9
Rider-Wallis Warehouse/Kniahts of Columbus Hall
Name of Property
781 North Locust Street
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
Fac;ade photo, view southwest
(1967 Knights of Columbus Convention Book Directory)
This image depicts the 1956 replacement ground floor windows. Note that the upper level
windows matched the original (1912) ground level ones, featuring center oval lights and a bi-fold lower
light set with a centered rounded arch. Note further that the basement windows remained in place, set
beneath a distinctive sill with engaged bracket supports.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-02006
Related District Number
Paae 10
Rider-Wallis Warehouse/Kniahts of Columbus Hall
Name of Property
781 North Locust Street
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
'.
. "~:.;.;a..~~.{~:ilt~,
1975 photo, view north
(Diamond Jubilee, Knights of Columbus State Convention, 1900-1975, Dubuque, Iowa)
By this time the basement windows had been covered up, but the ornamental sill line remained.
The present fa~ade has brick infill beneath each side window, with single centered openings with block
glass infill.
Council 510. Kniahts of Columbus Historv and the first clubhouse:
The Knights of Columbus organization champions "charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism" and
"Catholic action," supporting the church at all times. The ongoing purpose of a club house is the
provision of recreational and other activities for male church members within a Christian environment.
The concept of the Knights had its origin in New Haven, Connecticut, when the original council was
formed in 1886. A small group of interested Dubuque church members, consisting of Judge Daniel J.
Lenehan, W. J. Knight and James McFadden, first met in March 1900 to consider forming Iowa's first
council. Fifty candidates were subsequently initiated on April 22, 1900 and the council was formally
established on April 29, 1900, by representatives from a Chicago council. This was Iowa's first such
council although others quickly followed (Davenport was formed in late September 1900 and six others
were formed by early 1903). Knights of Columbus councils are not that numerous. They are found in
larger Catholic communities. By 1950 there were 75 councils nationally with 21,000 members (Knights
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-02006
Related District Number
Paae 11
Rider-Wallis Warehouse/Kni ahts of Columbus Hall
Name of Property
781 North Locust Street
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
of Columbus Iowa State Convention, May 21 and 22, 1950, Golden Anniversary 1900-1950 Council
510, Dubuque, Iowa; Daily Herald, March 30, April 20, May 1, May 5,1900).
The Dubuque Council is of some particular interest historically because it would appear that this
lay organization alone, had both the mission and the potential to unify the otherwise disparate ethnic
and multi-parish elements within the massive Dubuque Catholic community. This group with its large
membership and conservative, traditional values, was instrumental in sustaining the authority of the
Church within the community. The Council also played a significant role in forming and sustaining
other state councils, as is reflected in the annual conventions which were held across the state. Yet
another measure of the significance and effectiveness of this organization is its ability to raise
substantial funds, $30,000 alone for the conversion of this building. Building ownership appears to
have been integral to the accomplishment of the council mission, and this was not the first council-
owned building in Iowa, but it was surely one of the most impressive facilities.
The Dubuque Knights acted as ~ickly as they could to secure a clubroom and rented quarters
were secured on Main Street between 9 and 10th streets by lat 1902. Their first building candidate for
purchase was the old Daily Herald office, a four-story landmark, on the corner of Fourth and Locust
streets. They were interested in that property as of mid-1903. This property was purchased in mid-
February 1911 for $12,000. The final decision was a difficult one, consuming many months of
consideration and a look at numerous sites (Herald, November 28, 1902; June 27, 1903; Telegraph-
Herald, February 11, August 22, 1911).
While the original architect has not been identified, the remodeling architect was Edward J.
Donohue, a St. Paul, Minnesota, architect. Nothing could be determined concerning his working career
or training. He was born in Minnesota of Irish parents, in December 1868 and died in St. Paul on
November 29, 1915, not long after this commission. The 1900 and 1910 census records list him as an
architect (1900 Federal census, T-623, Reel 786, p. 21; 1910 Federal census, T-624 , Reel 720, p. 195;
Minnesota Historical Society Death Records).
Donohue finished the plans and specifications by August 22, 1911 and he and the Council
proceeded to award contracts for the work, estimated to cost $18,000 to $20,000. The new hall
appeared in the Herald's 1911 end of year progress report, with a total cost of $30,000. The
newspaper described the intended changes:
The front of the new Club house on Locust street will be changed in that the front
windows will be English style. The main entrance will be within the building, a canopy to
extend out over the front doorway and sidewalk. The entrance hall is to be partly of
marble and the floors throughout the corridors will be tiled. The finish of the building
throughout, when completed, will be it is planned, one of the finest club houses in Iowa.
Architect Donohue replaced the fa~ade windows, added the ornamental vestibule, and presumably
designed a glass canopy that has not been visually documented. The marble wainscott remains in the
open vestibule as described. The interior plan envisioned a basement gymnasium, bowling alley,
shower baths and a kitchen. The ground floor would be primarily a 45x45 auditorium (or council
chamber) with a level floor, with a seated banquet capacity of 600 persons. The front of the plan
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-02006
Related District Number
Paae 12
Rider-Wallis Warehouse/Kniahts of Columbus Hall
Name of Property
781 North Locust Street
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
contained a ladies reception room (30 feet square) on the south, and a reception hall (also 30 feet
square) on the north side of the entry hall. Upstairs, a library/reading room (30x45 feet) and two small
balconies overlooked the council chamber below gallery (refer to parlor photo) was above the
auditorium, and there was a billiard hall, a planned clubroom, committee room, wardrobe, club library
and ladies' room. The reception and clubrooms had fireplaces and all of the halls had a high (six-feet
high) marble wainscott (Telegraph-Herald, August 22, December 31, 1911; October 6, 1912).
While it was intended to push the work during the latter part of 1911, the remodeling was only
begun in February 1912, and the work approached completion a full year later, in early August 1912.
The winter start-up required the use of charcoal stoves to keep the wet plaster from freezing. All of the
ornamental plasterwork was cast on site. The central and highly ornamented entry hall was a new
feature, a portion of the hall area having been secured by removing the warehouse elevator
(Telegraph-Herald, August 4, 1912).
The intended September 1, 1912 completion date was not met but plans for a grand opening were
being made by early October 1912. By that time it was thought that the building would be finished mid-
month. The Sunday grand opening took place on October 20, 1912. A special high mass was said at
St. Raphael's Cathedral and the Knights membership marched from their new club house to the
cathedral and back. Speeches and a ball opened the building that evening. Hoffman's Grand Opera
House Orchestra provided the musical entertainment. The Herald observed, on October 20:
The club, which is the finest in the northwest, reflects credit upon the earnest efforts of
the Knights of Columbus, that made it possible. It is complete in every detail, and its
artistic furnishing have elicited words of highest praise from all who have seen them.
By the time the clubhouse opened, Council 510 had 700 members (Telegraph-Herald; October 6, 9,
20,21, 1912).
Council 510 has continued to occupy and use its Locust Street clubhouse ever since 1912.
Successive anniversaries were celebrated, 20 years in mid-April 1920, a 25-year Jubilee in late May
1926, and 75 years in 1975 (Telegraph-Herald, April 18, 1920; May 27, 1925).
9. Maior BiblioaraDhical References:
Jacobsen, James E. Dubuque-The Key City: The Architectural And Historical Resources of
Dubuque, Iowa, 1837-1955. Des Moines: History Pays! Historic Preservation Consulting Firm, 2004
Jacobsen, James E. "the finest business street west of Chicago and North of St. Louis..." Phase III
Architectural and Historical Society Report-Downtown Dubuque. Des Moines: History Pays! Historic
Preservation Consulting Firm, 2003
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, 1891, 1907, 1909, 1909/1943
Newspapers (as cited in text)
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-02006
Related District Number
Page 13
Rider-Wallis Warehouse/KniQhts of Columbus Hall
Name of Property
781 North Locust Street
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
The Crusader: Official Monthly Publication of Council No. 510, Knights of Columbus, January, March,
1956
Diamond Jubilee: 1900-1975, Knights of Columbus State Convention, Dubuque
1967 Knights of Columbus State Convention Book Directory (cover missing)
Organizations File, Sub-files 14a and 14b, Knights of Columbus, Center For Dubuque History, Loras
College
10. Additional Documentation:
Legal Description:
City Lot 626, Block 7, Original Town of Dubuque. The property contains only the subject building which
completely fills the lot. The same owners use Lot 627, due north for parking, but only Lot 626 is
included in this documentation.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Paae 14
Site Number 31-02006
Related District Number
Rider-Wallis Warehouse/Kni ahts of Columbus Hall
Name of Property
781 North Locust Street
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
Photoaraphs:
Locational Map (Dubuque County Assessor, 2006)
Photographer: James E. Jacobsen
Date of Photographs: June 13, 2006
Frame:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
View:
northwest
northwest
southwest
northwest
north
northwest
west
south
northwest
east
Description:
fac;ade overview
fac;ade, entry and pavilion detail
fac;ade overview
cornice detail, facade
ceiling detail, entry vestibule
entrance, sidewall and ceiling detailing, entry arch
north sidewall
rear/west wall
south side wall, south end of facade
south side wall, towards Locust Street