Proclamation_Richeard Bissell Day 6 27 13P
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
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L JAMA I1 1
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WHEREAS, author Richard Pike Bissell was born on June 27, 1913 in Dubuque, Iowa, where he
enjoyed living with his family for much of his life, and where he died on May 4, 1977; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bissell, who was often compared to Mark Twain, wrote 12 critically acclaimed books
over the course of his distinguished literary career as well as numerous articles for prestigious national
magazines such as Atlantic Monthly, Colliers, and Esquire; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bissell's books and articles reflected and celebrated his love for Dubuque and the
Mississippi River, as in his 1950 novel, A Stretch on the River, in which Mr. Bissell chronicled his
experiences as a riverboat deckhand and pilot; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bissell based his novel, 7% Cents, on his family's century -old garment factory located
in Dubuque. Later he helped adapt the novel for the stage as The Pajama Game, where it became one
of the most popular Broadway musical comedies of the 1950's. It then became the basis of the 1957
movie starring Doris Day and John Raitt, which was partially filmed in Dubuque.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY D. BUOL, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, ON BEHALF
OF THE CITY COUNCIL, STAFF AND CITIZENS OF DUBUQUE, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM
THE 27TH DAY OF JUNE 2013 AS
"RICHARD BISSELL DAY"
IN THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, IN HONOR OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MR.
BISSELL'S BIRTH AND HIS SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE LITERARY ARTS AND UNIQUE
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF HIS HOMETOWN.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand and caused the Great Seal of the City of
Dubuque to be affixed this 17th day of June, 2013.
Roy D. Buol, Mayor
Attest:
Kevin S. Firnstahl, CMC, City Clerk
2013: Submitted by Michael May, Adult Services Librarian, Carnegie -Stout Public Library, 360
West 11th Street, Dubuque, IA 52001 -4697, Phone: 563 - 589 -4225 ext. 2244, Fax: 563 -589-
4217, Email: mmay @dubuque.lib.ia.us