It was February 1976, and the country had started celebrating the Bicentennial. As people looked back on 200 years of American history, Marie Devaney Udulutch was looking forward. She sought to grow her community by starting a new publication, Julien’s Journal.
“It was begun because we like the Dubuque area and we want to participate more fully in its life and contribute to its wellbeing,” Udulutch wrote in the first edition. A half-century later, that mission persists.
As the magazine celebrates its 50 years in publication, we look back at Dubuque in that landmark year.
“The Orpheum Theatre Smiles Again” proclaimed one of the headlines in the inaugural Journal edition, highlighting the renovation of what is now known as the Five Flags Theater. Another restoration benefited the cultural scene as the Old County Jail became the home of the Dubuque Art Association museum.
Voters were asked to approve a new Civic Center adjacent to the theater, initially voting “no”, but ultimately approving the measure, with construction beginning in the spring. Voters were also asked to approve $2.2 million for county care facilities, which they did, and Sunnycrest Manor was established.
Additional enhancements provided quality of life amenities to citizens. The Children’s Zoo opened in Roosevelt Park, Dalzell Field with its new turf was officially dedicated, 13 new busses (with air conditioning!) were purchased, the statue of five pioneers was dedicated in front of the St. Raphael Cathedral, a public fallout shelter in the basement of the Aquinas Institute opened, and the Comiskey Neighborhood and Recreation Center continued to grow.
Citizen groups were also active in spearheading improvements to the area. That year, Jim Schwartz formed Tri-State Gardening Club to establish a botanical garden in Dubuque and collaborated with Frank Hardie’s interest in establishing an arboretum, possibly on the 51 acres of land donated the previous year by Jackson ‘Mac’ Marshall. The Dubuque County Association for Retarded Citizens opened Camp Albrecht Acres, and the Jaycees constructed the gazebo in Washington Park as part of a $60K park restoration project.
To read the remainder of this premium article and other premium articles in their entirety, pick up the Julien’s Journal February 2026 issue. Single issues are available in print for free at area newsstands, or you can click here to read the entire article for free in the digital version of the magazine.
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