Iowa Ballroom Project
Coliseum Ballroom
101 1st St. SW
Oelwein, IA
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scan (Dec 8, 2003) of a post card (circa 1940s?) owned by Doris Kempker
I scanned the above photo from an article in the Oelwein Register (July 12, 1973) announcing the final dance at the Coliseum. Pictured is Andy Doll, owner/operator at that time. See the complete article here......mlk
A postcard from the Escorts sent to the Coliseum Jan 24, 1963
Auction Bill
for the Coliseum Ballroom furnishings - July 24, 1973
Doris and Kimberly Kempker; owners/operators of Kempker Furniture, which now occupies the building.

Doris and Kim told me of the many visitors who have come back to the 'Coliseum' to reminisce about the old ballroom.

They both assured me that such visits were welcome. So if you ever danced at the 'Coliseum', go on back. It is worth the trip.

(Kim was the first to write to me with the leads to start the Coliseum pages - see below)

To see how the 'Coliseum' looks now, click here.
photo by m kelleher - Dec 8, 2003

first contact about the Coliseum Ballroom - Nov 30, 2003

I am Kimberly Kempker and my mother, Doris Kempker, is the owner of the building. It is now a retail furniture store, and has been since my father purchased the building in 1973 from Andy Doll. I am not sure of the information you are looking for, so if you will e-mail me what you would like to have, I will do my best to get it for you.
The building still has the original tin ceiling, balcony, stage, solid pine walls, and maple dance floor. We have people coming in all the time, just to reminisce on where they used to dance!
Looking forward to hearing from you, and will help you anyway I can.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Kempker