Iowa Ballroom Project
Coliseum Ballroom
101 1st St. SW
Oelwein, IA
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photo taken Dec 8, 2003 by m kelleher
This is how the 'Coliseum' looks today. Richard and Doris Kempker puchased the building in 1973 from Andy and Marjorie Doll. At the time the Kempker's had a furniture store on Charles Street and used this building for storage, eventually moving the store here.

Notice the 'COLISEUM' sign on the southeast corner of the building. This sign has hung here since the Kempkers bought the building. I believe this not to be the original sign. Marjorie Doll told me that there was extensive damage to the building in the tornado of 1968 and I am guessing the Dolls had to replace the original.......mlk
from the balcony with the stage in the background - photo taken Dec 8, 2003 by m kelleher

Except for the booths, the bar, the lights and the mirror ball, the inside looks much like it did when the last dance was held in July, 1973.

The maple dance floor is now partially carpeted, and the new furniture on diplay certainly looks more comfortable that the old booths. Remember?
from the stage wiith the balcony in the background - photo taken Dec 8, 2003 by m kelleher