Vintage 1940 King of Clubs Guest Memo Book Dubuque IA - "Always a Gay Crowd" - RARE
A rare and multifaceted piece of Dubuque, Iowa history! This original 2 ½” x 4” guest memo book with 10 blank pages was a promotional giveaway for the King of Clubs bar, owned by the legendary Bob Zehentner.
Historical Significance:
Union Bar: The front cover proudly identifies the King of Clubs as a "Union Bar," a significant marker of early 1940s labor culture.
Kitsch Slogan: The inside back cover features a list of beers and the classic vintage slogan: "Always a gay crowd."
The Proprietor: Bob Zehentner was a pillar of the Dubuque community, leading his baseball team to a 1940 championship just before his heroic service in WWII.
Product Details:
Dimensions: 2 ½” x 4” (Pocket-sized).
Condition: Good vintage condition. Pages are blank. The cover remains intact with clear, vibrant printing.
This is a "triple-threat" collectible appealing to Dubuque historians, labor union collectors, and those who appreciate the charm of vintage "gay" slogans. An exceptional piece of pre-war ephemera from a storied local landmark.
Bob Zehentner operated the King of Clubs bar in the late 1930s and early 1940s. - Encyclopedia Dubuque
His tenure as proprietor ended when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in early 1941 to serve as a navigator and bombardier during World War II. After returning from his highly decorated military service, he transitioned away from the bar business and founded Zehentner’s Sporting Goods in 1946, which became a staple of the Dubuque community for 56 years.
Historical Timeline for Bob Zehentner
Late 1930s – 1941: Owned and operated the King of Clubs.
1940: Played second base for the King of Clubs baseball team that won the Dubuque Major League championship.
Early 1941: Enlisted in the Army Air Corps, ending his time as bar proprietor.
1946: Founded Zehentner’s Sporting Goods on Central Avenue in Dubuque.