The Riverside Ballroom was a popular venue for dances such as this one in 1949. The dance floor at the Riverside was capable of holding 1,000 people and was specially designed to "give" with the dancers. Over the Riverside's 67 year history, people danced to big bands such as those of Lawrence Welk, Sammy Kaye, Jimmy Dorsey and Glenn Miller. It was the site of the Feb. 1, 1959, Winter Dance Party - the final performance of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. Besides dancing, the building was also used for roller skating, weddings, flea markets and even Green Bay Packers practices.

Photo 18.1988.2360.