La Crosse Public Library Archives

The Penultimate Voyage

A La Crosse couple, John and Jesse Tulloch, sailed on the Lusitania from Liverpool to New York on what was to be the last successful voyage for the ill-fated ship that would play a critical role in bringing the United States into World War I.
(written by Bill Petersen, Archives Staff) On May 7, 1915 the British passenger liner Lusitania was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-20 off the coast of Ireland. A … http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-penultimate-voyage/

La Crosse Company Started Out Making Rubber Horseshoe Covers

On December 28, 1896, a group of La Crosse businessmen met to form a company to produce rubber goods such as carriage covers, coats, suits, and horseshoe covers.
(written by Megan of the Archives Staff) On December 28, 1896, a group of La Crosse businessmen met to form a company to produce rubber goods such as carriage covers, coats, sui… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/la-crosse-company-started-out-making-rubber-horseshoe-covers/

Find a Bit of Outdoors in the LPL Archives

Two plant collections, or herbariums, created in the 1890s were donated to the La Crosse Public Library Archives. Yes, plant collections!
(Written by David Kranz, Archives staff) As we in La Crosse endure yet another stretch of cold winter weather, our thoughts turn even more toward the relief and warmth promised… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/find-a-bit-of-outdoors-in-the-lpl-archives/

A Century of Growing in the City

You may have read of the exciting new Hillview Urban Agricultural Center soon to be built on the Western Technical College campus.
(written by Cole Nelson, Archives Intern) You may have read of the exciting new greenhouse facilities soon to be built on the Western Technical College campus. This facility, w… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/a-century-of-growing-in-the-city/

Over Fifty Years of Skiing

Mount La Crosse Ski Area has served the Coulee Region with downhill skiing for over fifty years.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) While we hear from our friends in Norway and Finland that their winter has been warm and rather lacking in snow accumulations,… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/over-fifty-years-of-skiing/

When the Circus Came to Town

Circus wagons, animals, clowns, acrobats and the big top.
(written by Megan of the Archives Staff) Circus wagons, animals, clowns, acrobats and the big top. These words embody the traveling shows that traveled the United States first … http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/when-the-circus-came-to-town/

St. Rose Convent Fire of 1923

90 years ago, on December 2, 1923, a fire destroyed the dormitory wings of the St. Rose Convent at the corner of 9th St. and Market St., the mother house of the order of Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.
(Written by Scott Brouwer, Archives Staff) 90 years ago, on December 2, 1923, a fire destroyed the dormitory wings of the St. Rose Convent at the corner of 9th St. and Market S… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/st.-rose-convent-fire-of-1923/

1920s Stage Celebrity Promoted Community Causes

One of La Crosse’s favorite actresses of the early 20th century, Eloda Sitzer Beach, used her celebrity for good causes, much as film stars do today.
(written by David Kranz, Archives Staff) The Roaring ‘20s were a time of entertainments – flappers, secret-knock speakeasies, and live jazz – and growing autonomy – the Model T… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/1920s-stage-celebrity-promoted-community-causes/

First Balloon Ascension in La Crosse, Wis.

The first major aviation event in La Crosse took place on September 19, 1863, when famed German American aeronaut John H. Steiner took off from La Crosse aboard his balloon, the “Star of the West.”
(written by Bill Petersen, Archives Staff) The first major aviation event in La Crosse took place on September 19, 1863, when famed German American aeronaut John H. Stei… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/first-balloon-ascension-in-la-crosse-wis./

Albert Norby, La Crosse Small Businessperson

Albert Norby owned the Albert Norby Meat Market at 929 Mississippi Street, as shown in this photograph.
(Written by Megan of the Archives staff) In the La Crosse city directory for 1897 Albert Norby was working for Jos. Schams Meat Market and boarding at 929 Mississippi Street. B… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/albert-norby-la-crosse-small-businessperson/

Bella Mac Riverboat, AKA Bella Danger

A fire in La Crosse was not the first nor would it be the last disaster to strike the Bella Mac.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives Staff) On a Saturday afternoon in July of 1886, the rafting steamer Bella Mac, owned by McDonald Brothers, caught fire at her moorings at th… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/bella-mac-riverboat-becomes-known-as-bella-danger/

The End of the War, and the End of the Street Car

On November 11, 1945, the last street car to service the North Side of the city made its final run.
(Written by Bill Petersen, Archives Staff) At 12:20 a.m. on November 11, 1945, the last street car to service the North Side of the city made its final run. A little more than s… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-end-of-the-war-and-the-end-of-the-street-car/

Dark La Crosse Tour Preview - MURDER!

Dare to join the La Crosse Public Library Archives for the debut of a new kind of walking tour, Dark La Crosse.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives Staff) Dare to join the La Crosse Public Library Archives for the debut of a new kind of walking tour, Dark La Crosse. Focusing on downtown… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/dark-la-crosse-tour-preview-murder/

John F. Kennedy Slept Here...

Any guesses where?
(written by Megan of the Archives Staff) ...at the Stoddard Hotel. Opened on June 23, 1904 and located at the corner of 4th and State Streets (across from the old post offi… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/john-f-kennedy-slept-here/

Rock and Roll All Night

The bands that played “The Sawyer” were often on the cusp of making it big.
(written by Bill Petersen, Archives Staff) Growing up as a teenager in the 1970s in a small town near La Crosse, I still remember the excitement and anticipation upon hearin… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/rock-and-roll-all-night/

Model Airplane Contest!

Win a prize?
(written by Cate Putirskis, Archives Staff) Found in the La Crosse Tribune, March 30, 1943: Did any of you enter the contest? How'd you do? Let us know! (Girls… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/model-airplane-contest/

Ye Olde Courthouse

La Crosse County's third courthouse dated from an era when public buildings were grand in size and impressive in style.
(written by Megan of the Archives Staff) In this photo is La Crosse County’s third courthouse, which opened in 1904. It was in the heart of downtown, on a block surrounded … http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/ye-olde-courthouse/

The Art of Gardening

Of the many gardening clubs that have been formed in the La Crosse area, perhaps some of the most unique items were created by the Floral Arts Garden Club.
(written by Cate Putirskis, Archives Staff) How is your garden doing this summer? Gardening has been popular in the La Crosse area over the years, and a number of gardening c… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-art-of-gardening/

A Royal Visit

On May 7, 1939, La Crosse rolled out the red carpet for Crown Price Olav of Norway and his wife, Princess Martha.
(written by Bill Petersen, Archives Staff) Since 1887, La Crosse has hosted visits from eight U.S. presidents while they were in office. On rare occasions, the city has also pl… http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/a-royal-visit/

Uncle Sam is Using the Telephone a Lot Now

With all the different cell phone service options and many people moving away from land line phone service entirely, it is sometimes hard to believe that choice of phone service is a relatively new development.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives Staff) With all the different cell phone service options and many people moving away from land line phone service entirely, it is sometimes … http://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/uncle-sam-is-using-the-telephone-a-lot-now/

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