La Crosse Public Library Archives

1932 George Washington Bicentennial Celebration

The 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth was a reason for La Crosse and its citizens to celebrate.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) In the worst depths of the Great Depression in 1932, the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth was a reason for the United S… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/1932-george-washington-bicentennial-celebration/

Lucky Lindy's Legacy

Charles Lindbergh Shannon or “Lindy” was known to La Crosse teenagers of the late 1950s and 1960s as the “man behind the music.”
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) Lindy Shannon at the controls at WKBH radio. Photo courtesy of Peter Hansen. Charles Lindbergh Shannon or “Lindy” wa… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/lucky-lindys-legacy/

Historic Mueller Buildings Destroyed by Fire

Our community is grieving the loss of two historic buildings in downtown La Crosse from a devastating fire last month
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives staff) Mueller buildings, 300 block of South 4th Street, on fire 28 April 2022. Photo taken by Don Murphy Our community is … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/historic-mueller-buildings-destroyed-by-fire/

La Crosse Center: The First 40 Years

With the opening of the $42 million addition to the La Crosse Center in December, it seems a fitting time to take a look back at the La Crosse Center’s first 40+ years.
written by Scott Brouwer, Archives Staff With the opening of the $42 million addition to the La Crosse Center in December, it seems a fitting time to take a look back at the La… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/la-crosse-center-the-first-40-years/

Roll out the Barrel!

How did La Crosse's Oktoberfest actually start? Some say it began on the golf course in 1960.
(written by Mary Dunn, former Library staff) The tapping of the Golden Keg marks the official start to Oktoberfest. This scene from 1964 features Fest Master Roy Kumm of the … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/roll-out-the-barrel/

Grand Temporary Performance Venue Built for 1908 Saengerfest

With no auditorium, or even a music hall capable of housing more than a few hundred people, La Crosse was awarded the honor of hosting the 1908 Saengerfest, a biennial music festival attended by thousands of singers and music lovers from all parts of the …
(Written by Scott Brouwer, Archives Staff) With no auditorium, or even a music hall capable of housing more than a few hundred people, La Crosse was awarded the honor of hostin… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/grand-temporary-performance-venue-built-for-1908-saengerfest/

Digging into the Past - The LPL Archives Celebrates 40 Years of Service

Almost 100 years after the La Crosse Public Library opened its doors in November 1888, the Archives and Local History program began to serve the public in December of 1980.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) The original Archives reading room, 1988 Almost 100 years after the La Crosse Public Library opened its doors i… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/digging-into-the-past-the-lpl-archives-celebrates-40-years-of-service/

Presidential Visits: William Howard Taft in 1909

President William Howard Taft’s visit on September 17, 1909 had a local connection and a specific purpose – his Yale classmate and La Crosse civic leader George W. Burton invited him here to dedicate the city’s new YMCA building at Seventh and Main Street…
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) Unlike President Cleveland’s visit in 1887 and President Roosevelt’s visit in 1903, President William Howard Taft’s visit on Septembe… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/presidential-visits-william-howard-taft-in-1909/

Presidential Visits: Theodore Roosevelt in 1903

In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt embarked on a 9-week trip of 25 western states, during which he made a stop in La Crosse to give a speech on Saturday, April 4.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt embarked on a now-unthinkable trip: 14,000+ miles across 25 states by train, taking more than 9… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/presidential-visits-theodore-roosevelt-in-1903/

La Crosse in the 1918 Pandemic

Just over 100 years ago, returning World War I troops brought the deadly “Spanish Flu” from Europe.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives staff) “No great ship sank, no armies clashed, no conflagration consumed a community. The flu spread insidiously by means of ordinar… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/la-crosse-in-the-1918-pandemic/

How Does COVID-19 Affect You?

In an attempt to capture the current atmosphere in La Crosse during the ongoing public health crisis, the LPLA is asking you to share your stories and add your voice to our historical record.
(written by Jenny DeRocher, Archives staff) The La Crosse Public Library Archives & Local History Department (LPLA) actively collects papers, records, photographs, and materi… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/how-does-covid-19-affect-you/

Presidential Visits: Grover Cleveland in 1887

In the fall of 1887, President Grover Cleveland became the first sitting U.S. President to visit La Crosse.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) La Crosse Chronicle 8 October 1887 As the first Democrat elected President of the United States since James Buchanan – a me… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/presidential-visits-grover-cleveland-in-1887/

Winter Rec-Fest

The first Winter Rec-Fest was held in February 1987.
(written by Megan, Archives staff) The first Winter Rec-Fest was held in February 1987. La Crosse Tribune 25 January 1987 p20 Announced activities included cross … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/winter-rec-fest/

Looking Back (2019)

A look back at the stories we told in 2019.
Archives staff/interns put together a lot of great blog posts in 2019; please take a moment to check out these local history topics explored by clicking on the blog titles or phot… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/looking-back-at-2019/

'Tis the 25th Season for Rotary Lights

This 2019 holiday season marks the 25th year of the Rotary Lights display in La Crosse's Riverside Park.
(written by Carla Swerman, Archives staff) For many Coulee Region residents, La Crosse’s Rotary Lights has become a holiday tradition. In fact, the 2019 display marks the 25th… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/tis-the-25th-season-for-rotary-lights/

2019 Dark La Crosse Show

The La Crosse Public Library Archives is proud to present a new production of the popular Dark La Crosse Show.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) WHAT: The Dark La Crosse Show WHERE: Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King Street WHEN: November 1-2 & 7-9 at… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/2019-dark-la-crosse-show/

Voices of La Crosse: History Tours

On October 12, join two La Crosse Public Library Archives interns on tours exploring themes in La Crosse history.
(written by Jenny DeRocher, Archives staff) On October 12, join two La Crosse Public Library Archives interns on tours exploring themes in La Crosse history. The Voices of La C… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/voices-of-la-crosse-history-tours/

Looking Back at 1969

Even as it was happening, 1969 was recognized as a seminal year in American history and that has only become more true as we’ve gotten farther away from it.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) Even as it was happening, 1969 was recognized as a seminal year in American history and that has only become more true as we’ve gott… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/looking-back-at-1969/

Cracking the Chiropractic Controversy

La Crosse made history in 1907 when a local Japanese chiropractor, Dr. Shegetaro Morikubo, proved that chiropractics and osteopathy are not the same.
(written by Carla Swerman, Archives staff) “Some people swear by them, while others swear at them” is a common saying that can be applied to many things in life, including chiro… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/cracking-the-chiropractic-controversy/

The 1948 Centennial

In July of 1948 the city of La Crosse celebrated their centennial, and the state of Wisconsin centennial, with several events including a parade.
(written by Megan, Archives staff) In July of 1948 the city of La Crosse celebrated their centennial, and the state of Wisconsin centennial, with several events including a par… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-1948-centennial/

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