La Crosse Public Library Archives

Looking Back (2018) - Looking Ahead (2019)

A look back at the stories we told in 2018, and a look ahead at the programs planned for 2019.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) Archives staff put together alot of great blog posts in 2018, so before looking ahead to the 2019 program schedule, please take a mom… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/looking-back-2018-looking-ahead-2019/

The Perfect Storm: Armistice Day 1940

Some bad weather days live on in infamy. Such is the case with the Nov. 11, 1940, Armistice Day storm, often referred to as “The Day the Duck Hunters Died.”
(written by Carla Swerman, Archives staff) History does repeat itself! It is equally true that Mother Nature can be fickle. Amidst glorious days of sunshine and warmth, she p… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-perfect-storm-armistice-day-1940/

Letters Home from World War I

Earlier this fall, the La Crosse Public Library Archives staff found over 60 pages of letters that Sergeant Roy Vingers sent home to his family during his time in service.
(written by Jenny DeRocher, Archives staff) Sergeant Roy L. Vingers, of Company B of the 128th Regiment Infantry (64th Infantry Brigade), was one of the first WWI casualties fr… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/letters-home-from-world-war-i/

2018 Dark La Crosse Show

A new production of the popular Dark La Crosse Show will open at the Pump House Regional Arts Center on November 9, 2018.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) WHAT: The Dark La Crosse Show WHERE: Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King Street WHEN: November 9-10 & … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/2018-dark-la-crosse-show/

High Waters in '65

The 145-year-old river gauge measured its highest elevation on April 21, 1965: 17.9 feet!
(written by Carla Swerman, Archives staff) The past three summers, water levels have been high on area waterways. With the Mississippi River in La Crosse hovering around 10 fee… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/high-waters-in-65/

Footsteps of La Crosse Spring 2018 walking tours

Join the La Crosse Public Library Archives for a series of tours highlighting historic and architecturally significant residences and buildings in La Crosse.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) Join the La Crosse Public Library Archives for a series of tours highlighting historic and architecturally significant residences and … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/footsteps-of-la-crosse-spring-2018-walking-tours/

130 Years of Library Service

In celebration of its 130th anniversary, learn how the La Crosse Public Library came to be.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives staff) The original library building was located in the same spot as today, at the SE corner of Main and 8th Streets, ca. 1900 … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/130-years-of-library-service/

Mother Nature: Setting Records in La Crosse

Thanks to the detailed documentation by the National Weather Service here in La Crosse, we can easily determine extreme weather records.
(written by Carla Swerman, Archives staff) Weather is undeniably one of the most popular topics of conversation. We regularly question what weather is in store for us in the n… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/mother-nature-setting-records-in-la-crosse/

Looking Back ('17) - Looking Ahead ('18)

A look back at the stories we told in 2017, and a look ahead at the programs planned for 2018.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) Archives staff put together alot of great blog posts in 2017, so before looking ahead to the 2018 program schedule, please take a mom… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/looking-back-looking-ahead/

2017 Dark La Crosse Radio Show

A new production of the popular Dark La Crosse Radio Show will open at the Pump House Regional Arts Center on October 26, 2017.
(adapted from press release by Joe Hammes) WHAT: The Dark La Crosse Radio Show WHERE: Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King Street WHEN: October 26-28 at 7:30… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/2017-dark-la-crosse-radio-show/

Ghosts of Historic La Crosse Walking Tours

So fun and informative, it's scary!
** Offered June through September, 2017 ** Sunday through Thursday Nights ** 7:30pm and 9:00pm Cost only $10 per person Part of the proceeds benefit La Crosse Public Libr… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/ghosts-of-historic-la-crosse-walking-tours/

Winter Carnival

In January of 1921 and 1922, La Crosse held a four-day event known as the Winter Carnival.
(written by Megan, Archives staff) In January 1921 La Crosse held the “first annual” Winter Carnival. Another was held the next year. The Winter Carnival included a “big ou… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/winter-carnival/

Gertrude Salzer Gordon, Philanthropist

While today La Crosse citizens may not be able to recognize Gordon by name, the numerous organizations she funded and supported are sure to be recognized and will live on into the next century.
(Written by Hannah Weber, Archives staff) A philanthropist is a person who possesses the altruistic concern for human welfare and advancement as facilitated by monetary, proper… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/gertrude-salzer-gordon-philanthropist/

Footsteps of La Crosse Fall 2016 walking and bus tours

Join the La Crosse Public Library Archives for a series of tours highlighting historic and architecturally significant residences and buildings in La Crosse.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) Join the La Crosse Public Library Archives for a series of tours highlighting historic and architecturally significant residences and… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/footsteps-of-la-crosse-fall-2016-walking-and-bus-tours/

Parades! Picnics! Flags! Fireworks! La Crosse Celebrates the 4th of July

La Crosse has been celebrating the birthday of America since 1846.
(written by Megan, Archives staff) La Crosse has been celebrating the birthday of America since 1846. On July 3 that year Captain Nichols from Black River Falls docked his raft… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/parades-picnics-flags-fireworks-la-crosse-celebrates-the-4th-of-july/

From the Vault: Early La Crosse Aviation

The first regularly scheduled airmail service to La Crosse started on June 7, 1926.
(Originally written by Bill Petersen, retired Archives staff) With renovations at La Crosse Regional Airport unveiled last week, what better time to share a little bit of La Cros… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/early-la-crosse-aviation/

2015 La Crosse History Hunt

The 2015 La Crosse History Hunt, held during Historic Downtown Day on October 10, was a resounding success.
(written by Julia Roden and Calli Niemi, Archives interns) The public history field attempts to bridge the gap between society and the academic world. To cross this gap, publ… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/2015-la-crosse-history-hunt/

See Dr. Crocker & Latest Book Oct. 12

You can get an introduction to our local houses and buildings from a new book, La Crosse Buildings Through Time, and enjoy a program by its author Oct. 12.
(written by David Kranz, Archives staff) There are good times ahead for area architecture. Why do I say this? Because interest in historical architecture is on the rise in La … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/see-dr.-crocker-and-latest-book-oct.-12/

Connecting to Film Director Joseph Losey

The original Joseph Losey, after whom the street in La Crosse is named, was not the only Losey family member to make a mark; his grandson was a major film director in the mid-20th century.
(written by David Kranz, Archives staff) People in La Crosse recognize the name Losey – if only because it’s the name of one of our major streets. You can visit the LPL Archive… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/connecting-to-film-director-joseph-losey/

The One and Only Sunrise Drive Arts Festival

The Sunrise Drive Arts Festival was an art show and competition for kids that took place in La Crosse on August 16, 1962.
(written by Bill Petersen, Archives staff) The Sunrise Drive Arts Festival sounds like it might have been some major art show in California of Florida. It was actually an art s… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-one-and-only-sunrise-drive-arts-festival/

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