La Crosse Public Library Archives

"Billie Button" and the Wisconsin Pearl Button Company

The Wisconsin Pearl Button Company first opened in 1900 and quickly became one of the largest employers in La Crosse, employing nearly 225 people in 1902.
(written by Johnathon Jaeger, Archives intern) The logo for “The Story of My Life by ‘Billie Button.’” Scan is courtesy of the UWL Murphy Library Special Collections & Are… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/billie-button-and-the-wisconsin-pearl-button-company/

Footsteps of La Crosse Fall tours

This September, join Archives staff member Jenny on history tours in four La Crosse neighborhoods: Downtown, Caledonia Street, UW-La Crosse/Goosetown, and the Franciscan Neighborhood.
(written by Jenny DeRocher, Archives staff) This September, join Archives staff member Jenny on history tours in four La Crosse neighborhoods: Due to popular demand,… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/footsteps-of-la-crosse-fall-tours/

From Mechanic's Grease to Sudsy Brews

The building that now houses the Popcorn Tavern has a history tied to the early automotive industry here in La Crosse.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) Joseph S. Arenz, a German immigrant, was involved financially with the retail automotive industry in its infancy in La Crosse,… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/from-mechanics-grease-to-sudsy-brews/

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/

St. Paul's Lutheran Church

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, a historic La Crosse congregation, is planning to close its doors on August 25, 2019.
(written by Megan, archives staff) On November 16, 1870, Pastor P. Asbjornsen, pastor of the Bostwick Valley Lutheran church, organized St. Paul’s Norwegian Evangelical Lut… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/st.-pauls-lutheran-church/

Centennial Garden and the South Side Neighborhood Center

In early 1999, plans for a possible site for the proposed Southside Neighborhood Community Center coalesced on the SW corner of Hood and 6th Streets, with the idea that 3 blighted buildings would be either partially restored or torn down completely to cle…
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) In the past 50 years, historic preservation has become a key piece of what makes La Crosse unique. Three residential neighborhoods h… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/centennial-garden/

Footsteps Returns!

This May, join Archives staff on four of the revamped Footsteps of La Crosse tours.
(written by Jenny DeRocher, Archives staff) Have you ever wondered… What did Main Street look like at the turn of the 20th century? Were there any historically promi… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/footsteps-returns/

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 Oldest Catholic Church in La Crosse

St. Mary's began as a frame building at what would become the NE corner of 7th St. and Cameron Ave. in 1856.
(written by Megan, Archives staff) In the May 17, 1853 edition of the La Crosse Democrat was a notice that a visiting French missionary priest, Rev. Lucian Glatier, would hold … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-oldest-catholic-church-in-la-crosse/

Footsteps of La Crosse Fall 2018 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-2018-walking-and-bus-tours/

Logan High School: What's in a Name?

Why was it called it Logan High School? How do you figure out how a place got its name?
(written by David Kranz, former Archives Staff) Sources of the names of most La Crosse schools aren’t too hard to figure out. For example, Lincoln Middle School memorializes A… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/logan-high-school-whats-in-a-name/

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/

First Presbyterian Church

The first Presbyterian service in La Crosse was held in May of 1866 and the First Presbyterian Church formally organized on August 23, 1866.
(written by Megan, Archives staff) On May 6, 1866 Presbyterian minister Rev. J. Irwin Smith preached the first Presbyterian service in La Crosse and helped formally organize th… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/first-presbyterian-church/

The Octagonal Mystery

What was it? Who built it? Why was it built? When was it built? Why was this odd building never mentioned La Crosse architecture histories in the last century and a half?
(written by Dr. Les Crocker, retired art history professor and architectural historian) It was not a good day. Late-November sleet bounced off the windows of the Special Collecti… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-octagonal-mystery/

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/

Homegrown Weather

One of only 122 weather offices throughout the nation, La Crosse’s National Weather Service history has been as ever-changing and unpredictable as Mother Nature.
(written by Carla Swerman, Archives staff, with assistance from meteorologists at La Crosse’s National Weather Service) This time of year, “Is it going to snow?” is a common qu… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/home-grown-weather/

School Daze

When Logan school at Avon and Sill streets burned, work began on a replacement school at that same location.
(written by Megan, Archives staff) When Logan school at Avon and Sill streets burned, work began on a replacement school at that same location. This school was designated Logan… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/school-daze/

Footsteps of La Crosse Fall 2017 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-2017-walking-and-bus-tours/

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/

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