La Crosse Public Library Archives

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New Deal Photographer Sets His Eye on La Crosse

In the summer of 1939, photographer Arthur Rothstein traveled through La Crosse, capturing poignant moments of a city in the midst of change.
(written by Sarah Ludington, Archives staff) In the summer of 1939, photographer Arthur Rothstein traveled through the Midwest to document rural life. Employed by a special pro… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/new-deal-photographer-sets-his-eye-on-la-crosse/

Dating Vintage Photographs

There are several tips we can share in dating photographs.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) Let me share some tips with you to help date late 19th century and early 20th century photographs. If you have studio portrait… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/dating-vintage-photographs/

In Hot Pursuit of the Truth

Discover the truth behind the photograph of President Theodore Roosevelt speaking to a La Crosse crowd in 1903.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff, and Doug Connell, Archives Volunteer) On a routine basis, the La Crosse Public Library Archives receives gifts from benefactor… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/in-hot-pursuit-of-the-truth/

ECHO: Exploring Cultural History Online

The Winding Rivers Library System has expanded access to unique history materials in local libraries by developing a regional online collection of visual images (photographs and postcards) representing western Wisconsin history and culture.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) The Winding Rivers Library System has expanded access to unique history materials in local libraries by developing a regional … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/echo-exploring-cultural-history-online/

Fires in Winter

Fighting fires with water in freezing temperatures makes for some very compelling photography.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) As winter (hopefully) winds down, I thought it might be interesting to share some of the La Crosse Fire Department photos of fires in… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/fires-in-winter/

Take a 'Walk' on the Dark Side

The Dark La Crosse Tour: Radio Show is coming soon to the Pump House Regional Arts Center.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) IF YOU GO WHAT: Dark La Crosse Tour: The Radio Show WHERE: Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King Street WHEN: 7:… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/take-a-walk-on-the-dark-side/

Elmer & Tenney Captured Scenes of La Crosse in 1880s

Elmer & Tenney, Winona photographers, took a series of stereo views (or stereoscopic cards) of La Crosse in 1880-1881 titled “Views in La Crosse, Wis., and Vicinity,” and the La Crosse Public Library Archives has a fairly complete set of these.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) A stereo view card contains two offset photographic images produced simultaneously with a camera that has two lenses, spaced a… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/elmer-and-tenney-captured-scenes-of-la-crosse-in-1880s/