La Crosse Public Library Archives

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/

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/

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/

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/

Amundsen Visits the South Pole... and La Crosse

On February 9, 1913, Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer credited with leading the first expedition to reach the South Pole, gave two lectures at the La Crosse Theatre.
(Written by Bill Petersen, Archives staff) On February 9, 1913, Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer credited with leading the first expedition to reach the South Pole, ga… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/amundsen-visits-the-south-pole...-and-la-crosse/

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… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/john-f-kennedy-slept-here/

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… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/a-royal-visit/

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