La Crosse Public Library Archives

Very Early La Crosse Church Building Still Standing

One of the earliest buildings to be built in La Crosse was a community hall that was also shared by Congregationalist and Baptist (organized in 1852) churches.
(Written by Megan of the Archives Staff) German Baptist Church 726 S. 7th St. One of the earliest buildings to be built in La Crosse was a community hall th… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/very-early-la-crosse-church-building-still-standing/

Refreshing Beverage, Anyone?

We have antique bottles from some of La Crosse’s breweries and soda bottling companies on display through July 2014 at the LPL Archives.
(written by David Kranz, Archives Staff) La Crosse has a rich history of brewing – more than 15 breweries have tried to make a go of it here since the mid-1850s, some achieving… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/refreshing-beverage-anyone/

Trane Tea Room Hosted La Crosse Society

The Trane Family, a close-knit group, catered to La Crosse's genteel society for over 25 years.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) The Trane Tea Room was located at 205 So. 7th Street in La Crosse from 1931-1950 Recently the Archives received a wonderf… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/trane-tea-room-hosted-la-crosse-society/

1948 Washburn-Onalaska Quizdown

In October of 1948, a new quiz show designed for area students in grades four, five, and six hit the airwaves of WKTY radio.
(written by Bill Petersen, Archives staff) In October of 1948, a new quiz show designed for area students in grades four, five, and six hit the airwaves of WKTY radio. The show… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/1948-washburn-onalaska-quizdown/

Middle School Students Win Washburn Awards

On Sunday, May 18, six area middle school students were awarded prizes for their quality research projects submitted to the La Crosse Public Library's annual Washburn Awards.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) On Sunday, May 18, six area middle school students were awarded prizes for their quality research projects submitted to the La… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/middle-school-students-win-washburn-awards/

Footsteps of La Crosse Spring 2014 Walking Tours

Join the La Crosse Public Library 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 for a series of tours highlighting historic and architecturally significant residences and buildings … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/footsteps-of-la-crosse-spring-2014-walking-tours/

A Personal Window into History

Peer into the past with La Crosse Public Library Archives’ new acquisition, the diary of civil war veteran Simeon L. Downer.
(written by Cole Nelson, Archives intern) It seems that very often, archival research is done through impersonal public documents, scattered clippings from publications, and (i… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/a-personal-window-into-history/

The Penultimate Voyage

A La Crosse couple, John and Jesse Tulloch, sailed on the Lusitania from Liverpool to New York on what was to be the last successful voyage for the ill-fated ship that would play a critical role in bringing the United States into World War I.
(written by Bill Petersen, Archives Staff) On May 7, 1915 the British passenger liner Lusitania was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-20 off the coast of Ireland. A … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-penultimate-voyage/

La Crosse Company Started Out Making Rubber Horseshoe Covers

On December 28, 1896, a group of La Crosse businessmen met to form a company to produce rubber goods such as carriage covers, coats, suits, and horseshoe covers.
(written by Megan of the Archives Staff) On December 28, 1896, a group of La Crosse businessmen met to form a company to produce rubber goods such as carriage covers, coats, sui… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/la-crosse-company-started-out-making-rubber-horseshoe-covers/

Find a Bit of Outdoors in the LPL Archives

Two plant collections, or herbariums, created in the 1890s were donated to the La Crosse Public Library Archives. Yes, plant collections!
(Written by David Kranz, Archives staff) As we in La Crosse endure yet another stretch of cold winter weather, our thoughts turn even more toward the relief and warmth promised… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/find-a-bit-of-outdoors-in-the-lpl-archives/

A Century of Growing in the City

You may have read of the exciting new Hillview Urban Agricultural Center soon to be built on the Western Technical College campus.
(written by Cole Nelson, Archives Intern) You may have read of the exciting new greenhouse facilities soon to be built on the Western Technical College campus. This facility, w… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/a-century-of-growing-in-the-city/

Over Fifty Years of Skiing

Mount La Crosse Ski Area has served the Coulee Region with downhill skiing for over fifty years.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) While we hear from our friends in Norway and Finland that their winter has been warm and rather lacking in snow accumulations,… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/over-fifty-years-of-skiing/

When the Circus Came to Town

Circus wagons, animals, clowns, acrobats and the big top.
(written by Megan of the Archives Staff) Circus wagons, animals, clowns, acrobats and the big top. These words embody the traveling shows that traveled the United States first … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/when-the-circus-came-to-town/

St. Rose Convent Fire of 1923

90 years ago, on December 2, 1923, a fire destroyed the dormitory wings of the St. Rose Convent at the corner of 9th St. and Market St., the mother house of the order of Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.
(Written by Scott Brouwer, Archives Staff) 90 years ago, on December 2, 1923, a fire destroyed the dormitory wings of the St. Rose Convent at the corner of 9th St. and Market S… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/st.-rose-convent-fire-of-1923/

1920s Stage Celebrity Promoted Community Causes

One of La Crosse’s favorite actresses of the early 20th century, Eloda Sitzer Beach, used her celebrity for good causes, much as film stars do today.
(written by David Kranz, Archives Staff) The Roaring ‘20s were a time of entertainments – flappers, secret-knock speakeasies, and live jazz – and growing autonomy – the Model T… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/1920s-stage-celebrity-promoted-community-causes/

First Balloon Ascension in La Crosse, Wis.

The first major aviation event in La Crosse took place on September 19, 1863, when famed German American aeronaut John H. Steiner took off from La Crosse aboard his balloon, the “Star of the West.”
(written by Bill Petersen, Archives Staff) The first major aviation event in La Crosse took place on September 19, 1863, when famed German American aeronaut John H. Stei… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/first-balloon-ascension-in-la-crosse-wis./

Albert Norby, La Crosse Small Businessperson

Albert Norby owned the Albert Norby Meat Market at 929 Mississippi Street, as shown in this photograph.
(Written by Megan of the Archives staff) In the La Crosse city directory for 1897 Albert Norby was working for Jos. Schams Meat Market and boarding at 929 Mississippi Street. B… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/albert-norby-la-crosse-small-businessperson/

Bella Mac Riverboat, AKA Bella Danger

A fire in La Crosse was not the first nor would it be the last disaster to strike the Bella Mac.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives Staff) On a Saturday afternoon in July of 1886, the rafting steamer Bella Mac, owned by McDonald Brothers, caught fire at her moorings at th… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/bella-mac-riverboat-becomes-known-as-bella-danger/

The End of the War, and the End of the Street Car

On November 11, 1945, the last street car to service the North Side of the city made its final run.
(Written by Bill Petersen, Archives Staff) At 12:20 a.m. on November 11, 1945, the last street car to service the North Side of the city made its final run. A little more than s… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-end-of-the-war-and-the-end-of-the-street-car/

Dark La Crosse Tour Preview - MURDER!

Dare to join the La Crosse Public Library Archives for the debut of a new kind of walking tour, Dark La Crosse.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives Staff) Dare to join the La Crosse Public Library Archives for the debut of a new kind of walking tour, Dark La Crosse. Focusing on downtown… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/dark-la-crosse-tour-preview-murder/

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