La Crosse Public Library Archives

LPL Archives' Hidden Treasures: Teaser Trailer for Footsteps

Join Jenny as she gives a sneak peak into two different Footsteps tour stops to learn an interesting relationship between two La Crosse neighborhoods.
(written by Jenny DeRocher, Archives staff) In this new Hidden Treasures video, follow La Crosse Public Library Archives staff member Jenny as she discusses how the Hoeschler H… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/hidden-treasures-teaser-trailer-for-footsteps/

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/

Get Ready to Race!

A natural amphitheater provided the perfect spot for a race track on La Crosse's North Side.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) Ad from the La Crosse Tribune dated July 21, 1956 If you’re into stock car racing or racing in general, you may have kno… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/get-ready-to-race/

LPL Archives' Hidden Treasures: La Crosse Tribune Articles

Have you ever wanted to re-read a La Crosse Tribune article from years ago?
(Video produced by Carla Swerman, Anita Taylor Doering, and Scott Brouwer, Archives staff; blog written by Swerman) Have you ever wanted to re-read a La Crosse Tribune article … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/lpl-archives-hidden-treasures-la-crosse-tribune-articles/

The 1948 Centennial

In July of 1948 the city of La Crosse celebrated their centennial, and the state of Wisconsin centennial, with several events including a parade.
(written by Megan, Archives staff) In July of 1948 the city of La Crosse celebrated their centennial, and the state of Wisconsin centennial, with several events including a par… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-1948-centennial/

LPL Archives' Hidden Treasures

Even regular patrons of the La Crosse Public Library at 800 Main Street can be uncertain of what the Archives area on the second floor is all about.
(Video produced by Carla Swerman, Anita Taylor Doering, and Scott Brouwer, Archives staff; blog written by Swerman) Even regular patrons of the La Crosse Public Library at 800 … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/lpl-archives-hidden-treasures/

Brooks' Bloodhounds

George Brooks (1897-1978) was a La Crosse resident who had two jobs: 1) serving ice cream and soda at the Bodega Lunch Club, and 2) training bloodhounds for police investigations.
(Written by Jenny DeRocher, Archives staff) George Brooks (1897-1978) was a La Crosse resident who had two jobs: 1) serving ice cream and soda at the Bodega Lunch Club, … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/brooks-bloodhounds/

A Tribute to Dr. Bruce Mouser

When Dr. Bruce Mouser retired from teaching at UWL in 1996, he got serious about doing more extensive research on the African American community history in La Crosse.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) Although Dr. Bruce Mouser was an active UWL faculty member when I arrived in La Crosse in the role of archivist in 1989, I rea… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/a-tribute-to-dr.-bruce-mouser/

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/

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/

Max’s Auto Wrecking Company

Max’s Auto Wrecking Company began in 1934. This business was located in the former Wisconsin Pearl Button Works building located at 726 3rd Street North just south of the La Crosse River.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) What "gearhead" who is into classic and custom cars wouldn't love to go back in time to get their hands on some of these vintag… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/maxs-auto-wrecking-company/

Beautifying Oak Grove Cemetery

Like other cities with rural cemeteries, La Crosse used Oak Grove Cemetery to draw migrants to the area.
(written by Erika Lichtfuss, UW-L Capstone Project; edited by Jenny DeRocher, Archives Staff) Picture this. A family pulls into the drive of a local cemetery. The car winds aro… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/beautifying-oak-grove-cemetery/

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/

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/

Post-World War II Emergency Housing Project

When veterans returned to La Crosse after World War II, they found a huge housing shortage.
(written by William Petersen, former Archives Staff) When veterans returned to La Crosse after World War II, there was a huge housing shortage. By January 1946, the city’s Comm… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/post-world-war-ii-emergency-housing-project/

Local Actor Made it Big in Hollywood

Charles Dierkop's big break, and what made him a recognizable face if not a household name, were his co-starring roles alongside Paul Newman and Robert Redford in 1969’s “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and 1973’s “The Sting”.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) Charles Dierkop was born in La Crosse in 1936 and raised by an aunt and uncle at 1550 Denton St. He attended Holy Trinity grade scho… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/local-actor-made-it-big-in-hollywood/

John W. Birney and his family: early African American residents of La Crosse

Some of the earliest La Crosse settlers were African Americans, moving to northern states, attracted to the same opportunities as others coming into the area.
(written by Jenny DeRocher, Archives staff) Many of the first European-descendant settlers who are credited with establishing La Crosse were fur-traders, loggers, and merchants.… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/john-w.-birney-and-his-family-early-african-american-residents-of-la-crosse/

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