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Winter Carnival

In January of 1921 and 1922, La Crosse held a four-day event known as the Winter Carnival.
(written by Megan, Archives staff) In January 1921 La Crosse held the “first annual” Winter Carnival. Another was held the next year.  The Winter Carnival included a “big ou… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/winter-carnival/

Where was the First Shopping Center in La Crosse?

With the unprecedented explosion of young families in La Crosse following World War II, Clarence B. Smith envisioned growth and planned the first shopping center.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) After World War II ended and the baby boomer generation began, Clarence B. Smith envisioned growth and planned the first shoppi… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/where-was-the-first-shopping-center-in-la-crosse/

Wilma's Beauty Salon

Wilma Peters owned and operated Wilma's Beauty Salon for over 40 years in downtown La Crosse.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) Wilma Peters owned and operated Wilma's Beauty Salon in downtown La Crosse for over 40 years. In 1952, after attending the St. P… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/wilmas-beauty-salon/

Vinyl Preservation (Like a Record)

Within the past 10 years, vinyl record sales have seen a resurgence. Here are some guidelines on best practices for preserving your vinyl collection.
(Written by Hannah Weber, Archives staff) While digital downloads and music streaming services continue to dominate as the most popular ways in which music is purchased and con… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/vinyl-preservation-like-a-record/

The Leona

Leona Linker was a leader in women's fashion and has the patent to prove it.
(written by Megan, Archives Staff) Leona Foerster was born in La Crosse to George & Catherine Foerster. Taught to sew at an early age (the usual for the day), and apprentic… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-leona/

Shining Light on the Catholic Cemetery Chapel

The Chapel of the Blessed Virgin of the Seven Dolors (or Sorrows), located in the Catholic Cemetery east of Losey Boulevard, is one of many features of interest in La Crosse cemeteries.
(written by David Kranz, Archives staff) All the cemeteries of La Crosse hold features of interest. One that many of us often pass by but maybe don’t pay direct attention to is… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/shining-light-on-the-catholic-cemetery-chapel/

The Return of the Dark La Crosse Radio Show

The La Crosse Public Library Archives is pleased to announce another “Dark La Crosse Radio Show” featuring ALL NEW STORIES highlighting the seedier side of La Crosse’s rich cultural history.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) We are pleased to announce another “Dark La Crosse Radio Show” featuring ALL NEW STORIES highlighting the seedier side of … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-return-of-the-dark-la-crosse-radio-show/

Gertrude Salzer Gordon, Philanthropist

While today La Crosse citizens may not be able to recognize Gordon by name, the numerous organizations she funded and supported are sure to be recognized and will live on into the next century.
(Written by Hannah Weber, Archives staff) A philanthropist is a person who possesses the altruistic concern for human welfare and advancement as facilitated by monetary, proper… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/gertrude-salzer-gordon-philanthropist/

How Old Is...?

Ever see an older building and wonder about its history?
(written by Megan, Archives staff) Ever see an older building and wonder about its history? 127-129 N. 3rd Street Ever wonder how old your house is? 1616 Sta… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/how-old-is/

The North White Way

On September 3, 1915, thousands of people turned out on the North Side to “see the light” for the very first time.
(written by Bill Petersen, former Archives Staff) On September 3, 1915, thousands of people turned out on the North Side to “see the light” for the very first time. The “light”… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-north-white-way/

Road Trip to La Crosse...Through Time

Horse and buggy days were tough for long travel in La Crosse.
(by Anita Doering, Archives Staff) Horse and buggy days were tough for long travel in La Crosse. Distance that could be covered in a day was limited as was assistance for t… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/road-trip-to-la-crosse...through-time/

Footsteps of La Crosse Fall 2016 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-2016-walking-and-bus-tours/

Parades! Picnics! Flags! Fireworks! La Crosse Celebrates the 4th of July

La Crosse has been celebrating the birthday of America since 1846.
(written by Megan, Archives staff) La Crosse has been celebrating the birthday of America since 1846. On July 3 that year Captain Nichols from Black River Falls docked his raft… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/parades-picnics-flags-fireworks-la-crosse-celebrates-the-4th-of-july/

La Crosse's Drug Problem

Break-ins and robberies to support drug habits. Parents chasing after their addicted children trying to get them help. Addicts begging doctors and pharmacists for prescriptions. This is La Crosse’s drug problem … 100 years ago.
(written by Barry McKnight, Archives staff) La Crosse Tribune, 16 April 1915 Break-ins and robberies to support drug habits. Parents chasing after their addicted… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/la-crosses-drug-problem/

From the Vault: Evolution of Fire Fighting Equipment

Old Fire Station #5 at 1220 Denton Street was the last crew in the La Crosse Fire Department that used horses to pull their equipment.
(Originally written by Bill Petersen, retired Archives staff) Fire Station #5, 1925 90 years ago on April 18, 1926, Captain Dan Desmond and his crew of firemen a… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/evolution-of-fire-fighting-equipment/

Frohsinn Singing Society

Through much of the scrutiny and cultural pressure placed on German-Americans in Wisconsin during the First and Second World Wars, the Frohsinn Singing Society, a German-American singing group in La Crosse, met and raised their voices on high.
(written by Hannah L. Weber, Archives intern)   Frohsinn Singing Society, 1907; Nord Stern 50th Anniversary special issue, p. 77 As citizens of La Crosse, Wiscons… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/frohsinn-singing-society/

Growing Community Needed Hogan School

In 1899, East Avenue was the eastern edge for a portion of the city’s development. With the spread of residential development and an increasing population came a need for a new school.
(written by David Kranz, Archives Staff) From its roots along the shore of the Mississippi River, the city of La Crosse expanded westward toward the bluffs, filling in the broa… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/growing-community-needed-hogan-school/

Monkey Business

From the time the Monkey Island was created in 1929 until the city ceased management of the Myrick Park Zoo in 2007, the monkeys were the main attraction and perhaps the thing visitors remembered most.
(written by Barry McKnight, Archives staff) Many longtime La Crosse residents feel nostalgia for the Myrick Park Zoo, in particular the Monkey Island attraction. From the time … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/monkey-business/

Trane Company's 'House of Weather Magic'

In 1954 the Trane Company's Research and Testing Laboratory was dedicated as the 'House of Weather Magic."
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) The Trane Company began as a humble plumbing and heating shop in 1885 on Pearl Street.  James Trane’s name is often seen on ci… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/trane-companys-house-of-weather-magic/

Burns Fruit House

John C. Burns opened his wholesale Fruit House in 1883.
(Written by Megan, Archives staff) Wholesale oyster seller in La Crosse? The Burns Fruit House was. John C. Burns opened his wholesale (with limited retail sales at certain … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/burns-fruit-house/

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