La Crosse Public Library Archives

Let's Do Lunch

Where did folks head to eat 50 or 60 or 70 years ago?
(written by Megan, Archives staff) In thinking about where to grab a bite in La Crosse there is everything from fine dining (The Waterfront) to casual (Pickerman’s) to the ubiq… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/lets-do-lunch/

1860s La Crosse Tea Cakes

To get a glimpse of what would go into preparing a basic snack for visitors in the 1860s, we can look at a La Crosse resident’s handwritten cookbook.
(written by Hannah L. Weber, Archives staff) La Crosse was incorporated as a city in 1856 with a population of almost 2,000 persons. By the post Civil War era of the late 1860s… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/1860s-la-crosse-tea-cakes/

June is Dairy Month!

La Crosse’s Dolly Madison Dairy at Front and Main Streets, in business under that name from 1939-1965, grew from several local and area businesses.
(written by Carole Mullen, Archives Volunteer) La Crosse’s Dolly Madison Dairy at Front and Main Streets, in business under that name from 1939-1965, grew from several local an… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/june-is-dairy-month/

Hillview Health Care property - 100+ years of care

From poor farm to county home to a multi-level senior campus, Hillview has changed with the times and continues with tradition.
(written by Megan, Archives staff) The property now known as Hillview was originally the city poor farm which was begun soon after the city of La Crosse was incorporated in 185… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/hillview-health-care-property-100-years-of-care/

La Crosse and the Great War

Stories of La Crosse citizens taking up different roles for the war effort during World War I are recorded and expressed in the collections held at the La Crosse Public Library Archives.
(written by Hannah Weber, Archives staff) April 6, 2017 marks 100 years since Congress voted to declare war on Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, cueing the United States… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/la-crosse-and-the-great-war/

Jewish Structures in La Crosse

While many structures have been used for Jewish religious purposes in La Crosse over time, it wasn't until 1857 when written evidence of a Jewish religious community began to sprout.
(written by Ed Hill, Emertius Director of Special Collections, Murphy Library, UWL, May 2009) While many structures have been used for Jewish religious purposes in La Crosse … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/jewish-structures-in-la-crosse/

La Crosse Movie Palaces

While the Rivoli still operates as a theater in downtown La Crosse, over a dozen movie theaters that could rightfully be called movie palaces have been lost to history.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) For the third year in a row, Dave Solie of WXOW News 19 has come to us to do background research on a film industry related story to … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/la-crosse-movie-palaces/

Got a Sweet Tooth?

Up to the beginning of the Depression, La Crosse was home to three major candy manufacturers.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives Staff) Up to the beginning of the Depression, La Crosse was home to three major candy manufacturers. Thanks to Archives volunteer Su… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/got-a-sweet-tooth/

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/

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