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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/

The Tillman Bros.: Cabinet Makers, Undertakers, and... Weathermen?

In its 130 years of existence, the five-story building at 116 4th St S has only had two owners: Leithold Music, and the Tillman Bros. Furniture Store. Founded by William and Friedrich Tillman in 1859, the Tillman Bros company served La Crosse for over a c…
(written by Meghan Hoefling, archives staff) The building occupying 116 4th Street S in La Crosse has been known as Leithold Music for over 60 years. In its 130 years of exist… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-tillman-bros.-cabinet-makers-undertakers-and...-weathermen/

La Crosse YMCA: The First 140 Years

Celebrate the 140th anniversary of the La Crosse chapter of the YMCA with a look back at their history from the collections of the La Crosse Public Library Archives.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) Earlier this year, the LPLA Archives celebrated the 140th anniversary of St. Francis hospital by recounting its history from the late… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/la-crosse-ymca-the-first-140-years/

1932 George Washington Bicentennial Celebration

The 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth was a reason for La Crosse and its citizens to celebrate.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) In the worst depths of the Great Depression in 1932, the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth was a reason for the United S… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/1932-george-washington-bicentennial-celebration/

Midway - Hidden in Plain Sight

Originally called “Halfway Creek” for the stream nearby of the same name by its founder, J.B. Canterbury, Midway was given its present name when the Chicago & Northwestern railroad was built through the community.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff; “Charleston” information from Bill Petersen, former Archives staff) Traveling north on Hwy. 35 between Onalaska and Holmen, perhaps y… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/midway-hidden-in-plain-sight/

Historic Mueller Buildings Destroyed by Fire

Our community is grieving the loss of two historic buildings in downtown La Crosse from a devastating fire last month
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives staff) Mueller buildings, 300 block of South 4th Street, on fire 28 April 2022. Photo taken by Don Murphy Our community is … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/historic-mueller-buildings-destroyed-by-fire/

La Crosse Pioneers: W. A. Roosevelt Family

William A. Roosevelt was an early La Crosse steamboat engineer who established a plumbing business and warehouse, serving the needs of steamboat trade plying the waters of the Mississippi River
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives staff) William A. Roosevelt was an early La Crosse steamboat engineer who established a plumbing business and warehouse, serving th… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/la-crosse-pioneers-w.-a.-roosevelt-family/

La Crosse Center: The First 40 Years

With the opening of the $42 million addition to the La Crosse Center in December, it seems a fitting time to take a look back at the La Crosse Center’s first 40+ years.
written by Scott Brouwer, Archives Staff With the opening of the $42 million addition to the La Crosse Center in December, it seems a fitting time to take a look back at the La… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/la-crosse-center-the-first-40-years/

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/

Pamperin Cigar Company

The Pamperin Cigar Company, recognized regionally and nationally for its excellent tobacco products, operated in downtown La Crosse for over 120 years.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) Cigar manufacturing was a thriving industry in La Crosse shortly after the turn of the 20th century that employed hundreds. The Pamp… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/pamperin-cigar-company/

1947 Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against Hotel Stoddard

In 1946, Black delegates traveled to La Crosse from all over the Midwest to attend a labor union conference. They stayed at the Stoddard Hotel, where they experienced racial discrimination. In a 1947 court case, one of these Black delegates, James Tate, w…
(written by Jenny DeRocher, Archives staff) In 1946, the United Automobile, Aircraft, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America Local Union 395 (UAW-CIO Union #395) held th… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/1947-racial-discrimination-lawsuit-against-hotel-stoddard/

The Segelke & Kohlhaus Manufacturing Company

The Segelke & Kohlhaus Manufacturing Company was a major manufacturing concern in downtown La Crosse for over 100 years.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) The Segelke & Kohlhaus Manufacturing Company was a major manufacturing concern in downtown La Crosse for over 100 years. The compa… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-segelke-and-kohlhaus-manufacturing-company/

Vigilantes in La Crosse

One night in 1857, La Crosse was "overrun with scoundrels," as the local Committee on Vigilance took over the city, inciting a mob and setting fires.
(written by Jenny DeRocher, Archives Staff) In 1856, most of the U.S. population was clustered on the east coast. Minnesota was not yet a state, so pioneer Wisconsin towns al… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/vigilantes-in-la-crosse/

The Cannon in Riverside Park

Today, the cannon serves as a multi-war memorial, but where did it come from and why is it in Riverside Park?
Written by Sam Ott and Jenny DeRocher, edited by Anita Taylor Doering. The cannon in Riverside Park has been an attraction since it was placed there over 100 years ago. It had a … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-cannon-in-riverside-park/

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/

Relics of the Old Post Office

Near the entrance of the La Crosse Post Office, there is a series of terra cotta tiles on display. With no context or informative panel nearby, they seem to be mysterious relics of the past. These artifacts are among the only remaining materials left of…
(written by Megan Isely and Jenny DeRocher, Archives staff) Commemorative wall featuring terra-cotta panels, lanterns, and U.S. POST OFFICE brass lettering from the Old Post O… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/relics-of-the-old-post-office/

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/

City Heat: A Forgotten Utility

City heat was a separate centralized heating system that was distributed to south side La Crosse customers for 70 years from 1899-1969.
(written by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives staff) City heat was a separate centralized heating system that was distributed to south side La Crosse customers for 70 years from 1… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/city-heat-a-forgotten-utility/

Presidential Visits: Grover Cleveland in 1887

In the fall of 1887, President Grover Cleveland became the first sitting U.S. President to visit La Crosse.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) La Crosse Chronicle 8 October 1887 As the first Democrat elected President of the United States since James Buchanan – a me… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/presidential-visits-grover-cleveland-in-1887/

Looking Back (2019)

A look back at the stories we told in 2019.
Archives staff/interns put together a lot of great blog posts in 2019; please take a moment to check out these local history topics explored by clicking on the blog titles or phot… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/looking-back-at-2019/

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