La Crosse Public Library Archives

Houses for a Hundred Dollars

In 1888 a local contractor talked to a newspaper reporter about local building costs, "LA CROSSE IS THE PLACE TO BUILD CHEAP HOUSES"
(written by Dr. Les Crocker, Emeritus Professor of Art History) People are always curious as to what something cost in the “good old days.” In an earlier blog I talked about s… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/houses-for-a-hundred-dollars/

This Will Floor You

A pattern book from the Congoleum Nairn company dated 1927 and used by the O. J. Oyen company has recently been donated to the La Crosse Public Library Archives, providing a wonderful insight into floor coverings and people's preferences almost a century …
(written by Dr. Les Crocker, Emeritus Professor of Art History) A pattern book from the Congoleum Nairn company dated 1927 and used by the O. J. Oyen company has recently been do… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/this-will-floor-you/

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/

History Tours this May

May is Historic Preservation Month. Find out how to celebrate this May with history tours that explore four different neighborhoods in La Crosse.
Come celebrate Historic Preservation Month this May and join the Footsteps of La Crosse history tour series, guided by LPL Archives staff. Footsteps explores how class, culture, a… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/history-tours-this-may/

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/

S**t Happens

To what lengths did early La Crosse residents go to account for their transportation animals'... uh... waste?
(written by Dr. Les Crocker, Emeritus Professor of Art History) With thanks to J. S. who has shoveled a lot of muck. A typical city buggy on 10th Street in La Crosse. Seen h… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/st-happens/

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/

Behold the Barns of La Crosse County

Most of the barns that you see today in La Crosse County date from the late nineteenth- to mid-twentieth-century.
(written and modern photographs by Anita Taylor Doering, Archives staff) Dedicated to Jeff Rand who found his way from alfalfa fields to the library field and who retired from LP… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/behold-the-barns-of-la-crosse-county/

Looking Back (2021)

A look back at the local history stories shared by the La Crosse Public Library Archives in 2021.
Archives staff/volunteers/interns/guest historians put together a lot of great blog posts in 2021; please take a moment to check out these local history topics by clicking on the … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/looking-back-2021/

The Poisoned Pharmacist

Early German immigrant Adalbert Moeller was a recognized businessman and community leader in La Crosse when the disastrous accident that took his life occurred.
(written by Dr. Les Crocker, Emeritus Professor of Art History) Image of Adalbert Moeller's drug store ad in the 1866 La Crosse city directory Adalbert Moeller was one … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-poisoned-pharmacist/

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/

Historic La Crosse Fire Stations

Take a photo journey through past and present fire stations.
(written by Scott Brouwer, Archives staff) Organized fire-fighting in La Crosse is almost as old as the city itself. Prior to and shortly after the city of La Crosse was offic… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/historic-la-crosse-fire-stations/

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/

An Unappreciated Italianate Delight

James Vincent built a family home in 1884-85, but a family home with delightful details at 1024 Cass Street..
(written by Dr. Les Crocker, Emeritus Professor of Art History) Beginning in the 1870s, Cass Street and West Avenue became the most exclusive neighborhood in La Crosse. The Car… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/an-unappreciated-italianate-delight/

Looking Back (2020)

A look back at the local history stories and resources shared by the La Crosse Public Library Archives in 2020.
Archives staff/volunteers/guest historians put together a lot of great blog posts in 2020; please take a moment to check out these local history topics and digital resources avail… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/looking-back-at-2020/

Sawmills, Nails and Immigrants

In 1852 the first steam powered sawmill opened in La Crosse. To understand why that was so important to La Crosse we need to connect it to several other facts.
(written by Dr. Les Crocker, retired art history professor and architectural historian) In 1852 the first steam-powered sawmill opened in La Crosse. That's one of those fact… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/sawmills-nails-and-immigrants/

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/

Concrete Block Houses

A look at a local DIY building boom, or at least a "boomlet", using home-made concrete blocks.
(written by Dr. Les Crocker, retired art history professor and architectural historian) Need any Concrete Blocks? There is a long history of DIY (Do It Yourself) in the Unit… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/concrete-block-houses/

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/

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