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Neighbors Making History: Frank Pooler, "The Railroad Dick"

An Onalaska man, Frank Pooler, was a “railroad bull” or “railroad dick,” in La Crosse for 31 years.
(written by Jeff Rand, retired Adult Services librarian) “Bulls.” “Dicks.” “Shacks.” These were all slang terms for the men employed by railroads as their own private police… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/neighbors-making-history-frank-pooler-the-railroad-dick/

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/

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/

2017 Dark La Crosse Radio Show

A new production of the popular Dark La Crosse Radio Show will open at the Pump House Regional Arts Center on October 26, 2017.
(adapted from press release by Joe Hammes)   WHAT:  The Dark La Crosse Radio Show WHERE: Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King Street WHEN: October 26-28 at 7:30… https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/2017-dark-la-crosse-radio-show/

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/

The Big Fellow

La Crosse has had its share of colorful characters, but few cast as long of a shadow as Thomas “Big Fellow” McDonough.
 (Written by Barry McKnight, Archives staff) La Crosse has had its share of colorful characters, but few cast as long of a shadow as Thomas “Big Fellow” McDonough. An enormous … https://archives.lacrosselibrary.org/blog/the-big-fellow/

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