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Guide to the United Service Organizations, La Crosse, Wisconsin Council Records, 1941-1946
MSS 083
Table of Contents
Summary Information
- Abstract
- The United Service Organizations for National Defense was organized on a national level in 1941 and consisted of several civilian partner groups: the Salvation Army, Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board. Thus the USO was formed, entirely supported by both private citizens and organizations. The USO facilities were to act as recreation centers for armed forces personnel during World War II. Information, counseling services and travelers' aid were also available. Locally, the USO operated from 1941 to 1946. Records (1941-1946) include newspaper clippings, correspondence, facility use reports, field service bulletins, financial records, membership/committees, minutes, notes and some miscellaneous material.
- Collection Title
- United Service Organizations, La Crosse, Wisconsin Council Records
- Date of Materials
- 1941-1946
- Creator
- La Crosse United Service Organizations Council.
- Call Number
- MSS 083
- Amount
- 0.2 cubic feet
- Physical Description
- 1 archives box
- Language of Materials
- English
- Repository
- La Crosse Public Library Archives
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], United Service Organizations, La Crosse, Wisconsin Council Records, MSS 083, La Crosse Public Library Archives, La Crosse, WI
Historical Note
The La Crosse USO Council convened its first meeting on 11 May, 1942, at the Vocational School. The Council, which was comprised of representatives from local service and civic organizations, was charged with coordinating local USO events, encouraging support, and overseeing the opening, operation, and ultimate closing of the USO club at 408 South Fourth Street.
During the war years, the club served the social and recreational needs of military personnel passing through the area. In addition to these responsibilities, the USO also provided both GIs and civilians with information on a range of issues from draft law interpretation to servicemen's readjustment to civilian life. The local club closed its operations in March of 1946, and the USO Council held its final meeting on 1 April that same year.
In February of 1951 the new USO surveyed La Crosse to see if need for the organization was present. Establishment of a USO center in La Crosse was approved and one was opened in the Young Men's Christian Association building at Seventh and Main Street as a temporary location. The USO center was then relocated at a permanent site in the YMCA in La Crosse in November of 1951. A new chairman, Robert W. Schilling, was elected in March of 1952; this is the last known documentation of the USO in La Crosse.
Scope and Contents note
Records (1941-1946) include newspaper clippings, correspondence, facility use reports, field service bulletins, financial records, membership/committees, minutes, notes and some miscellaneous material.
Administrative Information
Publication Information
La Crosse Public Library Archives 2005 May
800 Main St.La Crosse, Wisconsin, 54601
(608) 789-7136
archives@lacrosselibrary.org
Access to Materials
Materials in this collection are available for patron use.
Acquisitions Information
(Accession no. 2005.044) Donated by the La Crosse County Historical Society, May 2005; previously donated to the LCHS through a bequest of the Hazel Margaret Josten estate, Oct. 1946 (LCHS accession number P946.11.13)
Processing Information
Processed by Katie Adams and Anita Taylor Doering, May 2005
Controlled Access Headings
Corporate Name(s)
- La Crosse United Service Organizations Council.
Geographic Name(s)
- La Crosse (Wis.)--Societies, etc.
Subject(s)
- Social services--Wisconsin--La Crosse
- Soldiers--Recreation--Wisconsin--La Crosse
Collection Inventory
| Box | Folder | |||
|
History & Newspaper clippings, 1946 |
1 | 1 | ||
|
Correspondence, 1942-1946 |
1 | 2 | ||
|
Facility Use Reports, 1945 |
1 | 3 | ||
|
Field Service Bulletins, 1941-1944 |
1 | 4 | ||
|
Financial Records, 1944-1946 |
1 | 5 | ||
|
Membership/Committees, 1942-1945 |
1 | 6 | ||
|
Minutes, 1942-1946 |
1 | 7 | ||
|
Miscellaneous, 1943-1946 |
1 | 8 | ||