LaCrosse Public Library - Archives and Local History1.2 cubic feetThe La Crosse, Wisconsin, chapter of the Daughters of Norway, Ornen Lodge #25 (organized in 1908) was part of a national fraternal organization dedicated to the socialization, mutual assistance, and preservation of the Norwegian language and heritage in the United States. The group was most active from 1908-1951, when women nationally were allowed to join the Sons of Norway lodges, but some members of Ornen Lodge continued to meet until 1969. Locally, women joined the Sons of Norway, Wergeland Lodge #28. Records include a constitution, ritual books, meeting minutes and financial materials. Much of the records are written in the Norwegian language.Contact InformationFinding Aid
LaCrosse Public Library - Archives and Local History0.8 cubic feetDirected by the Board of Public Works, the bridge engineer was responsible for operating the drawbridge/swinging span mechanism on the municipal Mississippi River wagon bridge. This bridge was in use from 1891-1939 and was built and maintained by the City of La Crosse (Wis.). These records date from 1901-1939 and list river traffic, mainly steamboats and barges, that required the swinging span to be opened. Information included in these records are the name of and the time the vessel(s) passed through the bridge opening. Occasionally an engineer would note what the vessel was carrying, such as logs or lumber. The records end on Sept. 23, 1939, when the new high bridge at La Crosse was completed by the Wisconsin Highway Commission.Contact InformationFinding Aid
LaCrosse Public Library - Archives and Local History0.2 cubic feetThe 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.Contact InformationFinding Aid
LaCrosse Public Library - Archives and Local History0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)Report created by the Preferences for Action in Downtown La Crosse (PADL) Subcommittee of the Central City Committee in La Crosse, Wisconsin, 1981. The report was written by the PADL Subcommittee following a review of the 1978 report of the Downtown La Crosse Business Association.Contact InformationFinding Aid
LaCrosse Public Library - Archives and Local History0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)Reminiscences (1942) of Bertha Heibo Sorenson, who was born in Denmark and later moved to Warrens, Wisconsin with her family.Contact InformationFinding Aid
LaCrosse Public Library - Archives and Local History0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)Newspaper articles from various Allamakee County, Iowa newspapers concerning the fire and sinking of the steamboat J. S. near Genoa, Wisconsin in 1910.Contact InformationFinding Aid
LaCrosse Public Library - Archives and Local History2.2 cubic feetThe papers consist of research materials, notes, and drafts generated by Katz during preparation of his book, Echoes of Our Past , a collection of vignettes about La Crosse history.Contact InformationFinding Aid
LaCrosse Public Library - Archives and Local History0.04 cubic feet (2 folders)Essays written by La Crosse, Wisconsin area students in response to the question "What is an American?" in commemoration of the United States bicentennial in 1976. Contest was hosted by WIZM, the NBC affiliate for the La Crosse area.Contact InformationFinding Aid
LaCrosse Public Library - Archives and Local History0.4 cubic feetThe Deutscher Verein was a German cultural, social, and musical organization formed officially in 1874 through the consolidation of two much older local German groups from the mid-1850s; namely, the Turn Verein or Turners and Liederkranz or Singing Society. In 1875 the German Independent School Society also joined the Deutscher Verein. The name was changed to the Germania Society in November 1877 but still called itself the Deutscher Verein in official documents. In 1918 the group8217;s name again changed to the Pioneer Club as a result of anti-German sentiment during World War I. The club was dissolved in 1937 due to a decline in membership. Records of the Deutscher Verein von La Crosse (Wis.), consist of historical background, legal and financial records, 1876-1937, including articles of incorporation (1892 amendments), warranty and quit-claim deeds, bond issues, trustee appointments, and dissolution documents. Also available are records from two of the predecessor groups, the ... MoreContact InformationFinding Aid
LaCrosse Public Library - Archives and Local History49.0 cubic feetRecords include those of La Crosse Public Library from 1885-2009, as well as its predecessor groups, the La Crosse Literary Association, 1867-1868, and the Young Men8217;s Library Association, 1868-1888. The public library was originally funded through a bequest of former Wisconsin governor Cadwallader C. Washburn, and was overseen by a private board until Dec. 1981 when the library became a city department. Records consist of board materials, such as minutes, annual reports, departmental statistics, budgets and other financial information, correspondence, documents relating to the three library buildings, and individual departments and service areas. Also a good collection of photographs and moving images are included of the buildings (interior and exterior), board members, directors, staff, and Cadwallader C. Washburn.Contact InformationFinding Aid
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