PRESERVATION ALLIANCE OF LA CROSSE, INC (LA CROSSE, WIS.). RECORDS, 1976-2000.   1.6 cubic feet (2 archives boxes and 1 flat box)

Abstract

Organized originally as the La Crosse Area Society for Historic Preservation in 1976, the group began meeting in 1975 and focused their energies in trying to protect and preserve La Crosse landmarks. In 1983, the group changed its name to the Preservation Alliance of La Crosse, Inc. Its purpose is to preserve the historic buildings of La Crosse and raise public awareness concerning historical preservation.

Records from the Preservation Alliance of La Crosse, 1976-2000, include administrative files, materials related to events sponsored by the group, financial materials, projects in which the group engaged, and allied groups.

Acc. No. 2000-17, 2001-5

Donated by the Preservation Alliance of La Crosse via William Doering, April 2000 and Feb. 2001

Processed by Jaime Dechant & Anita Taylor Doering, Dec. 2000, May 2001; additions processed by Christine Stolz, June 2001

History

Founded in 1975, the La Crosse Society for Historic Preservation began meeting in 1976 in an effort to preserve historic buildings in La Crosse. This organization spent time raising awareness of the advantages of preserving historic buildings and made an unsuccessful attempt to save the 19th century Post Office Building at 4th and State Streets in downtown La Crosse.

Beginning in 1978, the society held their first annual Heritage Awards banquet during which they honored selected business and homeowners for their efforts to preserve their historic properties. In 1979 the first walking tour was developed so participants could study and develop an appreciation for La Crosse area architecture.

In 1983, the society changed its name to the Preservation Alliance of La Crosse. Fund raising projects have included the sale of buttons and Christmas ornaments with funds used for historic preservation.

In November of 1994 the La Crosse City Council adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance, which gave recognition for the need to preserve the historic buildings of La Crosse. Buildings designated as local historic sites could be renovated if the owner’s plans received a Certificate of Appropriateness from the La Crosse Historic Preservation Commission.

An annual Architectural Treasure Hunt was organized in 1998 to help further raise awareness of the wide variety of styles of architecture in La Crosse. Participants identify area buildings from a partial view pictured in the La Crosse Tribune.

In 1998, the Preservation Alliance received a donation of a “farmer’s house” from Western Wisconsin Technical College which was moved from 422 N. Eighth Street to Cass Street behind the Hixon House on WWTC land and then renovated by the group.

Scope and Content

The collection is organized into five main series: administrative files, events, financial materials, projects and allied organizations.

The ADMINISTRATIVE FILES contain historical background such as news releases, newspaper clippings, and newsletters. (More current issues and a complete run of newsletters are available in the Archives Local Publication Collection.) Other administrative materials include the organization’s constitution and by-laws, membership lists (1977-1987; 1999-2000), incoming and outgoing correspondence, board of director lists (1976-1987; 1999), and minutes from meetings. In some cases when minutes are not available, agendas have been substituted.

The EVENTS files contain materials pertaining the annual Heritage Awards Banquet. Included here are nomination forms for specific properties, some of which describe the properties in great detail. Mounted and labeled oversize photographs of Heritage Award winning properties from ca. 1984 are also part of this collection. Other items include copies of the two walking tours of La Crosse, information related to the Winter Solstice, and other miscellaneous events.

Limited FINANCIAL MATERIALS are available. Budgets from 1976-1998 are included, but gaps exist in taxes (1976-1979; 1999) and treasurer’s reports (1981; 1989; 1999). Financial secretary’s reports are included from March-June 2000.

The bulk of the material in the PROJECTS section relates to the preservation of the 19th century La Crosse Post Office. Other projects undertaken by the Preservation Alliance have included the Architectural Treasure Hunt, historical calendars, a 1976 Community Development Block Grant, the 1977 reprint of the 1881 History of La Crosse County, the Christmas ornaments fund raiser, and the historic preservation of and interest in the Farmer’s House and United Temple Building.

The Preservation Alliance of La Crosse (PAL) has been associated with several groups. Materials are included pertaining to a proposed 1978 merger with the La Crosse Historical Society. Materials from other ALLIED GROUPS, namely the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation, are also included.

Other Sources:

The Clipping Files also include newspaper clippings under these headings:
   Organizations—La Crosse Area Society for Historic Preservation
   Organizations-Preservation Alliance of La Crosse

The Ephemera File also contains material under this heading:
   Organizations-Preservation Alliance of La Crosse

The Picture File also contains material under this heading:
   Farmer’s House