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1940s

World War II defines the 40s as the war virtually eliminated unemployment as men went to war and women went to work. Production of some products, like automobiles ceased, and rationing of food staples, like sugar and flour, and personal supplies, like women’s nylon stockings, went into effect.

The antibiotic, Penicillin, was discovered and revolutionized treatment of infections.
Big band music like Glen Miller dominated radio and led to singers like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald.
The jitterbug was introduced which was the first dance in 2 centuries that allowed personal expression.
Paperback books were first published giving more people the opportunity to read for pleasure.
TV dinners, Tupperwear, aluminum foil were invented changing how kitchens across America ran. And if dinner wasn’t in a kitchen, it might be in a diner.
The family lawn became a symbol of pride and ownership: avg. home cost $3,920.
At the end of the war, there were 5,000 television sets in America.
The baby boom became apparent as GIs returned to their wives.
During war time in La Crosse, companies changed to manufacture products for the war and housing growth ceased. The Exchange Building, 1941, was the last building project until after the war.
Because of gas shortages, parking downtown was not a problem for the only time in La Crosse history!
6,749 La Crosse County men and women served in World War II; 151 lost their lives.
Because of juvenile crime, a municipal recreation program, youth orchestra, and youth centers were created to give youth something to do.
The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, started as a civic orchestra in 1941, became a nonprofit in 1947.
After the war, neighborhoods expanded from 16th Street to the foot of the bluffs. The La Crosse Housing Authority was created in 1945. Northern Engraving, Trane, and Heileman expanded.
Miss Alice O. Gordon bequeathed $4,000 to the La Crosse Community Trust for the benefit of children living with disabilities in March, 1942. Miss Gordon was the first donor of the La Crosse Community Foundation.
On June 17th, 1946 the La Crosse Community Foundation’s first grant was issued, in the amount of $200, to help pay for medical care of a young girl.

The La Crosse Community Foundation is one of 22 Wisconsin community foundations that have met all standards set forth by the Council on Foundations for community foundations.

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1940s

World War II defines the 40s as the war virtually eliminated unemployment as men went to war and women went to work. Production of some products, like automobiles ceased, and rationing of food staples, like sugar and flour, and personal supplies, like women’s nylon stockings, went into effect.

The antibiotic, Penicillin, was discovered and revolutionized treatment of infections.

Big band music like Glen Miller dominated radio and led to singers like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald.

The jitterbug was introduced which was the first dance in 2 centuries that allowed personal expression.

Paperback books were first published giving more people the opportunity to read for pleasure.

TV dinners, Tupperwear, aluminum foil were invented changing how kitchens across America ran. And if dinner wasn’t in a kitchen, it might be in a diner.

The family lawn became a symbol of pride and ownership: avg. home cost $3,920.

At the end of the war, there were 5,000 television sets in America.

The baby boom became apparent as GIs returned to their wives.

During war time in La Crosse, companies changed to manufacture products for the war and housing growth ceased. The Exchange Building, 1941, was the last building project until after the war.

Because of gas shortages, parking downtown was not a problem for the only time in La Crosse history!

6,749 La Crosse County men and women served in World War II; 151 lost their lives.

Because of juvenile crime, a municipal recreation program, youth orchestra, and youth centers were created to give youth something to do.

The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, started as a civic orchestra in 1941, became a nonprofit in 1947.

After the war, neighborhoods expanded from 16th Street to the foot of the bluffs. The La Crosse Housing Authority was created in 1945. Northern Engraving, Trane, and Heileman expanded.

Miss Alice O. Gordon bequeathed $4,000 to the La Crosse Community Trust for the benefit of children living with disabilities in March, 1942. Miss Gordon was the first donor of the La Crosse Community Foundation.

On June 17th, 1946 the La Crosse Community Foundation’s first grant was issued, in the amount of $200, to help pay for medical care of a young girl.