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1950s
As the baby boom got underway and industry expanded to meet peacetime needs, consumerism and growth took charge. Americans also saw the beginning of the Korean Conflict and the Cold War.
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School integration, in 1954 ended the “separate but equal” standard for public access.
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By 1951, 17 million households had a television and the first broadcast began with a speech by President Harry Truman and led to sitcoms and soap operas.
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The Prairie Style home became popular with the talented Frank Lloyd Wright and his associates, including Percy Bentley.
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The boom in consumerism and the affordability of single family homes led to the development of suburbs.
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From Southern Blues and gospel, rock and roll was born, bringing rise to singers like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly who are wildly received by young audiences.
In La Crosse, the Park and Recreation Department developed a system of playgrounds and trails were built on Grandad’s bluff.
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The Mary Sawyer auditorium was dedicated in 1955.
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Stansfield Vending moved to La Crosse.
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There were 5,859 students in public schools and the drop out rate was 20%, which was better than the national drop out rate of 50%.
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Mr. Louis Rehfuss deeded land to the Community Trust in 1958. That land was sold to the city and some of the proceeds started the money started the Rehfuss fund. Today, Central High School sits on that Rehfuss property. In the intervening 50 years, the Rehfuss fund has funded many math and science related projects throughout the area.
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The Community Trust joined the National Council of Community Foundations to ensure accountability and transparency.
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Stella Trane Jackson, Carl H. Iverson, W. Leo Murphy, and H. Newell Holley joined the Board of Directors in the 1950s.
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