La Crosse Rubber Mills (now La Crosse Footwear)
Scope and Contents
Slides made from photographs at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Special Collections Department all representing industries and businesses in La Crosse. Most of the photographs predate 1920. Many of the businesses selected are still operating.
Dates
- circa 1890-1917
Access to Materials
Materials in this collection are available for patron use in-house only. The La Crosse Public Library is not authorized to make reproductions of these; patrons need to contact the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Special Collections Department for copies.
Historical Note
First organized in 1897, the La Crosse Rubber Mills began manufacturing rubber clothing at 120 So. Front St. Some of the early products included rubber raincoats and horseshoes. By 1906 the board of directors decided to specialize in the production of rubber footwear. In 1912, Albert Hirshheimer and Michael Funk purchased a controlling interest and placed Albert P. and Arthur S. Funk in direct charge of management and operation of the plant. The company employed 150 people and produced 1,200 pairs of shoes daily. By 1916, production had increased to 12,000 pairs a day.
The operation was completely modernized in 1940 and broadened its product line. The company was purchased from shareholders in 1982 by Frank Uhler and George Schneider. The name was changed in 1986 to La Crosse Footwear. The firm now manufactures rubber and vinyl protective footwear for dress, industrial and sporting use. Another plant is located in Claremont, New Hampshire.
Extent
From the Collection: 0.2 Cubic Feet
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: University of Wisconsin--La Crosse. Special Collections Department (Organization)
Repository Details
Part of the La Crosse Public Library Archives Repository