Northern Engraving
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
The Northern Engraving Company was established in October 1908 by Axel R. and Earl W. Olson at 100 S. Front St. The main product was photo engravings called cuts used as printing plates for illustrations in newspapers, magazines, and the like. In 1919 officers of the National Gauge and Equipment Company bought the company to "insure a convenient and reliable source of supply for the millions of dials used in the manufacture of automobile gauges." (La Crosse Tribune, 9-25-1927 p. 1). The manufacture of dials at that time required a lithographic stone or plate, a specialty of photo engravers. By 1927 the factory manufactured many instrument dials for automotive and other industries.
In 1940 the business expanded at S. 2nd and Market streets and employed about 550 workers. During World War II, the plant again increased projection and facilities. The La Crosse plant was closed in 1961 and operations were moved to Sparta. Factories were located in Galesville, West Salem, Holmen, Spring Grove, Minnesota, Waukon and Lansing, Iowa.
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