The early records of the Governor’s Guard Association show the activities and organization of a largely German social and military organization that has been active since its inception in 1873. The records are divided into three main groups.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND contains a limited number of newspaper clippings (1978-1995) that relate to the Governor’s Guard.

The ADMINISTRATIVE FILES include applications for membership in the Governor’s Guard (1954-2003), articles of incorporation and by-laws (1919; 1935; 1988; n. d.), limited correspondence (1969-1970; 1981; 1994-1995), and invitations to special Governor’s Guard events (1982; 1988; 1990-1992; 1995). A file of member information (1963; 1991; 1994; 1996; 2003) contains obituaries and death certificates for a limited number of members and a full list of living members from July 2003. Membership and sick benefit records (1936-1993) are 5” x 7” cards that list members’ illnesses and the monetary benefits paid. Many of the cards are for members who are deceased; these cards list cause of death and the name of the individual(s) to whom the death benefit was paid.

The minutes (1878-1994) make up the bulk of the ADMINISTRATIVE FILES. The minutes highlight the Association’s activities, problems, and everyday functioning.

Other items included in the ADMINISTRATIVE FILES include non-stock corporation papers (1985; 1990; 1994). The officers file (1914) contains a letter of appreciation for William H. Berg, president of the Governor’s Guard from 1897-1913. The property file (1944; 1958; 1967-1969) includes resolution to sell their building at 707 South 6th Street in La Crosse in 1944, a property appraisal from 1958, and information relating to the sale of their building in 1968.

FINANCIAL RECORDS, including the treasurer’s book, a day book, dues and assessment books and account books are also in bound volumes. The dues and assessment books contain lists of members from 1892 to 1923. The Financial Records are arranged chronologically. Aside from the Financial Records, the quartermaster sergeant’s record book from 1884 documents the distribution of uniforms, etc. Treasurer’s reports (1975-1992 with gaps) include scattered monthly and semi-annual reports.