Items in this collection include personal papers of Milburn A. Gilbertson’s, labor union materials, and materials and photographs from the La Crosse City Water Utility. The bulk of the collection is made up of materials pertaining to the La Crosse City Water Utility.

Gilbertson’s personal papers include papers concerning the purchase of his home at 1216 CTH PH in Onalaska, a certificate [undated] from the State of Wisconsin stating that he qualified as a Waterworks Treatment Plant Operator, and papers regarding his retirement from the City of La Crosse.

Labor Union materials include an agreement between the City of La Crosse and the La Crosse City Employees, Local 180, Building and Service Employees International Union (1968-1970). Also included are two City Council resolutions for individuals not covered by city labor agreements.

Items from the National Association of Power Engineers (N.A.P.E.), La Crosse #8 include two notebooks (1934 and 1936), which record dues and expenses, some correspondence, and other miscellaneous papers. Some materials from the Ladies’ Auxiliary of N.A.P.E. are also included.

Materials from the La Crosse City Water Utility include an instruction manual for the Aquatrol Control Systems (1976) used at wells in the city, correspondence, employee salary lists, employee schedules, and miscellaneous materials. Photographs of La Crosse’s main pumphouse include a 1912 picture of the construction of the pumphouse, interior photographs of the pumps and machinery, and two photographs that show water flow from La Crosse well #2. Other materials include Chapter IV from the La Crosse Municipal Code pertaining to the La Crosse Water Utility Rates and Regulations [undated], and reports on the electrification of La Crosse Waterworks (1923) and pumping station reports (1976-1981).