Walter A. Erickson Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS 101

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Walter A. Erickson Papers consist of a variety materials relating to La Crosse sports and some personal papers relating to Erickson and his family. Correspondence (1939-1967) consists of letters Erickson wrote and received while working as a sports writer for the La Crosse Tribune; personal letters sent from friends, some of whom were serving in the military during World War II; and other miscellaneous letters.

Miscellaneous materials include sports rosters, a 1947 Wisconsin High School Basketball Tournament booklet, and other miscellaneous items.

Newspaper clippings are divided into two categories. The first group of clippings pertains to the Erickson family (1939-2006) and includes articles on Walter A. Erickson and his brother, John Erickson. The second group of clippings focuses on La Crosse sports primarily during the 1930s and the 1940s.

Erickson’s personal papers consist of school report cards, discharge papers from the United States Army, and other miscellaneous materials.

Photographs include pictures of Walter A. Erickson; John Erickson; sports teams from La Crosse, Wis., some of which were managed by Walter A. Erickson; and a few army and army reunion photographs. All photographs are black and white, many are 8 x 10, and individuals are identified in some, but not all, of the photographs.

Related materials consist of a 1942 term paper written by Harvey Gofis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison entitled, “Report on the Accounting and Financial Practices used by the Municipality of La Crosse, Wisconsin.”

A scrapbook kept by Walter A. Erickson contains newspaper clippings pertaining to local sports, a few photographs, and some miscellaneous materials. Some, but not all, of the articles are labeled with the exact date.

Sports articles consist of typewritten articles, written presumably by Walter A. Erickson, pertaining to local and national sports.

Dates

1921-2006
Majority of material found within 1930 - 1949

Creator

Erickson, Walter A. (Person)

Access to Materials

Materials in this collection are available for patron use.

Biographical Note

Walter A. Erickson was born on March 1, 1920, in La Crosse, Wis., to Walter and Loretta (McWillie) Erickson. He had two sisters, Ann Erickson Phalon and Ruth Erickson Young, and one brother, John, who was later a golf pro at North Shore Country Club in Menasha, Wisconsin.

In 1938, Walter A. Erickson graduated from Central High School in La Crosse. Erickson worked as a sports writer for the La Crosse Tribune from 1938 through 1942. He also was a freelance baseball reporter for regional newspapers and The Sporting News. He served in the U. S. Army from Nov. 14, 1942 until Nov. 20, 1945, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Business College in 1948. He married Lorraine Smikla on Aug. 25, 1956, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Erikson worked as a stockbroker for thirty-seven years before retiring in 1985.

Erickson was a sports enthusiast who managed La Crosse city basketball and softball teams, including Sheldon’s Cigar Store Team (basketball) and Ed’s Tavern (softball). He supported local high school teams, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the University of Wisconsin-Badgers, and the Green Bay Packers.

Erickson died in La Crosse on April 5, 1993. His wife, Lorraine, died in La Crosse on January 18, 2006.

Extent

0.4 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Walter A. Erickson (1920-1993), a La Crosse, Wis., resident worked as a sports writer for the La Crosse Tribune newspaper from 1938-1942, and also freelanced for regional papers regarding local baseball games. Erickson was a sports enthusiast who managed La Crosse city basketball and softball teams, including Sheldon’s Cigar Store Team (basketball) and Ed’s Tavern (softball). Erickson supported local high school teams and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

The bulk of the collection consists of materials pertaining to local sports in La Crosse, Wis., and includes newspaper clippings, photographs, and some miscellaneous materials. Some personal papers from Erickson include correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs, and other miscellaneous items.