Yesterday in La Crosse
Starting talk of a fall festival, 57 years ago
In 1960, La Crosse city leaders were making plans for a community festival like the Aquatennial in Minneapolis or the St. Paul Winter Carnival, but one that would not be at the same time of year as those events. Two malt house workers at the Heileman brewery are credited with the idea of a festival resembling the Munich Oktoberfest. The first La Crosse Oktoberfest would be a three-day event, one year later.
Collecting Gold Bond stamps was a popular pastime. Major Drug in Jackson Plaza was offering 50 free stamps with the purchase of a $2 home permanent kit.
The Hollywood Theater had a Korean War drama called “All the Young Men,” with Alan Ladd, Sidney Poitier, boxer Ingemar Johansson, and comedian Mort Sahl.
On the radio, the Hollywood Argyles sang about comic-strip caveman “Alley Oop,” and Brian Hyland had a novelty song about swimwear…”Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini,” in 1960, yesterday in La Crosse.
