Yesterday in La Crosse

Campbell wanted a new identity, 45 years ago

Published

6 years ago

June 11, 2018

In June of 1973, the town of Campbell was trying to incorporate as the Village of French Island. Opposing the incorporation was the city of La Crosse, which was hoping to annex the island. Campbell town attorney Jerome Klos argued that the state of Wisconsin seemed to have a “preconceived” attitude against approving incorporations.

A couple of two-room schools in the La Crosse district were out for summer, and forever. Valley View and Washington Schools closed their doors to classes for the last time in ’73. The students at both schools would be transferred to the former St. Pius School on Mormon Coulee Road…to be renamed Erickson School.

Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes in June of ’73, becoming the first race horse in 25 years to accomplish the Triple Crown of the Belmont, the Preakness, and the Kentucky Derby.

At the Colonel’s Corner in the Hotel Stoddard, you could get a sirloin dinner for $4.75…fried shrimp for $3.75…and half-a-chicken for just $2.75. The dinner time menu in 1973…45 years ago…yesterday in La Crosse.

Related Topics:french island Hotel Stoddard Secretariat

Brad Williams

A native of Prairie du Chien, Brad graduated from UW - La Crosse and has worked in radio news for more than 30 years, mostly in the La Crosse area. He regularly covers local courts and city and county government. Brad produces the features "Yesterday in La Crosse" and "What's Buried on Brad's Desk." He also writes the website "Triviazoids," which finds odd connections between events that happen on a certain date, and he writes and performs with the local comedy group Heart of La Crosse. Brad been featured on several national TV programs because of his memory skills.