Yesterday in La Crosse
Soell’s would sell no more wine, 14 years ago
Soell’s Wines and Liquor announced in 2004 that it would close in December, ending more than 70 years of alcohol sales by Otto Soell’s family. Changes in the liquor market and the rising cost of European wine led to the decision to close the store on Mormon Coulee Road. The Soells used to run a drugstore on Main Street, a Walgreen’s, until it was converted to just a liquor store in the 60’s.
Presidential campaigns included the La Crosse area in 2004. President George W. Bush took a bus trip through the area in May, including a speech at the Loggers ball park. Bush returned in October to speak at the Omni Center in Onalaska. On the day before the election, the president’s daughters Jenna and Barbara Bush campaigned in downtown La Crosse, and Democrat John Kerry slept in La Crosse that night.
The original “Incredibles” cartoon was released that year. So was “Shark Tale” with Will Smith…and Jamie Foxx’s Oscar-winning performance as Ray Charles in “Ray.” Fourteen years ago, 2004, yesterday in La Crosse.