They were shocked–SHOCKED!–to find gambling going on, 44 years ago

A John Doe investigation of illegal gambling led to a fine for a past president of La Crosse’s First National Bank in 1974.  George Milne was fined $500 for setting up a “Las Vegas Night” at the La Crosse Club the previous winter.  In ’74, Wisconsin had no casinos, no dogtracks, and no lottery, but Bingo was getting a foothold.  Among the people caught playing blackjack and craps on the Vegas night was the brother of La Crosse mayor Peter Gilbertson.

When President Nixon resigned in August of ’74 because of Watergate, a few planned activities were disrupted on the Thursday night of Nixon’s televised speech.  The Oktoberfest committee was meeting at Heileman Hall that night, with many fest volunteers in their German costumes for the occasion as they pondered the historical event.  Doug Farmer, the treasurer of the La Crosse County Republican Party, predicted that the GOP would have a “Mr. Clean” image after Nixon left the White House. 

A few Oscar winning actors were born that year…including Christian Bale, Hilary Swank, Penelope Cruz, and Leonardo DiCaprio.  In 1974…44 years ago, yesterday in La Crosse.