La Crosse Tribune Photo Window of the Immaculate Conception

THE

Cjeniermiut

OF

ST. MARY'S CHURCH

1854 1954

LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN ". . . We invite each and every one of you Venerable Brethren, by reason of the office you exercise, to exhort the clergy and people committed to you to celebrate the Marian Year which we proclaim to be held the whole world over from the month of December next until the same month of the coming year—just a century having elapsed since the Virgin Mother of God, amid the applause of the entire Christian people, shone with a new gem, when our predecessor of immortal memory solemnly decreed and defined that she was absolutely free from all stain of original sin. And we confidently trust that this Marian celebration may bring forth the most desired and salutary fruits which all of us long for."

From the encyclical letter Fulgens Corona September 8, 1953

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5 DIOCESE OF LACROSSE 4?2 HOESCHLER BUILDING LACROSSE, WISCONSIN

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP April 3, 1954

Rev. Father William L. Mooney 319 South 7th Street La Crosse, Wisconsin

Dear Father Mooney: •

One hundred years in the life of the Church is but one-nineteenth part of her existence. Yet this same time in the life of an American parish marks a very definite milestone in the life of Christ's Church on these shores. One cannot help going back in grateful memory to all the early pioneer priests, Sisters and people who made the noblest kind of sacrifices in order that this church might be established, and even more than that, that the children of the parish might be given their birthright, namely a Christian, American education.

Saint Mary's has been singularly fortunate in its list of pastors and assistant pastors during this time. All were zealous priests, wholly dedicated to the service of Christ and the administration of the heavenly gifts of Christ to His people.

The parish is the real unit in the life of the Church. It can truly be said that the strength of the individual parishes is summed up in the strength of the diocese, and the strength of the diocese makes for the strength of the entire unit, which stems from the Vicar of Christ now gloriously reigning in the Chair of Peter where Christ Himself placed His Church.

May the graces and blessings so bountifully bestowed on. Saint Mary's Parish in the past one hundred years be but the shadow and foretaste of even greater blessings as the parish begins its second centenary.

Devotedly your Bishop,

\^J Eishop of La Crosse

6 Bishop John P. Treacy

7 Father William L. Mooney

8 ,rf*S

Father Lucian Galtier

The History of St. Mary's Parish When Nathan Myrick had laid in his supply of calico, beads, gun powder, scissors, candles, needles, and assorted foodstuffs and poled his keelboat up the Mississippi River from Prairie du Chien to Prairie la Crosse, he doubtless did not dream that his little trading post would one day become the see city of the Diocese of La Crosse. But in the designs of God such was to be the destiny of the settlement which he began in 1841. At the same time Myrick was building his trading post, a young French missionary priest was building a little log chapel 140 miles farther up the Mississippi on the eastern bank of the river. "In my arduous desire (to bring the faith) I needed a power­ ful protector," he wrote. "I needed a model of patience and 9 courage; hence I called my chapel and the adjoining settlement St. Paul." This priest was the Rev. Lucian Galtier. It was he who was to bring the faith to the settlers at Myrick's trading post. It was he who was to begin the formation of St. Mary's Church. Born in France in 1811, Lucian Galtier and five companions had left their seminary in 1838 to come to the mission field of America at the request of Bishop Loras of Dubuque. He was ordained two years after his arrival, and in the same year he boarded a steamboat and proceeded up the Mississippi to estab­ lish a mission in the settlement which was to become St. Paul. Between 1841 and 1851, Father Galtier devoted himself to missions in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. He returned to his native France in 1848 intending to remain there, but the oppor­ tunities of the American mission caused him to return. He became pastor of St. Gabriel's, Prairie du Chien, and in 1852 he made La Crosse one of his missions, though he may have been here as early as 1850. In the La Crosse Democrat for May 17, 1853, appeared the following news item: "Divine services of the Roman Catholic Church will be held at La Crosse on Sunday, May 29, 1853, at 10 o'clock, a. m. A gen­ eral attendance of the members in this vicinity is requested as business of importance is to be transacted." La Crosse in 1853 was a settlement of 745 persons. Of the 417 adults, 39 had been born in Germany, 25 in Norway and

Archbishop John Martin Henni

Until 1868 his diocese included all of Wisconsin

10 Bishop Michael Heiss became the first bishop of the diocese of La Crosse in 1868

Sweden, 23 in Britain, 19 in Ireland, seven in Canada, three in France. Of the American-born, 89 had come from the New Eng­ land states, 105 from New York, 30 from Ohio, 20 from Penn­ sylvania, and the others from the Southern states. LA CROSSE IS A SUPPLY CENTER It was the period of general westward movement, and they had emigrated toward the Mississippi in search of opportunity. Most of them earned their livelihood in one of the trades as­ sociated with the role of the community as supply center for the extensive pine lumbering districts to the north. Others worked at jobs associated with La Crosse as a stopping place for tran­ sients looking for locations or on their way farther west. A contemporary account lists "four stores for the sale of merchandise in general, one drug, one hardware, one furniture, and one stove and tin store, three groceries, one bakery, one livery stable, one harnessmaker, four tailors, three shoemakers, three masons, one watchmaker, four blacksmiths, three painters, one wagonmaker, one surveyor, 20 carpenters, four millwrights, one butcher, one barber, one gunsmith, one turner, six physicians, six lawyers, four clergymen, three religious societies, a Division of the Sons of Temperance, a Free Masons' Lodge, one church edifice, a courthouse, a steam saw and grist mill, and five hotels." FRONTIER CONDITIONS PREVAIL Log cabins and plain board houses formed the homes of the settlers. Few trees or lawns added beauty to the landscape. 11 Patches of creeping vines and tall, coarse grass were brightened in the spring by the blossoms of wild flowers. The hot sun of summer burned the prairie, and scorching winds drove sand through the rough streets and into dwellings. During the winter the winds swept through the settlement unobstructed and piled the sleet and snow into huge drifts. Sometimes sleds came through from the East, but for the most part the community was isolated, for the great link with the rest of the world—the steamboat—was missing. In summer the steamboats arrived daily—33 in the month of Father Galtier's visit. Doubtless, as he entered La Crosse that day in May, he could see the long line of covered wagons which constantly arrived from the East and departed across the river by ferry. As he approached the small home of James Gallagher on Pine Street between Tenth and Eleventh he probably saw Win­ nebago Indians on the dirt streets, their blankets adding a color­ ful touch to the conservative dress of the White settlers. THE PARISHIONERS PLAN A CHURCH The aftermath of the May 26 meeting was reported in the Democrat for Tuesday, June 7, 1853, as follows: "Although nothing has been heard of this congregation until recently, they seem about going ahead of the rest of our religious societies in the way of church building. We are informed that $500 cash has been subscribed—the northeast corner of the Public Square secured upon which to erect the building. Messrs. Conlon

Bishop Kilian Flasch

1881-1891

12 Bishop Alexander J. McGavick

1921-1946

and others of Black River have subscribed the whole bill of lumber and Lieutenant Governor Burns one acre of land adjoin­ ing the village for church purposes. The main building is to be 30x40 feet and by the plan and draught will be a splendid edifice and an ornament to the place. Success to every good enterprise we say, and on the part of this small but enterprising congrega­ tion we call upon the good citizens of La Crosse to give them a lift—a few dollars contributed in this impoverishes no man. The Rev. L. Galtier held services at the house of James Gallagher with this congregation Sunday, May 29." Such was the beginning of St. Mary's Church.

THE FIRST RESIDENT PASTOR ARRIVES An interval of two years elapses before the plans made at this meeting materialized, and Father Galtier continued his periodic visits during this time. It was on Aug. 24, 1855, that Father William Tappert arrived in La Crosse and celebrated Mass in a settler's home. The Most Rev. John Martin Henni, whose diocese included all of Wisconsin, had sent this Redemptorist missionary to be the first resident pastor of St. Mary's, and from the day of his arrival plans for the building of the church went ahead rapidly. The original plans were altered, to make the church 60x35 feet. While it was being built Father Tappert celebrated Mass in the homes of parishioners and later in the old courthouse between Third and Fourth on State Street. On Aug. 24, 1856, Father Tappert celebrated the first Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin 13 Mary, the oldest church in the City of La Crosse, which we now know familiarly as St. Mary's. There were 25 families in the congregation.

FATHER TAPPERT DEDICATES ST. MARY'S The La Crosse Nalional Democrat reported the dedication in its issue of Aug. 29, in the following story: "The new Catholic church in this city was dedicated to the service of Almighty God on Sunday last, Aug. 24, by the Rev. William Tappert, the worthy pastor, to whose untiring industry and zeal the Catholics of La Crosse are indebted for the comple­ tion of their church at so early a day. The ceremony commenced at about 10 o'clock, by an eloquent discourse from the reverend father, on the reasons for dedicating temples to the Supreme Being, and on the usages, customs, and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. The services closed shortly after 12 o'clock, having been witnessed by a considerable number of citizens of other denominations, who appeared much interested in the proceedings. "Service commenced at 7 o'clock in the evening, when the reverend pastor delivered a splendid discourse in his native tongue to the German members. "The church was dedicated under the name of St. Mary's. It is altogether one of the best churches in our city; 62 feet long by 30 wide, and finished in a neat, plain style. The reverend pastor begs leave to tender his most sincere thanks, as well as

Bishop William R. Griffin

Auxiliary

1935-1944 ST. MARY'S FIRST CHURCH those of the congregation to the generous citizens of other denomi­ nations who so kindly assisted him in completing it. He also begs leave to say, that strangers and dissenting fellow-citizens shall always be welcome to seats, and he will exert himself to make their visits interesting and instructive. "Lectures in English every Sunday evening at 7 o'clock." The following year Father Tappert's five-year pastorate at St. Mary's ended. In 1863 this first resident pastor of St. Mary's went to Nancy, France, and entered the Carthusian Charterhouse nearby. Later, as Dom Denis Mary Tappert, he was appointed rector of the newly established charterhouse at Hain, Germany. During the Kulturkampf (1872-1878) he was exiled, and he went to the Charterhouse of Valsainte in Switzerland, where he died at the age of 71. NEW PASTOR ARRIVES The Rev. F. X. Etschmann became the pastor of St. Mary's in 1860. He remained for three years, and, as Father Tappert had done, he attended not only the Catholics of St. Mary's but of at least six other neighboring counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In the latter part of 1863, the Rev. Charles Schraudenbach became pastor. By this time the congregation had increased to the extent that St. Mary's was divided into two congregations. The English and French-speaking Catholics remained at St. Mary's and the 15 German and Bohemian speaking families formed a new congrega­ tion dedicated to St. Joseph; but for the time being both congrega­ tions worshipped at St. Mary's. At the close of 1863, the Rev. Matthias M. Marco became pastor of St. Mary's. His first major project was to build a new school, and in the following year the school term began in the new building on Sixth Street near Main. In addition to his regular parish work, Father Marco founded St. Patrick's Benevolent Society, a temperance and charity or­ ganization, in 1864. It is interesting to note that it was Father Marco's custom to place all the boys and girls whom he baptized under the special care of the Blessed Mother by giving them the name of Mary. During 1867, his last year at St. Mary's, Father Marco attend­ ed the International Exhibition in Paris as the personal repre­ sentative of Governor Fairchild of Wisconsin. LA CROSSE BECOMES A SEE CITY In 1868, the Holy Father, Pius IX, divided the Diocese of Milwaukee into three dioceses—Milwaukee, Green Bay, and La Crosse. Myrick's trading post had become a city of 6,000, one-

Pope Pius IX

1846-1878

Pope Pius IX erected the diocese of La Crosse in 1848

h.

16 p

Father Galtier's grave in front of St. Gabriel's Church, Prairie du Chien

•

sixth of whom were Catholics, and it became the See city of the diocese, which included a population of 20,000, 18 priests, and 47 churches. Of the churches, St. Gabriel's at Prairie du Chien and St. Mary's were the only two of any size. From his pastorate at St. Gabriel's, Father Galtier—he who had begun the formation of St. Mary's—had for 10 years urged the erection of a separate diocese for Western Wisconsin. As one of the Vicars-general for the Diocese of Milwaukee, his personal choice for the see city was La Crosse. The possibility of the appointment of Father Galtier as our first bishop was precluded by his death two years before the erection of the diocese. He died at his post on Feb. 21, 1866.

FATHER IRELAND PRAISES FATHER GALTIER Of this priest—the founder of St. Mary's—the Rev. John Ireland (later Archbishop of St. Paul) wrote shortly after his death: 'The circumstances of the life of Father Galtier, that could have been at any time of what we might call public interest, are few in number. His was the career of a humble, devoted priest of the Catholic Church, noiselessly but faithfully fulfilling the everyday duties of his office—preaching, administering the sacra­ ments, providing for the instruction of youth, visiting the sick. To rehearse his life in detail, would be to describe facts which, occurring as they do in the life of almost every priest, are of a nature too well known to be deserving of special mention. Suffice it to say that, of those ordinary, humble duties, Father Galtier 17 ever acquitted himself conscientiously and untiringly. The testi­ mony of all who knew him is, that he was a good citizen, a good Christian, and a good priest. His labors, undertaken on his part with zeal and energy, have been of great profit to those who, at different periods, were committed to his pastoral care, and now that he has been taken from us by his Divine Master, 'his memory is in benediction'."

BISHOP HEISS ASSUMES HIS DUTIES The Holy Father chose for the first Bishop of La Crosse, the Rt. Rev. Michael Heiss, who for 12 years had been rector of St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee. When Bishop Heiss came to La Crosse he came to its only church, St. Mary's, taking up his residence in the rectory, where he continued to reside for the next nine years. Father Marco's departure had left St. Mary's without a pastor, and during 1868 and the first months of 1869 the Bishop's secretary, the Rev. Joseph Moder, and a Father Nicholas from St. Francis' Seminary took charge of the congregation. In May, 1869, the Rev. P. M. Abbelen came from Chippewa Falls to become pastor, but because his health was failing, Father Abbelen was forced to resign. In the meantime St. Joseph's Church had been erected on the site purchased in 1863 by the newly formed St. Joseph's congre-

Pope Leo XIII

1878-1903

He is best known in the United States as the champion of the rights of the working man Blessed Pius X

1903-1914

After May 29, the faith­ ful will invoke him as Saint Pius

^

gation, and Father Henry Kampschroer, the pastor, took over the care of St. Mary's as well as of his own church until a successor to Father Abbelen could be appointed.

FATHER SCHWEBACH COMES TO ST. MARY'S This pastor was to be the Rev. James Schwebach. He was to serve St. Mary's for 21 years and was one day to attain the fulness of the priesthood as Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse. Born in Luxemburg in 1847, James Schwebach had come to America when he was 17 to complete his preparation for the priesthood at St. Francis' Seminary in Milwaukee. Ordained a deacon at 22, he came to La Crosse and preached at St. Mary's and gave instruction to the school children until he reached the canonical age for ordination to the priesthood. He was ordained on June 16, 1870, and Bishop Heiss appointed him pastor of St. Mary's. There was a parish debt of $1,500 to be taken care of first. The congregation paid off the debt and went ahead to purchase three lots opposite the church, on the southeast corner of Seventh Street and Cameron Avenue, for a school site. The school was completed in 1872. The little frame church was now 16 years old and inadequate for the needs of the congregation, so Father Schwebach and his 19 parishioners began plans for building a new church. Joseph Lein- felder drew up the plans and building began early in the spring of 1874.

BISHOP HEISS CONSECRATES TODAY'S ST. MARY'S On Oct. 7, 1875, Bishop Heiss dedicated the new St. Mary's, the church which stands today. The cost of construction was $16,000. The La Crosse Daily Liberal Democrat in its edition of Mon­ day, October 11, contained the following account of the dedica­ tion: "The handsome church edifice that has been in process of creation but a little more than a year, on the corner of Cameron Avenue and Seventh Street, for the Catholic Congregation of St. Mary in this city, was dedicated with solemn and appropriate ceremonies yesterday morning. This congregation embraces the Catholic believers of the Irish and French nationalities. There was a large attendance of citizens of this and neighboring locali­ ties, and among them many who are not members of the Catholic church, but were interested in the services of the occasion.

Pope Benedict XV

1914-1922

"Those who give aid by assisting the work of the missionaries will have rendered thanks to God in a most acceptable man­ ner for the gift of faith."

20 Pope Pius XI

1922-1939

His motto was "The Peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ"

**•

"The church occupies the sight of the old wooden church which was the first Catholic house of worship in this city. The old church was built in the year 1855 by the efforts of Father Tappert who was its first pastor. This was the only Catholic church in the city until 1869, and until that year the believers in this faith of all nationalities used it for their services. In 1869 the St. Joseph (German) church was completed and the new St. Wenceslaus (Bohemian) church was completed last year, thus leaving the Irish and French who owned the old church in sole possession. The old building was removed in the spring of 1874, and in June of that year the ground was broken for this new building.

"The corner stone was laid on the 5th of September last year. Since that time the work has been pushed forth with much vigor and energy toward the completeness which is now reached. To the congregation which is not very large much credit is due for their liberality in contributing for this fine structure, and to Reverend James Schwebach, their pastor, is to be awarded the praise due for the untiring and faithful manner with which the work has been prosecuted and the contributions secured. Father Schwebach is an unassuming and genial gentleman of large heart and abilities. He has devoted his time and efforts to the consummation of this enterprise for about five years and has now achieved a large measure of the success which is his due. 21 Bishop James Schwebach

1892-1921

THE CEREMONIES "The dedication ceremonies yesterday were of the solemn and impressive character usual in the Catholic churches, and were participated in by all the congregations of this denomina­ tion in the city. At a little before eleven o'clock the procession of societies marched in order to the church, where the doors were thrown open, after a few preliminaries, and the societies and congregations admitted. The St. Patrick's Benevolent Society, St. Mary's Total Abstinence, St. Wenceslaus, St. Joseph's and St. Boniface Societies, and the cadets of the temperance order, were in the procession. The services were conducted in Latin, French and English. "After the first preliminary exercises the address in French was delivered by Rev. M. Schwebach of Oconto, a cousin of the pastor of this church, a powerful and interesting speaker. Follow­ ing this was the address in English by Rev. T. O'Gorman of Rochester, Minnesota, whose efforts were marked by much skill, learning and eloquence. It was generally received with great favor by those who listened to it. Solemn High Mass was cele­ brated, Bishop Heiss being present. Pontifical High Mass was omitted, as the bishop was not well enough to officiate. 22 THE EDIFICE "The building is constructed of red brick in the old Roman style. There are two spires which, when completed fully will each be 125 feet in height, and will be supplied with a chime of bells and one with a clock. The ground dimensions are 45x117 feet outside. Within, passing through a large vestibule from which stairways lead to a large gallery, you reach the audience room which is large, well-lighted and well planned for the require­ ments of accoustics. The ceiling is high, forty-three feet above the floor and arched the full length. This arched ceiling is divided into four large and six small frescoes. The evangelists finely painted occupy the large spaces and smaller frescoes between these are of emblematic subjects. 'The walls are tastefully and modestly painted in fresco. The sanctuary within which is located the altar is also decorated with emblematic fresco painting. First above the entrance arch is the All-seeing Eye, and at the right and left of this are two angels, one bearing an olive branch, the other a trumpet. Upon the walls are painted the emblems of Faith, Hope and Charity. At the rear behind the altar will be placed a very handsome stained glass window, which is now on the way from Europe, upon which will be represented the Immaculate Conception. The other windows are all fine stained glass. The pews are comfortable and in good taste. "We have endeavored to give as much information above regarding this church as our time and space today will allow; yet it is far from complete and does but partial justice to the new church which will hereafter be one of the leading adornments of our city." In 1888 the congregation built a new rectory—the one which is used today—at a cost of $6,000. An early history of the parish comments: "During all this time (of building the school, church, and rectory) the spiritual interests of the people had in no way been neglected, and the congregation which had for many years been one of the very poorest of the whole diocese has become one of the most flourishing and successful, its people being whole- souled, generous, and affectionate—good practical Catholics." FATHER SCHWEBACH BECOMES BISHOP The parish was divided for the second time in 1886 when the French-speaking families joined with residents of the north­ ern part of the city to form St. James' Parish. About 100 families were retained in St. Mary's. A history of La Crosse county published in 1881 says of Father Schwebach: "Besides possessing a fine library, he is well read, and is an accomplished French, German, and English scholar. The kindly feeling of the Catholics of this city for the quiet, self-possessed student of 15 years ago, has since ripened into feelings of love 23 for the pastor of today, and Father Schwebach is honored and respected by all classes of citizens, no matter of what religious belief." Bishop Kilian Flasch (who had succeeded Bishop Heiss in 1881) died in 1891, and the Holy Father, Leo XIII, chose as the third Bishop of the diocese the pastor of St. Mary's, Father Schwebach, who for the previous 10 years had been Vicar General of the diocese.

FATHER WHITE COMES TO ST. MARY'S

Father William White Bishop Schwebach's choice as his successor at St. Mary's was the Rev. William White. Born in Vermont Oct. 9, 1850, William White had come to Sauk County, Wis., with his parents when he was three years old. He received his early education in the county schools and at the age of 16 became a teacher. At 21 he entered the University of Wisconsin and after his graduation in 1873 he entered the Seminary of Our Lady of the Angels in Niagara Kails, N. Y., to study for the priesthood. Four years later he was ordained and he became pastor of the parish at Ettrick with missions at Trempealeau and Roaring ('reek. After three years, during which he built the church at 24 J

St. Joseph's Altar

On the left is St. Dominic- '&Xi on the right, St. Anthony

3ft

Ettrick, he was sent to Hammond, Wis., with a mission at Wilson. Father White came to St. Mary's in January, 1892, and he was pastor of St. Mary's for the next 18 years. In 1904, the church was redecorated and new altars were installed. It is interesting to note that during these years Bishop Schwebach often returned to his old parish church to celebrate the Mass at day-break on Christmas. Father White retired in 1909 and until his death on July 13, 1921, lived in a home he had purchased at 1619 King Street. FATHER CONDON'S LONG PASTORATE BEGINS The Bishop chose for his successor the Rev. Robert Bernard Condon. Father Condon came to La Crosse in 1909 and for 41 years, until his death in 1951, he was pastor of St. Mary's. Born in Chicago Aug. 6, 1871, Robert Condon studied in turn at Campion Academy in Prairie du Chien, Canisius College in Buffalo, N. Y.; St. Thomas' Seminary in Merriam Park, Minn.; St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn.; St. Mary's College in Kansas, St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, and at Niagara, N. Y. 25 He was ordained in June, 1894, and Bishop Schwebach appointed him assistant at St. Gabriel's, Prairie du Chien. Following that appointment, he was pastor at St. Phillip's near Soldiers Grove and then at Sacred Heart, Reedsburg. In 1905 he was sent to Rome to study at the Gregorian Uni­ versity. After receiving doctorates in canon law, theology, and philosophy, he returned to the diocese in 1909 to begin his duties at St. Mary's. His first project was to build a new school to replace the one erected in 1872. The school was completed in 1910. In 1930, Father Condon was made a Domestic Prelate with the title of Right Reverend Monsignor. In 1938 many of St. Mary's parishioners who lived in the eastern part of the city became members of the new Blessed Sacrament Parish. In 1947 the interior of the church was redecorated and a likeness of the Sistine Madonna was painted on the ceiling. LA CROSSE MOURNS THE DEATH OF MONSIGNOR CONDON Monsignor Condon died on the morning of June 9, 1951. Through the years his name had become almost synonymous with St. Mary's. The following day the La Crosse Tribune pub­ lished the following editorial tribute: "Grief penetrates the community today with the death of a noble Christian, a gifted scholar, and a kindly citizen—the Rt. Rev. Monsignor Robert B. Condon, beloved pastor of St. Mary's Catholic church for more than 41 years. "One of the senior priests in the diocese, both in point of years and service, Monsignor Condon was held in the highest esteem and affection. "The white-haired priest earned a reputation the nation over as a modern Demosthenes with his gifted oratorical powers. His sermons were classics, powerful expositions of doctrine, and tributes to his educational training, his massive intellect, and his exceptional speaking ability. "But he was gifted, too, as a conversationalist, one who could speak authoritatively on multitudinous subjects. His dia­ lect stories were gems. "For 41 years Monsignor Condon, or Dr. Condon as he was called by many, zealously guarded the spiritual welfare of his Parish of St. Mary, his God-given devotion making him diligent and considerate in care of the sick and sympathetic and under­ standing to the needs of others. "He was especially beloved by children, of whom he was fond. Surely many youngsters today must treasure in memory the kind words, the dimes, and the pats on the heads he gave as generously—characteristically gestures of fond attentiveness— to youth with which his life was so richly endowed. "His career was exemplified by the highest type of service. As a citizen he was ever interested and quietly active in any­ thing that he was convinced would make for betterment of the 26 Monsignor Robert B. Condon community welfare. "A native of Chicago, he pursued his educational preparation through far-flung colleges and universities both here and abroad, including three years in Rome where he received doctorates in canon law, theology, and philosophy. But he wore his academic honors with the same casual dignity that he wore his pince-nez glasses. "Monsignor Condon possessed an almost limitless range of interests in addition to his religious pursuits which he always kept foremost. His skill in athletics showed promise of a baseball career. Because of his ability and his interests in the people, his friends at one time attempted to interest him in seeking a posi­ tion in the U. S. Senate, but he declined this also. He did serve on several national citizens' committees, including a special coal strike settlement board in Washington, D. C, to which he was appointed by his friend, Robert M. La Follette, Sr., former Sen­ ator and Governor of Wisconsin. "A Solemn Mass of Requiem will be celebrated Wednesday in historic St. Mary's, the oldest and—once—largest church in Western Wisconsin, and fitting tribute will be paid to Monsignor Condon by the Rt. Rev. Monsignor Peter Pape, one of the senior priests of the diocese. 27 "The community will long remember the contributions of the Church leader it mourns today, a kindly, richly talented priest who raised his ambitions above the transitory and evanescent worlds and labored for the spiritual welfare." FATHER MOONEY COMES TO ST. MARY'S On July 3, 1951, the Most Rev. John P. Treacy assigned the Rev. William L. Mooney to St. Mary's parish. Born in Woodman, Wis., July 12, 1910, Father Mooney re­ ceived his grammar school education at St. Gabriel's School, Prairie du Chien. He was graduated from Campion Academy and was commissioned a first lieutenant in the U. S. Army Infantry Reserve, from which he later transferred to the chaplain corps. He received his bachelor of arts degree from St. Francis' Semi­ nary, Milwaukee, and after completing his studies there he was ordained a priest on May 22, 1937, by Bishop William Griffin. He served successively as assistant at St. Mary's in Richland Center, St. James' in Wausau, and St. James' in La Crosse, and as pastor of Our Lady of Hope in Seymour, St. Patrick's in Seneca, and Sacred Heart, Cashton. On July 3, 1951, he began his present duties at St. Mary's. Since his arrival the sanctuary of the church and the walls and steeples have been renovated, the rectory redecorated, and the interior of the school refinished. The parish debt is being rapidly retired. The congregation has been growing and now St. Mary's has about 300 families. Thomas H. Bailey and Owen B. Casey are St. Mary's trustees. Mr. Bailey has served St. Mary's as a trustee for over twenty- five years. Three of St. Mary's parishioners have in recent years been honored by the Holy Father, Pius XII. The recipient of the medal Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, Mrs. Matt McGarty is a Papal Lady. W. Leo Murphy is a Knight Commander of St. Gregory. John Elliott is a Knight of Malta. The Rev. Robert Hansen, headmaster of Aquinas High School, is the assistant pastor. TEN PRIESTS FROM ST. MARY'S Of the ten priests who have been ordained from St. Mary's, three have gone to their eternal reward. Father Daniel O'Connor died in 1894, Father John Barney in 1924, and Father Mark O'Connor in 1943. Four young men from St. Mary's are at the present time studying for the priesthood. Of the eleven parishioners who have entered religious orders of women, five have gone to their eternal reward. They are Sister M. Anna Kelly, Sister M. Anna Meehan, Sister M. Louise Bezpaletz and Sister M. Vincentia Riley, all members of the Franciscan Sisters of the Perpetual Adoration, and Sister Mary of St. Theodosia (Mary Hannah Holland), Sister of the Good Shepherd. 28 ST. MARY'S LOOKS BACK 100 YEARS Wnm a settlement of less than 1,000 persons to a city of nearfv 5^oSo from lSo Catholics to 14,000 of the faithful; from Masscelebrated several times a year in private homes to its daily celebration in nine parish churches; from a community without President priest to a city with 22 parish priests-these are changes It Sary'sPhas seen in the parochial life of La Crosse in the past 100 years. . . . . Mvrick's trading post, the station of a lone missionary priest has Kme^he see'cSy of a diocese with a semmajry capable of training more than two hundred students at a time. The early seXment which would have looked in yam for V^^habrt now enioys the benefits of three orders of Religious. The primal community without a parochial school for its children now edu­ cates them in nine parish schools and a high school. The mother parish of La Crosse-St. Mary's-has witnessed all these developments of the Divine Plan, and her parishioners have played their parts in making them possible. 29 ST. MARY'S ASSISTANT PASTORS

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Father Robert Hansen

Between 1938 and 1950 three priests served as assistant pastors at St. Mary's. For four years Father Robert McCarthy was at St. Mary's. Father McCarthy is now pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Boscobel, Wisconsin, in the diocese of Madison. In 1942 Father Clair P. Cooney came to St. Mary's. Father Cooney is now pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Adams, Wisconsin. Father J. Kelly Cosgrove became assistant pastor of St. Mary's in 1948. Father Cosgrove is now serving as a chaplain in the United States Army Air Force with the rank of captain. He is presently stationed at McClellan Air Force Base, California. Since 1951 Father Robert H. Hansen has been the assistant at St. Mary's. Father Hansen is one of the seven living priest-sons of the parish. The son of Mrs. Nell Hansen and the late Henry J. Hansen, Father Hansen was ordained in 1940. Father's duties at St. Mary's are in addition to his responsi­ bilities as headmaster of Aquinas High School.

30 ST. MARY'S ASSISTANT PASTORS

Father McCarthy

Father Cooney Father Cosgrove

31 The History of St. Mary's School

The first St. Mary's School was located to the rear of the church. It would seem that in the beginning it may have been a school for girls, and that as finances of the congregation per­ mitted, it developed into a school for all the children of the parish. At any rate, except for one year, the congregation has maintained a school continuously from 1859 to the present day. In August of 1858, a notice in the National Democrat adver­ tised St. Mary's Academy as follows: "This academy, where all the branches essential to a Chris­ tian and refined female education are taught, is now open to the rear of the Catholic church. The course of instruction em­ braces orthography, reading, writing, English, grammar, geog­ raphy, history, arithmetic, English composition, the French and English languages, with plain sewing, marking, and fancywork. Terms of day school in the academy: All the common branches stated above (except the French and German languages) per quarter, $4, payable in advance. Pupils are received at any time during the year; those of any denomination are admitted. Miss Ellen Gray, directress. For admissions, apply to Sister Mary Ann, Superior."

SCHOOL SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME ARRIVE

According to the Chronicles of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the sisters came to La Crosse on Jan. 6, 1859. They oc­ cupied a frame building connected with the church, "and very suitable for religious." They had 200 pupils and taught three languages. When Father Marco became pastor of St. Mary's in 1863 his first project was to reopen the school which had been closed during the year due to lack of suitable accommodations. The families who intended to build St. Joseph's Church had pur­ chased several lots on the southwest corner of Sixth and Main Streets. Father Marco directed the erection of a brick building on one of these at a cost of $8,000, and in 1864 it became the school for both congregations. The lower floor became St. Mary's School, the upper floor St. Joseph's. A sisters' residence with a chapel was provided so that the Notre Dame Sisters again took up their work in 1864. Their Chronicles state, "The members of the entire congregation re­ joiced at the return of the sisters and admonished their children to avail themselves all the more of the instructions given by the sisters." 32 St. Mary's School—1872

SCHOOL MOVES TO PRESENT LOCATION Eight years later as the first part of his parish construction program, Father Schwebach purchased three lots on the south­ eastern corner across from St. Mary's Church. On these lots the third parish school was constructed. Forty by sixty feet, two stories and built of brick and stone, the school cost $5,000. St. Mary's children moved from their school on Sixth Street, and classes opened in September of 1872. There were two rooms on the first floor and one large room equipped with a raised platform on the second floor. Many of the parish activities took place in this largest classroom. Hand-fired stoves heated the individual rooms.

FRANCISCAN SISTERS ARRIVE The Sisters of St. Francis of the Perpetual Adoration had established their motherhouse in La Crosse that year, and in the new school they began their teaching apostolate which continues at St. Mary's to the present day. The Mission History of St. Rose Convent states that Sister M. Alphonsa and Sister M. Charitas were the first teachers, and later on there were Sister M. Bap- tista, Sister M. Richard, Sister M. Seraphine and Sister* M. Celestine. 33 J. ; -SN* jf '"

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SUNDAY, MAY 9, 1954

11:00 A.M. SOLEMN PONTIFICAL HIGH MASS Celebrant: His Excellency, The Most Rev. John Patrick Treacy, D.l). Bishop of La Crosse Assistant Priest: Father Robert Hansen, La Crosse, Wisconsin Deacon of the Mass: Father Richard Rossiter, Marshfield, Wisconsin Sub-deacon of the Mass: Father Bernard McGarty, La Crosse, Wisconsin Deacons of Honor: Father Clair Cooney, Adams, Wisconsin Father Robert McCarthy, Boscobel, Wisconsin Master of Ceremonies: Father James Finucan, La Crosse, Wisconsin Assistant Master of Ceremonies: Father John Rossiter, Eau Claire, Wisconsin Mitre Bearer: Father Gregory Keegan, Glen Ellyn, Illinois Crosier Bearer: Father Dennis McNamara, Madison, Wisconsin Book Bearer: Father J. Kelly Cosgrove, U. S. Army Air Force Candle Bearers: Thomas Smith, William McKillip, Carl Glotz Cross Bearer: Paul Rathburn Knight Attendants to Bishop Treacy: W. Leo Murphy, John Elliott Sermon: Very Reverend J. Francis Brady St. Patrick's Parish, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

12:30 P.M. DINNER FOR THE CLERGY

2:00-5:00 P.M. PARISH RECEPTION AND BUFFET LUNCH Crystal Room, Hotel Stoddard 35 St. Mary's School Today

PRESENT SCHOOL IS CONSTRUCTED When school opened in September, 1909, the seating capacity was inadequate. Father Condon, in his first year at St. Mary's, made plans for the building of a new school. He vacated three rooms on the ground floor of the rectory and equipped them for classroom use, and in the closing months of the school year city authorities made available the old Second Ward School on the corner of Fourth and King Streets. These combined facilities were used until the new school, the one which is used today, was completed. Classes began there in September, 1910. Fire damaged the interior of the school extensively in 1941. While repairs were being made, classes were held in the old Marinello Building on Sixth Street between Cass and King. In this centennial year there are 160 children enrolled in St. Mary's School.

36 ST. MARY'S FACULTY—1911-1954

1911-1912 1919-1920 1926-1927 Sister M. Bruno Sister M. Carola Sister M. Edith Sister M. Loyola Sister M. Fides Sister M. Sylvestra Sister M. Inez Sister M. Ermalinda Sister M. Isaia Sister M. Fides Sister M. Lina Sister M. Rosita Sister Mary Edward Sister M. Sylvestra Sister M. Fulberta Sister M. Theodine Sister M. Adjuta 1912-1913 Sister M. Susanna Sister M. Carola 1920-1921 Sister M. Bruno Sister M. Carola Sister M. Loyola Sister M. Amanda 1927-1928 Sister M. Inez Sister M. Fides Sister M. Edith Sister M. Fides Sister M. Ermalinda Sister Mary Edward Sister M. Isaia Sister M. Lina Sister M. Fulberta 1913-1914 Sister M. Sylvestra Sister M. Adjuta Sister M. Susanna Sister M. Carola 1921-1922 Sister M. Loyola Sister M. Dolora Sister M. Jerome Sister M. Edith Sister M. Marita Sister M. Laura Sister M. Carola Sister M. Fides Sister M. Amanda Sister M. Eliza Sister M. Fides 1928-1929 Sister M. Gertrudis Sister M. Edith 1914-1915 Sister M. Svlvestra Sister M. Fortuna Sister M. Carola Sister M. Theodine Sister M. Fulberta Sister M. Loyola Sister M. Susanna Sister M. Olive 1922-1923 Sister M. Dolora Sister M. Laura Sister M. Edith Sister M. Agnelia Sister M. Ermalinda Sister M. Carola Sister M. Orielda Sister M. Ruth Sister M. Amanda Sister M. Fides 1915-1916 Sister M. Gertrudis 1929-1930 Sister M. Carola Sister M. Sylvestra Sister M. Edith Sister M. Loyola Sister M. Theodine Sister M. Olive Sister M. Alicia Sister M. Rosella Sister M. Laura 1923-1924 Sister M. Ermalinda Sister M. Fortuna Sister M. Sylvestra Sister M. Edith Sister M. Fulberta Sister M. Carola Sister M. Dolora 1916-1917 Sister M. Amanda Sister M. Agnelia Sister M. Carola Sister M. Fides Sister M. Loyola Sister M. Sylvestra Sister M. Olive Sister M. Paulinda 1930-1931 Sister M. Ermalinda Sister M. Theodine Sister M. Edith Sister M. Lina Sister M. Alicia Sister M. Petrella 1924-1925 Sister M. Rosella Sister M. Edith 1917-1918 Sister M. Jeanette Sister M. Carola Sister M. Fortuna Sister M. Carola Sister M. Fides Sister M. Loyola Sister M. Fulberta Sister M. Sylvestra Sister M. Agnelia Sister M. Ermalinda Sister M. Paulinda Sister M. Lina Sister M. Rosita Sister M. Georgiana Sister M. Juanita 1931-1932 Sister M. Robertine Sister M. Edith 1918-1919 1925-1926 Sister M. Viola Sister M. Gonzaga Sister M. Edith Sister M. Rosella Sister M. Carola Sister M. Fides Sister M. Placida Sister M. Loyola Sister M. Sylvestra Sister M. Fulberta Sister M. Ermalinda Sister M. Isaia Sister M. Angelia Sister M. Lina Sister M. Rosita Sister M. Eucharia Sister M. Eileen Sister M. Adjuta Sister M. Eleanore 37 1932-1933 1939-1940 1947-1948 Sister M. Teresita Sister M. Georgiana Sister M. Marita Sister M. Viola Sister M. Redempta Sister M. Antonice Sister M. Electa Sister M. Clotilda Sister M. Cornelia Sister M. Verena Sister M. Perpetua Sister M. Jamesetta Sister M. Annalissa Sister M. Birgitta Sister Mary Kevin Sister M. Johnella Sister Joseph Marie Sister M. Johnice Sister M. Carola Sister M. Helene 1940-1941 1948-1949 Sister M. Georgiana Sister M. Marita 1933-1934 Sister M. Redempta Sister M. Cornelia Sister M. Viola Sister M. Perpetua Sister M. Jamesetta Sister M. Electa Sister Mary Walter Sister M. Marian Sister M. Teresita Sister M. Myrna Sister M. Johnice Sister M. Verena Sister Joseph Marie Sister Rita Marie Sister M. Annalissa Sister M. Helene 1941-1942 1949-1950 Sister M. Agnese Sister M. Georgiana Sister M. Marita Sister M. Cornelia Sister M. Merici Sister M. Cornelia Sister M. Redempta Sister M. Merwyn 1934-1935 Sister M. Perpetua Sister M. Althea Sister M. Viola Sister Mary Walter Sister M. Stephenie Sister M. Teresita Sister M. Roselma Sister M. Marian Sister M. Verena Sister M. Helene 1942-1943 1950-1951 Sister M. Agnese Sister M. Georgiana Sister M. Marita Sister M. Cornelia Sister M. Antonice Sister M. Carmelyn Sister Bertha Marie Sister M. Ottona Sister M. Flavia Sister Mary Gerard Sister M. Stephenie 1935-1936 Sister M. Roselma Sister Julie Marie Sister M. Teresita Sister M. Imogene Sister M. Viola Sister Mary Gabriel Sister M. Susanna 1943-1944 1951-1952 Sister M. Vita Sister M. Antonice Sister M. Marita Sister M. Herbertine Sister M. Ottona Sister M. Flavia Sister M. Helene Sister Maria Sister M. Mercita Sister M. Cornelia Sister M. Imogene Sister M. Henryne Sister Julie Marie 1936-1937 Sister M. DeRicci Sister M. Teresita Sister M. Rosemae 1952-1953 Sister M. Viola 1944-1945 Sister M. Innocence Sister M. Imeldis Sister M. Mercita Sister M. Redempta Sister M. Antonice Sister M. Henryne Sister M. Susanna Sister M. Cornelia Sister M. Mardelle Sister M. Michaelita Sister Mary Agnes Sister M. Thomasine Sister M. Cornelia Sister M. DeRicci Sister M. Rosemae 1953-1954 1937-1938 Sister M. Donna Sister M. Ottona Sister M. Teresita Sister M. Cecily Sister M. Viola 1945-1946 Sister M. Mercita Sister M. Imeldis Sister M. Marita Sister M. Henryne Sister M. Laura Sister M. Antonice Sister M. Alvina Sister M. Redempta Sister M. Cornelia Sister M. Henrietta Sister M. Susanna Sister M. Jamesetta Sister M. Lois Sister M. Rosemae Requiescant in Pace: Sister M. Clotilda Sister M. Theolene Sister M. Carola Sister M. Marjory Sister M. Laura 1946-1947 Sister M. Alicia 1938-1939 Sister M. Marita Sister M. Fulberta Sister M. Wilhelmine Sister M. Antonice Sister M. Rosella Sister M. Redempta Sister M. Cornelia Sister M. Jerome Sister M. Clotilda Sister M. Jamesetta Sister M. Eucharia Sister M. Perpetua Sister M. Theolene Sister M. Herbertine Sister M. Marjory Sister M. Johnice Sister Maria 38 H

St. Mary's School—A Class of 1900 Activities of St. Mary's School St. Mary's School has been throughout the years the scene of meetings of a variety of kinds. St. Patrick's Day has always been celebrated with some sort of special activity. In 1896 the follow­ ing program was presented in the school hall: Piano solo, Irish National Airs—Miss Jonie Kelleher Address, St. Patrick—Right Rev. James Schwebach Song, Mona—Mrs. S. J. Dennigan Reading, Bells of Shannon—Miss Agnes Loftus Quotations from Moore—Columbian Circle St. Columba—Miss M. L. Rossiter Song, Dear Harp of My Country—Miss Hannah McConville Daniel O'Connell—Miss Frances Rodolf Grattan—Mr. Joseph Boschert Recitation, Shamus O'Brien—Mrs. Florence Sullivan American National Airs—Miss Coren and Miss Jacobson The newspaper reported that on that day "at nine o'clock High Mass was celebrated and a sermon was delivered by Rev. Dean White on the great saint. Division No. 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians attended in a body." On January 4, 1897, the Columbian Catholic Reading Club held its "Dante Evening" in the school hall. The program follows: Vocal Solo, The Holy City—Miss Maude McLindon Dante, His Life and Character—Mr. J. E. Doherty Outline of the Divina Comedia: Inferno—Miss Clara Jacobson Purgatorio—Miss Gertrude Ryder Paradisio—Miss Anna Collins Duette, Star Waltz, Piano and Mandolin—Miss Frances Drake Mrs. Frank Congdon Reading, Carlyle's Essay on Dante—Dr. Edward Evans Reading, Selections from Divina Comedia—Miss Lucille Servis Paper, Word Pictures from Dante—Miss M. L. Rossiter Vocal Solo, When the Sweet Moonlight is Beaming— Mrs. S. J. Dennigan The La Crosse Chronicle reported in its issue of December 27, 1888, the following account: "Last evening the Young Men's Social and Literary Club of St. Mary's congregation met at the school hall. The question, 'Are trusts detrimental to the public welfare?' was debated by Michael F. Hayes and Henry Craven for the affirmative and Edward J. Kelly and Joseph Boschert for the negative." The membership roll of this organization contains the follow­ ing names: Richard Allen John Barry Joseph Boschert J. C. Casey James Barry T. J. Daley Tobias Casey C. J. Burns James T. Daggett Michael Calahan John C. Burns John Dugan M. J. Collins Patrick Burns Michael Dugan J. H. Craven George Barrett Dr. Edward Evans 40 41 Edward Gallagher Edward J. Kelly John M. O'Neil John Guertin William Langan Edward O'Neil Timothy B. Harrington M. J. Lynch Mark O'Connor M. F. Hayes Patrick Lynch William O'Connor Thomas Healey Michael Marks Chris O'Connor Harry Hubbard P. Moran Wm. OToole, Jr. Burt Jarvis Fred Monti James Sheridan Charles Jarvis Harry Monti Alex Sheridan James Jarvis Dennis McCauley Lawrence Stevens Louis Jarvis Curran McConville Robert A. Thompson Edward Kevin P. A. McConville Ambrose Wyne Frank Kevin John McGovern Peter Wyne James Kevin Michael McGrath Wm. Wyne Joseph Kalahar Frank C. Norbeck

By means of dinners, picnics, bazaars, rummage sales, card parties and similar gatherings St. Mary's parishioners have, throughout the years, provided opportunities for members of the parish and their friends to enjoy one another's company and raise money needed for the maintenance and expansion of the Church. The following is a series of articles taken from the La Crosse Daily Democrat in 1871 and which concerns "St. Mary's Fair," one of these social events. The purpose of the fair was to raise money for the new school the parish was constructing. Aug. 10 " . . . There is to be a St. Mary's Catholic Fair held in this city in September. Many valuable prizes are to be given away, including a splendid Prince organ, which may be seen at Clinton, Douglas and Loomis' music store." Sept. 5 " . . . The St. Mary's Fair will commence on the 12th at Singers Hall and will be held for three days as announced. There will be for sale every variety of article, from a pipe organ to a jewsharp, and from a rag rug to a worked slipper. All these things will be priced very reasonably." Sept. 7 " . . . The Sorrowful Mother. We noticed yesterday at Kennedy's book store a picture called "The Sorrowful Mother," which was attracting considerable attention. The picture is about two feet by two and one-half and is what is called worsted work. It is the most beautiful work of that kind we have ever seen, and shows great patience on the part of the artist, as it took the young lady who made it four weeks to complete it, and during that time she used over $25 worth of worsted. The picture is worth about $40, or at least that is what it would probably sell for, though it is worth much more. It has been presented to the managers of St. Mary's Fair by Miss Miriam Liverman who made it, and it will be raffled off at the Fair next week." Sept. 10 "... At St. Mary's Fair a feature of interest to all gentlemen is that a gold-headed cane will be awarded to the gentleman who receives the most votes—at ten cents a vote. There can be little doubt of it, in this matter it will improve men to allow the ladies the franchise." 42 St. Marv's School—A Class about 1912 "Sept. 12 . . . St. Mary's Fair. A visit of a few moments to Singers Hall this afternoon showed that the ladies and the gentle­ men who have had charge of getting up this fair have most nobly done their duty. First, an excellent band is to be seen and heard playing patriotic airs in the pavilion fronting the hall, in the center of the garden.

"On entering the hall you are at first struck by the beautiful wax work on the table at the right, made by the Sisters of St. Francis of this city. All of the pieces are really elegant, and show clearly that many tiresome hours have been employed to bring them to their present perfection. Several of the pieces would sell for hundreds of dollars in Eastern cities, where money is plentiful, but here the highest is offered at the low price of forty dollars. This table is in charge of Mrs. Morris.

"Next on the right is a table of fancy work of all descriptions, at which one can fit out at small expense a hotel, steamboat, or a wedding. Little fancy clothes of all kinds are exhibited, and we are not so sure but we saw baby clothes there. Mrs. Collins has charge of this table. "Here we come to the stage on which is the organ, one of the best, valued at $3o0. This will be sold by raffle or lottery, tickets being sold at one dollar. There is going to be a chance here for someone that is in want of an organ. "Passing the stage, the next table is in charge of Mrs. Theo­ dore Rodolf and Miss Manning, who display an array of jewelry and silverware as bright as their own bright eyes and very valu­ able. There is at this table also a quantity of fancy goods of all descriptions. "Next is another table of fancy goods, embracing everything from a needle cushion to a bed quilt, and all for sale very cheap. This table is supervised by Miss Hogan, who 'charges nothing to show goods' as they say in the stores. "Another fancy table adjoins the one just mentioned at which the Misses Thomas and Miss Ryan preside with grace. They will sell goods just as cheap as any of their neighbors. "And here is the inevitable fortune teller, who will for a slight compensation tell you all about what is going to happen in the future. We promised not to tell the name of the lady who tells the fortunes, but you can rest assured she knows all about it, Who would be ignorant of his future when he can find out so cheap? "The refreshment tables are under the supervision of Miss Egan, Miss Didis, Miss Ryan and Miss Merino and there is not the least occasion to go away hungry. 44 45 "The fishing pond will be the great attraction for the youngsters. This is in charge of Miss Thomas who will bait the hooks and warrant a bite in every instance, which is better than you can do in the river. "Another fancy table is in charge of Mrs. Cody and Mrs. Scanlon. They will compete with their neighbors in the same line. And here is another table loaded with fancy goods, con­ trolled by Mrs. Capt. Dan Thayer of North La Crosse. Mrs. Thayer will not be undersold, not if she knows it.

"Rebecca at the Well" will be personated, commencing this evening, by Miss Lizzie McLaughlin, who will dispense the fluid which cheers but does not inebriate thirsty mortals. "Voting for the cane has commenced—that is the campaign of the lawyers against the editors—but has not got exciting as yet. For ten cents you can vote for the man of your choice in either profession.

FAIR NETS OVER TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS

"The Fair has opened brilliantly, the committee having in­ formed us that they have had more visits and taken more money already than they had anticipated the first day. Our citizens should remember that this Fair is for a worthy object, and we assure them that they will not regret a visit to Singers Hall, and when they get there they can act their pleasure as to the amount of money they will leave.

"Success to St. Mary's Society!" Sept. 14 " . . . Voting on the cane is between Senator Came­ ron and Judge Lyndes ..."

Sept. 15 " . . . Excitement was raised last evening and the votes came in rapidly, the cane bringing about $300 to the society, a pretty fair profit on a $15 cane. The friends of Lute Taylor finally paid a total of one hundred and fifty dollars in votes to get the cane away from Lawyer McMillan, and succeeded. The Fair will close this evening when the capital prize, the organ, will be drawn at half past eight. Give the ladies a good house tonight."

Sept. 18 " . . . The gross receipts of St. Mary's Fair which came off last week amount to $3,000, and the net proceeds will reach over $2,000. All are glad that it was so much of a success, pecuniarily and otherwise." 46 St. Mary's School—A Class about 1912 Boy Scout Troop No. 19—May 7, 1930 Left to right: Row 1: Sam McKillip, scoutmaster, Robert Funke, Paul Anderson, Joseph Kukolsky, Monte Cole­ man, Don Swords, John Burns, Edward Hackner, John Miller. Row 2: William L. Rossiter, Joseph Simones, Jack Liebig, Ray Pfaff, Kenneth Weber, Thomas Burns, John Schweiger, Robert Boschert, Phillip Anderson, George Carroll. Row 3: Clarence Weber, Jack Millard, Bud Koppelberger, Philip Davy, William Rossiter, Edward Bannen, Robert Carroll, Robert Rodemeyer, John C. Burns. Row 4: Jacob J. Padesky, Paul Noelke, John Hackner, John Stuber, William Bannen, Frank Specht, Joseph Kearney, Don McXillip, Frank Kearney. CO

St. Mary's School 1954—Junior Primary Left to right: Row 1: Donald Furlano, Charlotte Hoesley, Randolph Stach, Tommie Lou Tobin, Carol Secord. Row 2: Kathleen Myhre, Ann Doyle, Carol Larson. Row 3: Diane Latimer, Janis Brindley, Terry Secky, Barbara Jean Bendel, Jeffrey Gray, Craig Wilder, Father Mooney, Sister M. Alvina. Absent: William Bannen, Barbara Jean John­ son, Michael Przywojski, Wayne Lamke, Rita Stancil. St. Mary's School 1954—Grades 1 and 2 Left to right: Row 1: Mary Hinsberger, Stephen Solbarg, Ralph Tobin, Judy Stoeckly, Joan Sheehan, Mary Pat Latimar, Teresa Tobin. Row 2: Jeanne Brindley, Jeanne Sobczak, Shirley Self, Dennis Hayaek, Robert Hefti, John Wcestman, James Conitz. Row 3: Danny Lemke, Claire Lohman, Jo Ann Pribyl, Danny Freetly, Veronica Bigley, Diane Conitz, Frederick Otto, Mary Frances Campfield, Mary Lou Johnson. Row 4: James Solberg, Ronald Greeno, Tiiomas Nogasek, Penny Carmody, Sammy McKillip, James Hartman, Michael Collins, James Finn. Row 5: Terry Sciborski, Father Mooney, Russell Armstrong, Richard Loken, Sister M. Henryne. Absent: Steven Stack. St. Mary's School 1954—Grades 3 and 4 Left to right: Row 1: Margaret Schubert, Rita Sciborski, Jacquelyn Hoesley, Peggy Butak, Patricia Hammer, Jerome Stockly, Sandra Wuensch, Patricia Delagrave. Row 2: John Elliott, Judith Sheehan, Sharon Freetly, Kenneth Lemke, Alan Boisen, Philip Dockendorf, Robert Colleran, Lynn Wilder. Row 3: Michael Lynch, Michael Murphy, Stanley Sobczak, Richard Schubert, Lindsay O'Brien, Mary Pierce, Gloria Peterson, Michael Armstrong. Row 4: James Woestman, Michael Sands, John Bagniefski, Charles Bigley, Patricia Johnson, Ralph Elliott, Lawrence Payne, Mary K. Hartman. Row 5: Kathleen White, Father Mooney, John WeigeL Sister M. Mercita, Mary Naurocke, Barbara Butak. Absent: John Carmody, Mary Ellen Lohman, John Hinsberger. St. Mary's School 1954—Grades 5 and 6 Left to right: Row 1: Mary Stoeckley, Mary Beth Conitz, Ruth Doyle, Robert Dankert, Gerald Sands, Robert Self, Raymond Doyle, Joseph Hoesley. Row 2: Susann Butak, Donald Grynewski, Michael Colleran, Francis Sobzcak, George Britton, John Michel, Gerald Elliott, Carol Klein. Row 3: Janet Weisbecker, Francis Greeno, Thomas Woestman, Richard Bigley, Bernard Daniczyk, Barbara Weigel, Nancy Gardner, Louise Weigel. Row 4: Virginia Payne, Father Mooney, James Dockendorf, Sister M. Henrietta, Dennis Lynch, Reginald Gassen, Ruth Hoesley. Absent: Nancy Payne, Joan Misch, Mary Doyle, Thomas McCay, Thomas Nolan, Thomas Severson, Judith Hinsberger. St. Mary's School 1954—Grades 7 and 8 Left to right: Row 1: Thomas Bagniefski, Milford Sob:zak, Ronald Sands, James Boisen, Robert Drace, Mary Ward, William Smith, Frank Bonsack. Row 2: Beatrice Pascoe, Mary Weigel, Patrick Ward, Jo Ann Weisbecker, James Jiracek, Roger Greeno, Rosalie White, Sharon Huebner. Row 3: Susan Schubert, Jean Weisbecker, Julie Boi­ sen, Alyce Johnson, Antoinette Delagrave, Michael Bigley, Diane Bigley, Ann Naurocke. Row 4: Edith Gray, Ronald Clarkin, James Smith, La Verne Elliott, Patricia Garske, Gerald Sciborski. Row 5: Father Mooney, Sister M. Ottona. Absent: Sally Elliott, Rosemary Clarkin, Barbara Misch. PRIESTS FROM ST. MARY'S

Father Gregory Keegan, M.M., is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Keegan. Or­ dained at the Maryknoll Semi­ nary, Maryknoll, New York, in 1943, Father Keegan is at ^r present stationed at Mary­ knoll Seminary, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Father Gregory Keegan

Father Dennis McNamara, O.P., is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Dennis McNamara. Ordained at the Dominican House of Studies, River For­ est, Illinois, in 1945, Father McNamara is stationed at Blessed Sacrament parish in Madison, Wisconsin.

Father Dennis McNamara 54 PRIESTS FROM ST. MARY'S

Father Senan Brody, O.F.M.Cap., is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Brody. Or­ >>*$* dained at St. Anthony's Mona­ stery, Marathon, Wisconsin, in I 1947, Father Brody is stationed at St. Joseph's parish, Apple- ton, Wisconsin.

Father Senan Brody

Father Richard Rossiter is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William L. Rossiter. Or­ dained at St. Joseph's Cathe­ dral in 1947, Father Rossiter is principal of Columbus High School, Marshfield, Wisconsin.

Father Richard Rossiter 55 PRIESTS FROM ST. MARY'S

Father Bernard McGarty is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Matt McGarty. Ordained at St. Jo­ seph's Cathedral in 1949, Father McGarty is a member of the faculty of Holy Cross Seminary, La Crosse.

Father Bernard McGarty

Father John Rossiter is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William L. Rossiter. Ordained m^ lg£ ' ' at Holy Cross Seminary in 1953, Father Rossiter is a mem­ ber of the faculty of Regis High School, Eau Claire, Wis­ consin.

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Father John Rossiter 56 SISTERS FROM ST. MARY'S

Sister Mary Lawrence, O.P., is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Riley. Sister Mary Lawrence is now sta­ tioned at St. Rose School, Cuba City, Wisconsin.

Sister Mary Lawrence Sister Mary Angelina, O.P., Sister Mary Colman, O.P., and Sister Mary Ita, O.P., are daughters of the late Mr. and Mrs. Dennis McNamara. Sister Angelina is now stationed at Trinity High School, Bloomington, Illinois. Sister Mary Colman is at St. Dominic Villa, Dubuque, Iowa. Sister Mary Ita is at St. Bernard School, Peoria, Illinois. Father Dennis McNamara, their brother, is shown with the Sisters.

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Sister Mary Angelina, Sister Mary Colman, Sister Mary Ita 57 SISTERS FROM ST. MARY'S

Sister Mary Sadoc, O.P., is the daughter of Mrs. William Finn, and the late William Finn. Sister Mary Sadoc is now stationed at St. Sabina School, Chicago, Illinois. r w

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Sister Mary Sadoc

Sister Mary Catherine Agnes, B.V.M., is the daugh­ ter of the late Mr. and Mrs. D. U. Murphy. Sister Mary Catherine Agnes is now sta­ tioned at St. Joseph Academy, Des Moines, Iowa.

Sister Mary Catherine Agnes 58 MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD

THE BLESSED VIRGIN'S ALTAR

In 1944, during World War II, Monsignor Condon deliv­ ered the following address to an audience in Dubuque, Iowa. The title of the address is

Mary, the Mother of God.

It is surely regrettable that quite a few of our Catholics do not read and study more about their religion. I have met not a few Catholics, professional men, well versed in contemporary profane literature, who know hardly anything of Dr. Brownson or of Archbishop Spalding, of James Kent Stone, or of Judge Eurnett, or of our Catholic American authors. Cardinal Newman speaks of the ignorance of non-Catholics of the great Catholic church as a strange phenomenon, indeed. Yet that ignorance is hardly stranger than the ignorance of not a few Catholics of their own high spiritual and intellectual lineage, of the great Church that is, forever and ever, the oracle of God, the Mother of our civilization, the inspiration of genius and of constructive effort in every sphere of action and of thought. It is my privilege to speak to you on a very great subject, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Of course, it is impossible to say very much. The subject is so over-powering that any phase of it would take us well into the elements of abstract thought and to heights of devotion approximating ecstacy. Suarez, the great Jesuit theo- 59 logian, has said that the virtues of Mary are all but infinite. You remember the story of Bernadette; when the townspeople doubted whether sh£ had seen the Blessed Virgin at Lourdes, the Mayor put lighted candles between her fingers as she knelt in an ecstacy. She heeded them not. After the vision had disappeared they asked her what the Lady looked like, and all that she could say was, "She was so beautiful!" They held up to her paintings of Raphael and Murrillo, asking if she resembled them, but Berna­ dette only shook her head and murmured, "She was far more beautiful!" It is this thought that comes to mind whenever we go into the life, the history or the position of the Blessed Virgin; but tonight we will just touch on her unique and majestic dignity as the Mother of God, her virtues, the manner in which she, as a creature, shared in the sufferings of Our Saviour, and her power of intercession of which we should avail ourselves in the great world crisis that now confronts us, and the international tragedy enacted in our day and generation. You know when Adam fell, forfeiting the supernatural gifts which God, through His generosity and love had bestowed upon him, God could have left man in the natural state. Man then, if he obeyed the natural law, would have received a natural reward. The supernatural reward is seeing God face to face. The natural reward is probably the contemplation of God in His works, as Dante describes him, living in a beautiful land, leading a high, intellectual life. But God chose to raise man to the supernatural state to restore him to the condition, at least as far as super­ natural grace is concerned, that he was in before he fell. He could have pardoned man or been content with the lesser degree of satisfactory sacrifice; but to have an adequate satisfaction, one equal to the offence, there would have to be reparation made by one equal in dignity to Him who was offended. We can all do things that we cannot undo; we can take human life but we can­ not restore it; we can throw ourselves from a lofty height but we cannot put ourselves back again. As a finite creature, how could man make adequate reparation? God alone Himself could make it, but He could not do so in His divine nature because that nature is incapable of suffering. He took a human nature from Mary, in which to suffer and to make adequate reparation for the sin of Adam. From Mary alone he received the body which He delivered for us and the blood which He shed. You see, therefore, that all the grandeur of human position, all human preeminence and power and glory is nothing in com­ parison to the exaltation of Mary. With that dignity came her virtues. Of course the virtues, in a way, are previous. "Blessed is the womb that bore Thee," cried out a woman in the crowd and Christ answered, "Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it." It was because of the marvelous virtue of Mary that God chose her as His mother. The angel saluted her 60 with, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women!" Again, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Ghost, when Mary went to see her, repeated the words of the angel, adding, "Blessed is the fruit of thy womb." There you have proof of the virtues of Mary proclaimed by the Archangel and by St. Elizabeth, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. What more striking proof of her devotion to the virtue of purity could be found than in her answer to the angel when he announced that she would bring forth a Son, who would be called the Son of the Most High. "How shall this be?" she said, "Since I know not man." Only with the reply, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee" was she reassured. Mary knew, because she was full of grace, and had read the prophets, what was in store for her should she become the Mother of God. All the sufferings of Christ were unfolded before her in a panorama; from His birth in Bethlehem, where there was no room in the inn; to the awful days of His later life; to the halls of Pilate, to the streets of Jerusalem, and to Calvary itself. Our Saviour is called the Man of Sorrows, and the sorrows He went through we all know. But frequently we leave out of considera­ tion how all those sorrows were always before Him. Truly He was the Man of Sorrows, and the pathos of those words: "The foxes have their caves and the birds of the air their nests, but the Son of Man has not whereon to lay His head," have not yet the pathos of the words in which He tells us how He is straightened until His mission shall be accomplished. It is only when we contemplate this lifelong anticipation of His suffering that we can comprehend the infinity of His love for us. For not only once was He betrayed by Judas, not only once did He bear the agony in Gethsemane, feel the cruel lash of the scourge, stagger through the streets of Jerusalem and ascend the steep hill of Calvary and die; but all through His life that tragedy was before Him. And Mary shared it. She had read the Scriptures and as she looked upon our Savior whom she loved with all the force of her soul, she heard the words of the Prophet, "You shall be as a leper, as one struck by God and afflicted." If our Saviour was a Man of Sorrows, so Mary is, as we salute her, the Mother of Sorrows. We know her sorrows, through the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, her losing her Son in the temple, her meeting Him on His way to Calvary, His death, the taking Him down from the cross, and His burial. She was always at the foot of the cross. Why? That she might be with our Saviour in His suffering and share in the offering that He was making. What agony Jesus and Mary, who loved one another so deeply, must have endured! So, we salute her as the Queen of Sorrows, remembering, too, that she has become so for us. Therefore, we should have faith in her intercession. Marv is the help of Christians, and her Son will refuse her nothing that 61 we ask in her name. Is there a more remarkable chapter in the New Testament than that which tells how Christ replenished the wine at the wedding feast of Cana? Mary noticed that the wine had run low and that it would be a source of great embarrassment to the host, who was a poor man. Turning to the steward she said, "Whatever He says to you, do ye." That is the condition of all her favors to us, our doing what Christ asks. Our Lord wrought that miracle although He said that His hour had not yet come. He appears to break through the eternal ordinance at the request of His mother. Of course He did not really do so because it was ordained from all eternity that He should grant that request. Where could we find a more striking example of the power of Mary? Example after example of that power shines out in the history of Christendom. Civilization is at stake, and the influence of the Church is challenged in the present World War. The same issue, the same conditions confronted the Christian world at the great battle of Lepanto in the sixteenth century. Myriads upon myriads of Mohammedans were arrayed upon the Mediterranean Sea to obliterate forever the Church of Jesus Christ and the civilization which she had built. Don John of Austria was the great leader in the battle against the Mohammedans. Pope Pius V invoked the intercession of Mary. He called upon her as the Help of Chris­ tians; he urged all Christendom to call upon her. On the day of the battle he prayed most fervently for her help in the Papal Chapel, and at the conclusion of his prayer he, though separated from the battle by leagues upon leagues of land and sea, an­ nounced that the Catholic forces had won a great victory. He it was who added to the Litany of the Blessed Virgin the title under which he had prayed to her,—"Help of Christians." The pleading of the Memorare to Mary of the great St. Ber­ nard: "Never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protec­ tion and sought thy intercession, was left unaided," reminds us vividly of the power of Mary. In the great world-wide tragedy of our era let us pray to Mary, Help of Christians, even as they prayed before the battle of Lepanto. Let us acclaim her with the archangel—"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women!" What can we do to show our love for Mary? Great men of genius have shown their love for the Mother of God by creating imperishable works in her honor. It is not given to us to carve a statue like the Pieta of Michaelangelo, or paint a glorious picture like Raphael, or to rear a great temple like the church of Santa Marie Maggiore, or to burst into song like Dante at the conclu­ sion of the Paradiso, or like Goethe in the Hymn of Margaret, or like Lord Byron: "Ave Maria, it is the hour of prayer; Ave Maria, it is the hour of love; Ave Maria, may our spirits dare Look up to thee and to thy Son above. Oh, those downcast eyes, beneath the Almighty Dove!" 62 We have, however, that which surpasses all these gifts; we have ourselves, if only we will mold ourselves after the virtues of Mary. We have it in our power to make her charity, her purity, her humility our own. You remember how in the Magnificat she said, "Behold, He that is mighty hath done great things to me; He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid, and from henceforth all genera­ tions shall call me blessed." How the striking fulfillment of this prophecy, of which we ourselves are witnesses, contrasts with the futile efforts of even the greatest men to make their names and their achievements immortal. The loftiest towers, reared as perpetual memorials, crumble and disappear; the Tower of David and the Tower of Ivory stand impregnable forever, and the years dim not the lustre of the House of Gold. The Roman Empire is gone; the Bourbon lilies are dust; the hanging gardens of Babylon are sunk beneath the earth; but the Rose of Sharon, in all its loveliness and glory, blooms forever, from the rising to the setting sun, and diffuses its fragrance forever, from sea to sea and from land to land. Tonight let our prayers go out to her that she may intercede with her Son for the sons and their mothers in this great war that wraps the world in flame. She knows what it is to watch a son go forth to sacrifice and to sorrow; she knows the sufferings of the mothers of the boys in this war and their agony and anguish of heart. She knows it better than they, for she knew from the beginning the sufferings and death of her Son. Let us pray to her to shield the boys in far off battlefields, and to bring them back again to aid in the resurrection that shall come, please God, to all civilization. We cannot, of course, be too optimistic. The corruption of human nature is always with us, but we have Thee, O Jesus Christ, we have Thy Blessed Mother; we have Thy Church. What that Church has done is a guaranty of what she will do. Her first great work of construction was when she brought the Roman Empire, despite its cruelty, its slavery, its degradation and its persecution, to know Thee, O Father, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hath sent. Her next great work of construction was when the barbarians of the north came down, like waves of the sea, upon the Roman Empire, and all civilization would have been engulfed and the very name of Rome would have been forgotten, were it not for the Church of Jesus Christ. Out of the tribal organization of these barbarians was wrought our civilization. We pray Thee, Oh Mary, Help of Christians, for another great reconstruction of civilization; we pray Thee, that out of the deso­ lation and the havoc and the wreckage and the disaster of this war, may come the reign of the Prince of Peace! Shine out, Oh Morning Star, upon the deep night, filled with suffering and moaning; shine out to hail the rising of the Sun of justice; shine out to usher in the day when all the tribes and nations shall be illuminated and transformed in the rays of Him, Thy Divine Son, who is the Light of the World! 63 SAINT MARY'S FIRST RESIDENT PASTOR

The notes accompanying the pictures on these pages, and the pictures themselves, were sent by Father Paul-Marie Monnev, Master of Novices of the Charterhouse of Valsainte, Switzerland, the house of the Carthusian Order in which Father Tappert spent the last thirteen years of his life.

The following paragraph, addressed to St. Mary's parishioners of today, is an excerpt from the letter accompanying the pictures:

"Trusting that your Parish Centennial will redound to God's greater glory and that the seeds of Faith planted there so long ago by pioneers such as Father Tappert will produce a 'hundred fold,' I extend my best wishes and a blessing for the success of your celebration. We hope that this centennial of the parish of Dom Denis will be the occasion of one or the other of your parishioners to follow him to a Charterhouse! His life and his example will then have produced its choicest fruit."

"This is an aerial view of the Charterhouse of Valsainte. Dom Denis lived in one of the cells surrounding the Church." "A Carthusian in his cell. It could very well be Dom Denis praying for your parish, for neither the Carthusians nor the cells have changed since."

"Here is a photograph of the cemetery of Valsainte. Dom Denis Tappert's grave is marked with an 'X'."

65 THE EARLIEST BAPTISMS AND MARRIAGES When Father Galtier came to La Crosse on May 29, 1853, he very probably heard the confessions of those who had, assembled at Mr. Gallagher's home before he offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The third sacrament to be conferred was baptism, and Father Galtier baptized two children that day At yearly visits the procedure was probably very much the same, except that on his second and third visits he witnessed the conferring of the sacrament of matrimony, once in 1854 and twice in 1855. The records of the baptisms and marriages he filed in his parish church, St. Gabriel's in Prairie du Chien. The following records are taken from St. Gabriel's files.

MAY 29, 1853 NAME BIRTHDAY PARENTS GODPARENTS John Baker May 23, 1852 Francis Baker Joseph Epha Frances Epha Mary Franc Michel April 18, 1853 Anthony and Frank Gutgesell Jane Michel Catherine Sharp

MAY 7, 1854 NAME BIRTHDAY PARENTS GODPARENTS Elizabeth Esther April 22, 1853 Alexis and Faribault Elizabeth Louise Faribault Faribault Peter Cartier Feb. 19,1853 Edward and Moses Jolivette Caroline Carier Francis Xavier June 10, 1853 Moses Jolivette Edward Cartier Jolivette Ellenoria Vaine Adelaide St. Cyr Jan. 17,1854 Joseph St. Cyr Marguerite Gayet Zoa Plourde George Deininger April 23, 1853 Valentine and George and Christina Elizabeth Dickman Deininger Daniel Scally Feb. 2, 1853 William and Frederic C. Doyle Elizabeth Scally Ann Doile Frederick Edner Dec. 1, 1853 Joseph Edner and Francis Guten Mary, his wife Christina Deiniger John Doyle Jan. 26, 1854 Symon and Alworth, Robert Ann Doyle Bridget, his wife

JUNE 7, 1855 Frances About one Joseph Tairflinger Charles Nagly Tairflinger year old Mother's name not given Peter Lambert May, 1855 Moses Jolivette Lamber Robillard Jolivette Elenore Vaine Mary Cartier Christopher Burns Oliver and Hugh Hogan Margaret Burns Margaret McConville 66 NAME BIRTHDAY PARENTS GODPARENTS Henry Wartz John Joseph Wartz Joseph Keeder Elizabeth Wartz Mary Ann Keeder Francis Baker Francis Baker Joseph Ebner Ferdinandier Mary Pfifer Baker Marv Ann Feb. 11,1855 Martin and Thomas McCauley Kerrigan Ann Kerrigan Catherine Cunningham Thomas Igo Aug. 9, 1854 Bernard and Bernard Brady Bridget Igo Mary Gallagher Martin Alworth Feb. 29, Robert Alworth John Cady Bridget Alworth Ellen Alworth Margaret Lane Dec. 4, 1854 James Lane Patrick Griffin Margaret Lane Honora Lane Feb. 14, 1852 James and James McCauley Margaret Lane Bridget McCauley Hugh Francis Feb. 10, 1853 Joseph and James Gallagher Pierce Sarah Pierce Jane Hogan John Reilly Jan. 19, 1855 Patrick Reilly Martin Kerrigan Catherine Reilly Ann Ward i William Feb. 28,1855 Martin and Patrick and McCaughlin Bridget Catherine Griffin McLaughlin John Griffin Feb. 1, 1855 Patrick Griffin Martin McLaughlin Catherine Griffin Bridget McLaughlin Peter Pifer Peter and John Ebner Mary Pifer Frances Baker Leopold Ebner Joseph and Frank Baker Mary Ebner Christina Deiniger Cornelia Ann Jan. 26,1855 Charles and Frank Gutgesell La Pointe Joanna La Pointe Ellen, his wife John Richman John and John Richman Mary Richman Euphrosine Richman Victoria Oct. 22, 1854 Pelage and Joseph Young Cornelia Gand Agatha Gand Louise Veriifuille Victoria Mary May 12,1854 Elenora Joseph Young Leuneville Leuneville and Marie Louise Victoria, his wife Gagnon Mary Orelia Feb. 4, 1855 John Richman John Richman Richman Zoa Richman Euphrosine Boisvert John Shannon Mar. 25, 1855 Martin and James Lane Mary Shannon Nancy McCauley MARRIAGES CONTRACTING PARTIES DATE OF MARRIAGE WITNESSES Robert Alworth Mav 7, 1854 James Gallagher Bridget Coady (Remark added: both Mr. Hogan living in La Crosse) James Halligan June 7, 1855 Thomas McCaulley Catherine McCaulley (At La Crosse) Frances Blake Dosiheus Auge June 7, 1855 Augustus Gaillard from Minnesota Joseph F. Bernard Marv Virginia Bernard of Prairie du Chien 67 PATRONS

Gantert's Furniture Co. La Crosse Rubber Mills Co. Dr. R. B. Horschak Sletten-McKee Funeral Home The Wm. Doerflinger Co. Dolly Madison Dairies Clark-Bracken Inc. Newburg's Men's Wear Drs. Leinfelder, Bentz and Hilton Prescription Pharmacy Barton Paul Weigel Dr. J. E. Heraty Mader's Store for Men Click Candy Co. Papenfuss Electric Co. Doerre Hardware Boulevard Food Store Hammes Truck Sales Bernard Balduzzi Quillin's Service Station The Borden Company Joe Hengel Plumbing Smith's Bicycle Shop La Crosse Breweries Carl F. Schnick G. Heileman Brewing Co. Esther Domke Convenient Jewelry Co. Soell's Pay-Less Drugs Stuber Floor Covering Co. La Crosse Clearing House Ass'n Service Sheet Metal Shop Leonard F. Roraff Nick Hengel Plumbing Arenz Shoe Co. A Friend Stevenson's Inc. A Friend Jake Hoeschler Joe Frisch Insurance Dutch Maid Dairyette Louis O. Delagrave Bailey & Franz Insurance Co. La Vogue Beauty Shop Hellwig-Morris Funeral Home Catherine Brody T. F. Keegan Gateway Transportation Co. Frank-Len Service Station Farley's Quality Sausage Bodega Lunch Club Blaschke Funeral Home Segelke & Kolhaus Co. Dr. A. A. Skemp John A. Elliott

LA CROSSE, WIS.