Two Book Reflections

We have gone a few walking tours of Downtown La Crosse, which are provided by the library. It will be interesting to explore what brought first the Ho Chunk to this area and then later Eurpoean settlers. The most obvious is the confuence of several waterways.

The downtown areas has some intersting late 19th century examples of Italianate and Chicago buisiness style. Later in the earth 20th century there were some Moderne and Art Deco buildings added to what was supposed to imitate New York’s Fifth Avenue – so much so that Fifth “street” is named an avenue.

Cass Street was were some of the weathy set up their homes. It reminded me of birds and their pumage, but perhaps not to attact a mate, but to enjoy and show off their success. There are examples of Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Prairie and Craftsman homes.

As you travel from the homes of the owners, you find the smaller homes of their management class, and them the next levels of houses as you get further away. Our house is not far from a castle scale mansion, but we are among the working class.