The History of Western Technical College

placement of the cardiac in industry. The conference discussion brought out that a good job was being done here for
the placement of cardiac employees in work that they can do but that more could be “accomplished through the
cooperation of medical, vocational, social workers and others for thorough evaluation of a patient’s condition and
capabilities.”
In April 1956, H. C. Potthast, supervising instructor for the La Crosse Vocational School in the Wisconsin Rural Electric Job
Training and Safety program, was invited by President Eisenhower to attend the President’s Conference on Occupational
Safety in Washington, D. C., on May 14-16. Potthast presented his safety lesson before many groups in Wisconsin and
nearby states, as well as at a National Safety Congress in Chicago that brought requests for his appearance all over the
nation.
On September 13, 1956, the Vocational Board authorized Director Coleman to proceed with plans and arrangements for
the establishing a practical nurses training program.
Locating teachers was sometimes a problem . . .
WANTED
Day School
MACHINE SHOP
TEACHER
Must have machine shop experience.
Teaching experience not necessary.
Contact
LA CROSSE VOCATIONAL and
ADULT SCHOOLS
Phone 2-6238
November 11-17 – American Education Week with the theme “Schools for a Strong America” had daily displays by the La
Crosse schools in local business windows. The Vocational School’s exhibits were on display Wednesday, November 14.
To coincide with the national theme, the Vocational School’s theme was “Education for Trained Manpower.”
Emphasized by the trade and industry department in the window of the Tausche Hardware Company (then located at 201
South Fourth Street) were the Machine Shop – a flying vise to appeal to the skilled hobbyist, layout equipment for tool
and die workers, and a screw jacket for the machinists; Welding – both gas and arc for the beginner and advanced
tradesman; Homecraft – projects in leather, weaving and art metal for homebound students). The business education
department chose the title, “We Show You How to Be Successful in Your Office Position” for its display at the Swartz
Office Supply Company (then at Sixth and State Streets). In that display, the “rights/wrongs” and the “goods/bads” of
office procedures were shown.
November 1956 – A ribbon cutting took place to formally open a new typewriting classroom at the Vocational School. The
all-electric typewriter classroom was the first of its kind in the area. The classroom was equipped with 32 electric typewriters.
1956 Auditorium events included . . .
January 29 The famed University of Wisconsin Concert Band appeared in concert, under the baton of
“Mr. Wisconsin” better known as Professor Ray Dvorak. The band gave its usual spirited
performance of “On Wisconsin.” When it was originally written in1909, composer, William T.
Purdy, intended “On Wisconsin” as a song for Minnesota.
February 12 Entertainment in great variety was promised at the “Quiz Concert” presented by the La Crosse Civic
Band, under the direction of La Crosse’s popular radio-TV announcer, Bill Joseph, in a skit entitled,
“A Trio Grows in Brooklyn.” Robert Gaumer (father of the late EMT instructor Bob Gaumer) was
master of ceremonies. Lindy Shannon, popular disc jockey and authority on recorded music played
the quiz selections.
February 27 Opera star Robert Merrill was in concert with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, conducted by
Leigh Elder.
April 16 Famed singer Richard Gregor appeared with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra under the direction
of Leigh Elder.
November 19 Opera singer Eileen Farrell was guest artist with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra under the
direction of Peter J. Michelsen, conductor.