The History of Western Technical College

In 1958, the Vocational School building was used by a number of organizations and groups. Three parochial schools
used the gymnasium at various times for their basketball practice. The La Crosse police department used the gym for
physical exercises and the training of police officers and, periodically, the FBI conducted enforcement officers’ training
courses. A number of civil defense organizations used the facilities continuously, such as the La Crosse Auxiliary Police
and the Civil Air Patrol. The Vocational Board also authorized space to the Veterans’ Administration and to the District
Rehabilitation Division.
A little humor . . . Frank Garcia, a production line worker at The Trane Company worked hard all day, and worked equally
hard at teaching an evening class in Spanish at the Vocational School. Sometimes things are serious; sometimes they
are not. But, the ice was broken in the south-of-the border speech class when someone in the class sneezed and Garcia
responded “Gesundheit!”
In May 1958, there was no joblessness among welders—the big demand for trained welders in La Crosse made both the
day and the evening classes most popular. “The sudden demand for welders has depleted the present supply of trainees”
according to the welding instructors, Harold Hawkins and George Hinkley. During the months of May and June, 54
welders were hired by La Crosse industries.
September 1958 – Clerical and custodial salary classifications were adopted by the Vocational Board. Six custodial
personnel and five office workers received a total of $122.50 per month in increases.
At the February 1958 Board Meeting, it was “agreed to pay one-half of the premium cost of Health and Hospitalization
Insurance beginning as of September, 1958. The amount of premium and type of policy to be determined through
Staff-Board understanding . . .”
1958 Auditorium events included . . .
February 24 Jon Crain, a leading tenor with the New York City Center Opera, was guest singer with the
La Crosse Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Peter J. Michelsen, conductor.
March 10 The La Crosse Vocational Civic Choir, directed by Elvin Saterbak, featured seven soloists.
April 28 South America came to La Crosse -- The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra featured vivacious Rosina da
Rimini of Brazil in a concert. She had performed on the Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts and the
Arthur Godfrey Time television shows.
November 17 Joan Marie Moynagh appeared in concert with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra under the
direction of Peter J. Michelsen.
December 7 A large crowd braved the biting zero weather to attend Handel’s “Messiah” sung by 124 voices of
the La Crosse Vocational Civic Choir and the La Crosse State College Choir. Four soloists were
featured. The director of the combined choirs was Elvin Saterbak.
In the fall of 1959, three new teachers were added to the daytime staff bringing the number up to 30. An enrollment of
850 was expected.
The Evening School teacher’s salary schedule was readjusted: As of May 12, 1959, the instructors for the first year of
service would receive $7.00 per evening; $7.50 per evening or the second year; and $8.00 per evening for the third and
each following year.
At the September 15, 1959 Vocational Board Meeting, the Board authorized Director Coleman to enter into an
agreement with the St. Joseph Cathedral Parish for the rental of the school’s Auditorium at a cost of $100 per Sunday,
from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for the purpose of conducting Masses while the new Cathedral was being constructed. The
question of liability insurance came into focus and was discussed at a subsequent meeting. It was determined that
liability insurance was provided not only through the Board of Vocational and Adult Education but also that a similar
coverage was provided by the Dioceses.
In September 1959, Circuit Judge Lincoln Neprud commended the La Crosse Vocational School for offering a course on
Americanization. He was pleased to see “that a course on Americanization had been arranged so that those
participating will be offered a study of our country’s history, its form of government and instruction in reading, writing
and speaking English . . . the course should be most helpful to all citizens wishing to learn about our form of government
and to appreciate its privileges . . . especially persons planning to become naturalized citizens.”