Historical Note

First organized in 1897, the La Crosse Rubber Mills began manufacturing rubber clothing at 120 So. Front St. Some of the early products included rubber raincoats and horseshoes. By 1906 the board of directors decided to specialize in the production of rubber footwear. In 1912, Albert Hirshheimer and Michael Funk purchased a controlling interest and placed Albert P. and Arthur S. Funk in direct charge of management and operation of the plant. The company employed 150 people and produced 1,200 pairs of shoes daily. By 1916, production had increased to 12,000 pairs a day.

The operation was completely modernized in 1940 and broadened its product line. The company was purchased from shareholders in 1982 by Frank Uhler and George Schneider. The name was changed in 1986 to La Crosse Footwear. The firm now manufactures rubber and vinyl protective footwear for dress, industrial and sporting use. Another plant is located in Claremont, New Hampshire.