Historical Note

The Northern Engraving Company was established in October 1908 by Axel R. and Earl W. Olson at 100 S. Front St. The main product was photo engravings called cuts used as printing plates for illustrations in newspapers, magazines, and the like. In 1919 officers of the National Gauge and Equipment Company bought the company to "insure a convenient and reliable source of supply for the millions of dials used in the manufacture of automobile gauges." (La Crosse Tribune, 9-25-1927 p. 1). The manufacture of dials at that time required a lithographic stone or plate, a specialty of photo engravers. By 1927 the factory manufactured many instrument dials for automotive and other industries.

In 1940 the business expanded at S. 2nd and Market streets and employed about 550 workers. During World War II, the plant again increased projection and facilities. The La Crosse plant was closed in 1961 and operations were moved to Sparta. Factories were located in Galesville, West Salem, Holmen, Spring Grove, Minnesota, Waukon and Lansing, Iowa.