Guide to the At Work in Chippewa Falls Oral Histories,​ 1991

Overview of the Collection

Repository:               
Special Collections & Archives
McIntyre Library
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
P.O. Box 4004
105 Garfield Ave.
Eau Claire, WI 54702 – 4004
(715) 836-2739
https://library.uwec.edu/archives/

Reference Code: USGZE UHC305 

Accession Number: 08-021

Collection Number: University Historical Collection 305

Creators: Gough, Robert (Robert J.)

Title: At Work in Chippewa Falls Oral Histories

Dates: 1991

Quantity: 0.2 linear feet (1/2 archives box)

Location of Collection: A10/3d

Languages: Collection materials are in English.

Summary: This collection includes nine transcripts of interviews with relatives and employees of the key industries in Chippewa Falls.

Biographical / Historical Note

Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, the county seat for Chippewa County, was incorporated as a city in 1869. The location attracted large numbers of immigrants to work in the sawmills and logging camps. Lumbering was the main industry until the major sawmill closed in 1911. Over time, various family or small businesses developed into full-fledged industries that contributed to the growth of the city.   Of particular significance are the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewery (established in1867), Mason Shoe Manufacturing (1904), Crane Lumber (1920), Chippewa Plastics (1948), and Cray Research, Inc., an early computing company (1972). 

Content Description

This small collection includes transcripts of nine interviews with relatives and employees of key industries in Chippewa Falls. Conducted by Robert Gough between May and July 1991, the oral histories appear to have been the basis for the historical exhibit at the Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology. Businesses discussed include Amoco, Chippewa Plastics, Cray Research, Inc., Crane Lumber Company, Mason Shoe Manufacturing, and Leinenkugel Brewery. Interviews vary in length, from 6 to 25 pages. Interviewees discuss how companies came to be located in Chippewa Falls, what the atmosphere was like in the early years, how the businesses expanded or evolved over time, and the gendered division of labor.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: Donated to Special Collections & Archives, University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire by Robert Gough in July 2007.

Access Restrictions: Collection is open to the public.

Use Restrictions: Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. Copyright not owned by the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.

Preferred Citation: At Work in Chippewa Falls Oral Histories. UHC305.  Special Collections & Archives.  McIntyre Library.  University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Eau Claire, WI.

Processing Note: Processed by Lark Keating-Hadlock in July 2007.

Arrangement: Alphabetically.

OCLC #: 180994645

Subjects

Personal Names:
Brunstad, Robert
Brunstad, Yvonne
Crane, Robert            
DeMoe, Marty
Gardner, Sonya
Hancock, Dave
Helgestad, Norm
Leinenkugel, Bill
Mason, Vic
Roush, Dean

Corporate Names: 
Chippewa Plastics (Chippewa Falls, Wis.)
Crane Lumber Company (Chippewa Falls, Wis.)    
Cray Research, Inc. (Chippewa Falls, Wis.)
Leinenkugel Brewery (Chippewa Falls, Wis.)
Mason Shoe Manufacturing (Chippewa Falls, Wis.)

Subject Terms: Industry—Wisconsin—Chippewa Falls

Geographical Terms: Chippewa Falls, Wis. – History

Genre Terms: 
Oral histories
Transcripts