A New Building for Growing Collections
Supershow 1994
The 1990s were a decade of change for the hobby. In 1991, the KBWCA bid farewell to their former museum on Main Street and dedicated a new 5400 sq. ft. facility in Grass Park. 1994 saw the first Supershow to be held in La Crosse. The Supershow was so large, it would have been impossible to hold the show in the La Crosse City Auditorium or St. Michael's Parish Center. For the first time, the show was not held on the first weekend in May, but delayed by two weeks during the last week of school, so the group could use the La Crosse High School gymnasium. It was a unique show with students passing by the doors during their last days of class.
A New Building for Growing Collections |
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| Construction of the new 5400 square foot building was taking shape by late summer 1990. The shell was complete by the end of the year. | In winter 1991, volunteers painted the interior of the building. Pictured are Marvin Herrman, Jerry Bennett, Gary Kay, and Duane Engel. |
Supershow 1994 |
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| The Supershow filled the high school gymnasium to capacity with displays lining the hallway. | Billie Thornton (left) negotiates a deal at the Supershow. |
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| When completed in May 1991, the building was simple and unassuming compared to today. | Ervin Deines (center) donated his collection to create the museum's Ervin Deines Tool Gallery. |