La Crosse in La Crosse County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Cobbler Shop

November 13, 2022

1. The Cobbler Shop Marker

Inscription. Carl H. Rediske (1856-1948) was trained in Germany as a master shoemaker. He came to La Crosse in 1883 at age 27 and purchased a lot at 507 North 12th Street. There he built this cobbler shop in 1889, as well as a wood frame residence and small barn Carl specialized in hand-made shoes and was patronized by several prominent La Crosse families, practicing his trade for 65 years.

This vernacular wood-frame building is typical of late 19th century small-scale commercial architecture and is one of the few remaining intact examples in the city of La Crosse. The rectangular facade with projecting cornice is known as a "boom-town" false front. Its cedar shake roof was once common in the city. The Rediske barn and many tools are now on display at Old World Wisconsin.

In 2002 the Cobbler Shop was relocated to this site with restoration assistance provided by the City of La Crosse, Western Wisconsin Technical College and numerous volunteers and organizations. The building was listed as a La Crosse Historic Landmark in 1991.

Erected by the La Crosse County Historic Sites Preservation Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 43° 48.953′

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N, 91° 14.867′ W. Marker is in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in La Crosse County. Marker is on 6th Street North north of Pine Street, on the right. Located on the grounds of the Historic Hixon House Museum in La Crosse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 429 7th St N, La Crosse WI 54601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Greek Revival House (circa 1850s) (within shouting distance of this marker); Gideon Cooley Hixon (within shouting distance of this marker); Freedom Is Not Free (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); 4th and Main (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Building in La Crosse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Spence Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); La Crosse Players (approx. 0.4 miles away); Front and State (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in La Crosse.

The Cobbler Shop & Marker, from the west image. Click for full size.

November 13, 2022

2. The Cobbler Shop & Marker, from the west

The Cobbler Shop image. Click for full size.

November 13, 2022

3. The Cobbler Shop

Inside The Cobbler Shop image. Click for full size.

November 13, 2022

4. Inside The Cobbler Shop

Additional Rediske Cobbler Shop History image. Click for full size.

November 13, 2022

5. Additional Rediske Cobbler Shop History

City of La Crosse Historic Site Marker image. Click for full size.

November 13, 2022

6. City of La Crosse Historic Site Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2022. This page has been viewed 111 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 18, 2022.