Time to turn Central into a park, 44 years ago

In 1973, the La Crosse Park Department wanted the city to buy the site of the Old Central High School, at 15th and Cass, to use as a park.  The school had sat empty for about six years.  There were suggestions for a community center, or condominiums.  Businessman Charles Gelatt offered $50,000 if the city would make it a park.  That finally happened, with the park named after long-time Central teacher and coach Babe Weigent.  A new statue of Weigent has now been installed at the park.

The city was looking for money to build a fire station at the La Crosse Airport.  Meanwhile, airport manager James Cote resigned over plans for an 800-foot tall television tower in La Crescent.  Cote said the tower might hamper air traffic through the area.

Three of the four ex-Beatles had #1 hits on the radio that year.  Paul McCartney held down the top spot for most of June with “My Love,” followed immediately by “Give Me Love” by George Harrison.  Ringo Starr landed at #1 late in 1973 with “Photograph”…44 years ago, yesterday in La Crosse.