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The house, built in 1858 for lumber baron Gideon Hixon, served as at least an occasional residence until about 1960, when it was donated to the La Crosse County Historical Society.
In 1998, the historical society began raising money to renovate the house and bring it back to its old glory. It needed extensive work, and a grant of $350,000 was obtained from the Jeffris Foundation in Janesville, Wis.
That grant was a double-matching grant, requiring that the historical society raise $700,000, which it did.
But the house needed so much work, a second double-matching grant of $250,000 was obtained from the Jeffris Foundation. Most of that money was raised, but the historical society is $15,000 short. It needs to raise that money by Sept. 30.
Now the historical society has gone public, asking for donations to make up the difference. They may be sent to Hixon House Preservation Fund, P.O. Box 1272, La Crosse WI 54602-1272.
The house is not the only structure on the lot at 429 S. Seventh St. In addition, there is an 1889-era cobbler shop and a Greek-revival style workingman’s house built about 1858.
If you’ve never toured the Hixon House, you really should. It’s been restored to all the splendor of an upper-class home of the 19th century, even though there is still some work to be done.
It is a significant part of La Crosse history, and deserves support from the community.
