GREATNESS RECOGNIZED A CENTURY LATE

A famous La Crosse citizen, George Coleman Poage, is being recognized for an amazing achievement overdue by 112 years. In fact, a major renovation of a city park ($1.3 million) now bears Poage's name located at 5th and Hood Streets on the south side of La Crosse. 

But "Why?" you may ask.

Poage was not only the first African American Central High salutatorian (formerly known as La Crosse High) but also excelled as an athlete in track hurdle events.  He attended UW-Madison and not only won Ten State Championships while in attendance but made the most of his education there majoring in history and learning 5 languages. As if that wasn't enough, at the World Fair in the1904 Olympics in St. Louis, Missouri, Poage also became the first African American to win a medal in the modern games, receiving not one, but 2 Bronze medals for the 220 and 440 hurdle jumps.

Wisconsin sculptor Elmer Petersen (second from right),  interpreted this Olympic feat through the multi stages of this triumphant endeavor. Metal placards recount Poage's life and achievements.

A couple hundred community members joined 3 of Poage's  descendants as they listened to a folksong written in his Poage's honor by local musician Mike Caucutt. This song will also be sung at the Great River Folk Festival later this month. 



While City officials gave speeches children played on the new state of the art jungle gym equipment in the background.  
The kids love their new playground.

In addition, a city proclamation  by Mayor Kabat was given in memory of Poage's contributions.

Sculpture and portrait  pictures behind family proclamation recipients, Poage's great great grandson far left (Mayor Kabat) and great great niece and nephew

Local middle schoolers read biographical essays about our famous citizen who overcame many obstacles during his lifetime.  His Mom actually moved to La Crosse to do housework for a prominent La Crosse family in the late 1800's. In his adult life Poage was a teacher for 10 years in St Louis, then bought a farm in Minnesota  and finally moved to Chicago where despite his successes in academics and athletics still found difficulty as an African American finding a job, finally served as a U.S.postal clerk for 30 years. He passed away in '82.

Decorated cake for the occasion

A new pavilion and meeting room where refreshments were served in celebration on Saturday also now don the city block. At its beginnings in the early 1900's, Hood Park as it was originally named had an outdoors skating rink which graced its grounds but had fallen into disrepair.  

May the transformation of this park help towards the revitalization of a forgotten neighborhood and a forgotten citizen and be a place for the neighborhood to gather and remember a once unsung hero  serving as inspiration to its youth.