By Andrew Derzay, Curatorial Intern
This umbrella most likely belonged to Olav Johannes Rasmussen Skaar, known as Olav or Olaf R. Skaar. An engraved, ornamental silver plate on the handle reads "R. Skaar." According to the donor, Olav's great-granddaughter, this umbrella belonged to Olav, but it may have first belonged to his father, Rasmus.
Olav was born on December 2, 1858, in Vanelven, Sondmore, Norway. He attended public school and became a very educated man for his time. He graduated from Voldens høiere Public and Teachers School in 1876. He then went to Moribogaden's Latin and Science School in Kristiania and taught there for a year after graduation. Olav came to the U.S. in 1883, where he was employed as a correspondent for three Norwegian newspapers, wherein he was to report on the conditions of Norwegian immigrants. He settled in Viroqua, WI, and worked at a law office, where he began to enjoy law work. In 1885, he attended the University of Wisconsin Law School, graduated a year later, and returned to the same law firm in Viroqua. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen on October 15, 1888. He left Viroqua in 1890. Skaar had great interests in world affairs, was an active Democrat, he liked the radio when it became common and was an avid reader. His love for politics helped him during then Governor George Wilbur Peck's term (1891-1895); Olav served as the assistant chief to the Land Commission in the State Land Offices.
In 1894, Skaar arrived in La Crosse, WI, and established his law practice in the John Lienlokken building on 3rd and Pearl streets. For a short time, he had Otto Bosshard as a law partner, Skaar then moved his practice across the street to the Continental building. Skaar married Marie Ann Gundersen, sister of Adolph Gundersen. As time went on, Skaar became a pillar in the La Crosse community and served as an officer at La Crosse Lutheran Hospital, a member of the Norwegian Saengerkor, and as the City of La Crosse Postmaster from 1914-1925. During his time as postmaster, he, Frank P. Hixon, and other people in La Crosse were able to arrange a stop in La Crosse along an aerial mail route between Chicago and Minneapolis around 1920. After this, he returned to his work as a lawyer until he retired at the age of 80. Skaar lived a relatively quiet public life after his retirement. He passed away on December 23, 1954, at the age of 96.
The umbrella in LCHS's artifact collection is a classic umbrella; they are the most common with metallic and wooden materials, the canopy is most likely silk or cotton. There is also a button on the side of the shaft to allow the canopy to unfold automatically. There are also golf umbrellas which were designed to have large canopies to protect a golfer's accessories. solid stick umbrellas focus on luxury and classic design with varying types of wood, often exotic, finished in specific ways, and often have the stereotypical hooped handle. Lastly, there are folded umbrellas which can be folded 2-5 times depending on the model and can be folded to fit in a handbag.
An umbrella traditionally refers to a device one uses to protect themselves from rain, while a parasol is used to protect from sunlight. Umbrellas/parasols were only used by women in 1600s Europe and the first half of the 1700s. It was not until 1760, when Jonas Hanway used an umbrella in the rain, that it became popular for men. The umbrella began to undergo extensive changes in the next century to what it is today. Most notably, in 1852, Samuel Fox invented the steel ribbed umbrella to make it lighter and allow one to easily carry an umbrella.
Objects allow us to preserve the past and remind us of our community's history. This umbrella is one of the last physical reminders of a man who was a popular and influential member of our community. He was a man of varying interests who served our community in different ways who had a lasting impact on La Crosse.
