Harold E. Craig Family Endowed Scholarship

Strong Work Ethic …Harold Craig starting working at a very early age. By age 12, he was on his own, working on a farm. At age 16, he began a long and varied career in the manufacturing industry. He started out as a machine operator at Trane Company during the height of Word War II. At age 17, he joined the Navy for three years. When he returned from the Navy, he completed his high school education at La Crosse Central, and became a machine tool apprentice for the Franklin Iron Works, located on the Northside of La Crosse. In 1957, he started working for Northern Engraving Company in Winona, Minn. as a machine maintenance foreman and was quickly promoted to plant superintendent. In 1959, he moved to Aurora, Ill. to work as the plant maintenance superintendent for All Steel Equipment, a manufacturer of steel office furniture. Harold returned to La Crosse in 1972 to work in management at UOP Norplex. And, in 1976, he joined his brother Fred in the family business, C & C Machine. C & C Machine was established in 1970 in a garage on Copeland Avenue. In 1972, a new facility was built at 159 Buchner Place. The complex has since grown to include seven buildings and 27 full-time employees.
Honored Community Member …Harold was very active in the La Crosse community. In the early 1980s, he joined the Chamber of Commerce where he served on the Board of Directors and as Chair of the Transportation Committee. In 1995, he received the President’s Award from the Chamber of Commerce. In 1996, he received the Chambers Environmental Stewardship Award. He also became active in the county government, serving as the La Crosse County Harbor Commission Chair. In recognition for his efforts in 1999, the County dedicated the Harold E. Craig Fleeting site on the Mississippi River (south of La Crosse). He was also involved in the Minnesota/Wisconsin Bounty Area Committee for 10 years, serving twice as the chair. When the Rotary Club North was formed, he joined and served as president as well as other offices. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of the establishment of the Mildred Craig (his mother) Logan Scholarship Endowed Fund for disadvantaged students.
Continuing the Legacy …Harold passed away at Christmas in 1998, leaving his legacy of commitment to his country, community and family. Our family has established this scholarship in recognition of his lifetime of dedication.