Bats from West Salem

West Salem, Wisconsin, is a town of about 5,000 just east of La Crosse. It was built along a rail line, which is now part of the La Crosse River Bike Trail. Its main street is lined with bars, antique shops, and a single remaining supper club.

Along the former rail road tracks nearby, at least one of the 20th-century warehouse/industrial buildings has found a new use:


I admit it was the font on the sign that first caught my attention, but then the words registered: Three Brothers Bat Co.

Bat Co.?

Yes, indeed. The Schneider brothers are making baseball bats in West Salem, and have been for more than five years. Good for them!