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Q: What is known about a Mrs. Gundersen and the electric car she drove around La Crosse years ago?
A: Helga Sara Isaksaetre Gundersen was the wife of Gundersen Clinic founder Adolf Gundersen.
According to “Medicine: The Gundersen Experience” by Susan T. Hessel, Helga Gundersen drove an electric
car during the 1940s. Bought at an auction for $50, it became less a bargain when batteries had to be replaced at a cost of $500. Gundersen had an “A” sticker for gasoline during World War II, despite the fact that her car ran on electricity: A government worker had insisted that she have two ration books because she had two cars.
She was considered something of a hazard on the road. The car’s top speed was 17 mph — downhill. More often it tooled along at 5 mph.
Grandchildren were frequent passengers. “It was best to cover your eyes when you rode with Grandmother,”
Dr. Sigurd B. Gundersen said in “Medicine: The Gundersen Experience.”
In cooperation with the La Crosse Public Library, the Tribune invites questions of local interest. Call Ask the Trib at (608) 791-8450. Send questions by e-mail to news@lacrossetribune.com.
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