historically-important and largely intact c. 1903-04 original pressed figural zinc metal exterior lion head salvaged from the notable downtown la crosse, wisc. stoddard hotel prior to demolition in 1982. the historic brick and carved limestone non-extant hotel was designed by chicago-based architect j.k. cady. the diminutive lion head fragment was originally apart of the building's protruding roofline cornice, comprised of zinc, with a white paint finish. the figural architectural fragment contains traces of the original paint finish. the stoddard hotel was built in 1903 by a group of businessmen who felt that the city of la crosse (wisconsin) really needed a center for conferences and business meetings. the board of trade (later the chamber of commerce) organized the building fund. many residents subscribed and contributed money toward it. the hotel served as the social center of la crosse and many celebrities stayed overnight there. plagued by financial debt, the hotel's furnishing were auctioned off and the building itself succumbed to the wrecking ball in 1982. 6-3/4" x 7" x 4".