Andrew H. Dahl

Artists rendering of the
Dahl Store on East State Street

Honorable Andrew H. Dahl, son of Mikal Henrik Dahl and wife Guri Elisbeth, was born in Lewistown, Columbia County, Wisconsin, 13 April 1859, and came with his parents to Coon Prairie in 1864.

He received his education at Viroqua High School and Northwestern Business College, Madison.

For 30 years he conducted a general merchandise store and later a Ford Agency in Westby. In 1898 he built his new store, his third, on the corner of State and Main Streets that today is the Uff-Da Mart. Before selling his local interests he also owned Ford Dealerships in numerous neighboring communities.

A.H. Dahl & Company in 1888.
Pictured are Jens Davidson, J. Gilberg, Ole M. Lien, Dr. S.B. Reque,
C.M. Ballsrud and Knut Villand. A sign on the store says
"Don't go home till you see the wonderful bargains on our 5¢ Counter

Dahl took an active part in public and political life. Thus we find him Supervisor and the first President of the Village of Westby in 1896. Next County Asylum Trustee, and four terms in the state assembly, namely from 1898 to 1906. In 1906 he was elected state treasurer. He reelected in 1908 and in 1910. And in 1914 he was candidate for governor.

In church life he has had the following positions: Congregational trustee, Gale College trustee, treasurer for the Synod’s Eastern District and Luther College trustee.

Photo taken shortly after the turn of the century before
the final addition to the east was added, replacing the Dahl store
pictured above to the left of the new building