John H. Darling (1847-1942), U.S. Engineer for Duluth-Superior Harbor, oversaw replacement of the original wooden canal piers with concrete piers in 1897. The piers have been maintained and repaired with a major remodeling/rehabilitation in 1985-1986.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
On Monday, July 1, 1929, the suspended car made its last trip across the canal. The bridge's modification to operate with a lift span began on April 8, 1929, with a low bid of $448,000 by the Kansas City Bridge Company. The Aerial Lift Bridge was first operated on March 19, 1930. The bridge has a clearance of 138 feet when the lift section is completely up and when down it is 16.5 feet above the water. The length of the span is 386 feet and weighs 900 tons. The distance from the water to the lower edge of the truss is 172 feet 7 inches; to the top of the truss it is 227 feet. During the shipping season it makes about 25 lifts a day. The new bridge is owned and operated by the City of Duluth on permit authorized by Congress. The Ship Canal and grounds are under the authority of the Lake Superior Area Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A bulk carrier enters the harbor under the Lift Bridge as an excursion boat approaches the canal. In the foreground of the image is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vessel Yard, 901 Minnesota Avenue.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Noronic was the largest Canadian passenger steamship vessel on the Great Lakes. It was owned and operated by the Canada Steamship Lines Limited. On September 16, 1949, docked in the Toronto harbor, the ship burned in the middle of the night with more than 130 passengers losing their lives. The fire started in a linen closet. The design and construction of the 36-year-old ship were also found to be at fault. The interiors had been lined with oiled wood instead of fireproof material. Exits were only located on one deck instead of all five. None of the ships fire hoses were in working order. Damage suits for the Noronic were settled for just over $2 million. In 1911, the peak year, 80,000 passengers traveled to Lake Superior. After 1920, the number of passenger cruise ships diminished with the advent of "motor-cars." Very few cruise ships were still in service after World War II. The last of those, the South American, made its last visit to Duluth in the 1966 season.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Priley Fountain, is a feature of the Civic Center that draws residents, downtown workers, and visitors. Joseph Carl Priley (1902-1981), born in Duluth, was elected in 1953 to the office of Finance Commissioner of the City of Duluth. He was elected Second District County Commissioner in 1958, serving until his retirement in December 1974. "Petunia Joe" instituted a civic beautification program which received national attention and a letter of appreciation from Lady Bird Johnson. On July 26, 1970, Mayor Ben Boo dedicated the courthouse fountain and circular drive to Mr. Priley for his courthouse flower gardens. He was also a well known musician, playing the viola in the Duluth symphony. In 1986, Duluth city officials announced they would extend the streetscape project to include the Civic Center. The $900,000 project involved paving Priley Drive and the sidewalks with bricks, renovating the fountain, and planting trees and shrubs.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Priley Fountain, is a feature of the Duluth Civic Center that draws residents, downtown workers, and visitors. Joseph Carl Priley (1902-1981), born in Duluth, was elected in 1953 to the office of Finance Commissioner of the City of Duluth. He was elected Second District County Commissioner in 1958, serving until his retirement in December 1974. "Petunia Joe" instituted a civic beautification program which received national attention and a letter of appreciation from Lady Bird Johnson. On July 26, 1970, Mayor Ben Boo dedicated the courthouse fountain and circular drive to Mr. Priley for his courthouse flower gardens. He was also a well known musician, playing the viola in the Duluth symphony. In 1986, Duluth city officials announced they would extend the streetscape project to include the Civic Center. The $900,000 project involved paving Priley Drive and the sidewalks with bricks, renovating the fountain, and planting trees and shrubs.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This post card caption says D-117 Foreign Vessel entering Duluth Canal and passing under the famous Aerial Lift Bridge. Duluth is the westerly terminus of the St. Lawrence Seaway. It looks like this is the Dutch vessel Colytto. The lift span is up. The sand beach of Minnesota Point is at the right with waves moving toward it. The neighborhood on Minnesota Point is called Park Point. There are a number of spots along the Point where access to the beach is especially popular, but life guards and a beach house are only at "the end" where you can also find playing fields including a place for polo. The address is 5000 Minnesota Avenue for the recreation area, and it is not truly at the end of the Point. Further along is the Sky Harbor Airport and further yet is the bird sanctuary.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Looking toward the Aerial Lift Bridge, this image provides a view of Leif Erikson Park, Twelfth Avenue East and London Road, as preparations begin for the Duluth International Folk Festival. Now known as the Festival of Cultures, the Folk Festival began in the late 1940s. Sponsors of the festival have included the International Institute, the Head of the Lakes World Affairs council, the Duluth Jaycees and the YWCA. Lake Shore Park was renamed Leif Erikson Park in 1929.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Pedestrians cross the Aerial Lift Bridge on a foggy day. The photographer, Elizabeth Jo Goodsell, was a Duluth community activist, teacher, and long time resident of Minnesota Point.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Fog in the harbor masks Canal Park, leaving the top span of the Lift Bridge visible above the Duluth Arena. In the lower left corner of the picture is the Medical Arts Building, 324-330 West Superior Street. Photographer, Elizabeth Jo Goodsell, was a Duluth community activist and a physical education teacher at Duluth East High School. She lived on Minnesota Point and was an avid photographer.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Chester Creek runs through Chester Park (also known as Chester Bowl Park) and empties into Lake Superior near Thirteenth Avenue East. Someone is walking to a parked car.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Swimmers are enjoying the upper lake. Chester Creek runs through Chester Park (also known as Chester Bowl Park) and is dammed, which results in designation of lakes, or ponds, of "upper" and "lower" or "above" or "below" the dam.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Children are swimming in the upper lake with adults looking on in Chester Park (also known as Chester Bowl Park). Creek runs through Chester Park and is dammed, which results in designation of lakes, or ponds, of "upper" and "lower" or "above" or "below" the dam.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Aerial view of Duluth Parks Department Indian Point Campground at Indian Point Park at 7500 Pulaski Street near 68th Avenue West or 7408 Grand Avenue today. It is very near the St. Louis River Western Waterfront and Willard Munger Trails. There are 70 camping spots.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A view of an unidentified lake. This snapshot by Stella Stocker is from her photograph album. Stocker, a musician and music educator, studied American Indian music among the Ojibwe people in Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Aerial view from about Eleventh to Ninth Avenues East from East Superior Street down to London Road and the lake shore. You can see the replica Leif Erikson boat in the park.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Aerial view of the mouth of the Lester River as it flows into Lake Superior at 61st Avenue East and highway 61 or London Road. The Lester River Bridge went onto the National Register of historic places September 6, 2002. It is a classic revival stone-faced concrete arch bridge that carries T.H. 61 (London Road/Congdon Blvd.) over the Lester River. The bridge is park of the city parkway system. The building to the right of the bridge is the U. S. Fish Hatchery building also on the National Register.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Morgan Park; view of Morgan Park; steel plant; roads; Grand Avenue; trees; buildings; St. Louis river; Spirit Lake; houses; east entrance to the company town
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
West Duluth; Duluth Missabe and Northern Railroad; number 6 Dock Construction; pile foundation; pile driving; workers; workmen; winter; snow; ore dock; Lake Superior; photograph number 23; equipment; March 22, 1917
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
West Duluth; Duluth Missabe and Northern Railroad; Junctions of Steel with Concrete wall approach; number 6 dock construction; steam equipment; steel girders being placed by crane; workers; workmen; equipment; building materials; railroad tracks; photograph number 26; April 6, 1917
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
West Duluth; Duluth Missabe and Northern Railroad; Foundation showing Sheet Piling; construction of number 6 dock; winter; snow; ore dock; tug boat; crane; railroad tracks; piling foundation; pile driver; June 21, 1917; photograph number 28
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
West Duluth; Duluth Missabe and Northern Railroad; Erecting Approach of number 6 dock; number 6 dock construction; equipment; steel girders being placed; crane; workers with guide wires; workmen; houses; tents; June 21, 1917; photograph number 29
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
West Duluth; Duluth Missabe and Northern Railroad; Material Yard of no. 6 dock construction; view of Duluth waterfront land; pilings; building materials; workers; workmen; aerial bridge in distance; grain elevators in distance; railroad yards; railroad tracks; railroad spurs; open iron ore cars; June 21, 1917; photograph number 31
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Duluth Missabe and Northern Railroad; West Duluth Foundation showing Piers of no. 6 dock construction; steam equipment; workers; workmen; ore dock; railroad tracks; July 24, 1917; photograph number 33; forms; concrete structures; barges
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
West Duluth; Duluth Missabe and Northern Railroad; Erecting Steel Dock; construction of number 6 dock; equipment; cranes; workers; workmen; concrete; September 1, 1917
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
West Duluth; Entertainment near the ore docks and train trestle; advertisements; spectators; horses; dare devil entertainers; advertisement for The Big Duluth clothing store
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
West Duluth; Iron Ore Docks; Duluth Municipal Stadium that would be renamed Wade Stadium; harbor; houses; baseball diamond; cars; Berwind Fuel Company at South Fiftieth Avenue West and NP Railway tracks; ore carriers; ore boats; iron ore docks; Thirty-ninth Avenue west; summer; trees
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Wade Stadium was Duluth Municipal Stadium. Wade Stadium was dedicated on July 16, 1941, 3:00 p.m.
Duluth Municipal Stadium located at 34th Ave West and Grand, or 35th avenue west and Michigan Street, was renamed Wade Municipal Stadium February 3, 1954, to honor the late Frank Wade, former owner of the Duluth Dukes baseball team. Wade was sited as having made durable contributions to Duluth. Letters from the community were sent to Mayor George D. Johnson encouraging the name change. The letters were sent on to Frank Wade's widow. The stadium was constructed by WPA workmen under sponsorship of the Parks Department with a seating capacity of 6,000. It was originally built in 1940-1941 at a cost of $223,000. It is sometimes called the Duluth All-Sports Stadium. It should not be confused with Public School Stadium. West Duluth; ore docks; harbor; two baseball stadiums; Duluth Municipal Stadium located at Thirty-Fourth Ave West and Grand, was renamed Wade Municipal Stadium February 3, 1954, to honor Frank Wade, former owner of the Duluth Dukes baseball team; baseball diamond; trees; gain elevators; coal dock; coal unloading cranes; Elliott meat plant
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View of Oliver Iron Mining Company Canisteo District mining activity near Trout lake at Coleraine. OIM's original experimental washing plant to right of center.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections