View of the rising sea smoke at sunrise. Sea smoke is a cloud over the sea, which could otherwise be called fog, and is usually formed when very cold air moves over warmer water. We see this phenomena all the time when watching Lake Superior. Photographers capture it with delight. The Blatnik or High Bridge is in the distance behind the Aerial Bridge. It is also known as the Duluth-Superior High Bridge or Blatnik High Bridge or Interstate Bridge. Efforts to secure a toll-free bridge between Duluth and Superior started as early as the 1930s. Other unsuccessful attempts were made in 1940 and 1948. In 1953, approval was given for a new toll bridge, pressure from both cities demanded a toll-free unit. When Congress adopted a new system of interstate and defense highways, the bridge became part of that system and was eligible for 90% federal financing - elevating the need for having it be a toll bridge. In 1956 construction plans were delayed by disagreement over clearance height. It had been set at 100 ft. but, after much debate, increased to 120. Construction started Nov. 28, 1958, on what was the largest single highway project ever undertaken jointly by Minnesota and Wisconsin. About 1.6 million hours were worked by construction employees and 100,000 by engineering and inspection personnel. Three workmen lost their lives in the three years of construction. The bridge was formally dedicated on Saturday, Dec. 2, 1961. Mayor Lawrence Hagen of Superior, E. Clifford Mork, Duluth Mayor. It was formally named to honor John A. Blatnik Sept. 24, 1971. To the right is a hotel called Comfort Suites at 408 Canal Park Drive. Street names were changed. South First Avenue East became Canal Park Drive. Harbor Drive was South Fifth Ave West. The first section, a half-mile, of the Downtown Lakewalk was completed in 1988 from the ship canal to the corner of the lake. By 1994 it extended four miles east.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The area west of the Arena Auditorium occupied here by hundreds of parked RVs will be developed into Bay Front Park. In the summer of 1983, an Airstream rally occupied all of the Arena Auditorium parking lot and the area seen here taken by RVs. The dark rectangular building near the stern of the ore boat is the Flame Restaurant building. The slip at the far right will be filled. In the foreground the I35 freeway is under construction and building materials laid out to the right. the Ship Canal piers were being remodeled/rehabilitated in 1985-1986.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View from Second Avenue West of the rubble that was the Glass Block store at 128 West Superior Street. The four floor retail giant in downtown Duluth had dozens of departments. It was located at this location from 1893. The store opened in 1887 at Panton and Watson.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Looking east from West Superior Street of the rubble that was the Glass Block store at 128 West Superior Street. The four floor retail giant in downtown Duluth had dozens of departments. It was located at this location from 1893. The store opened in 1887 at Panton and Watson.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View from West Michgan Street of the rubble that was the Glass Block store at 128 West Superior Street. The four floor retail giant in downtown Duluth had dozens of departments. It was located at this location from 1893. The store opened in 1887 at Panton and Watson.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Lower side of West Superior Street of signs for downtown businesses Ace Hardware 212 West Superior Street, Jensens Shoes at 208 West Superior Street with the Endion Station Art Gallery above and Bud's Clothing at 206 West Superior Street.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View from out in the Lake beyond the canal toward the canal's piers, lighthouses or light structures. There are small pleasure craft in Lake Superior. The South Pier is at the left, the North Pier is at the right. People are watching from the piers. The Paulucci building is at the right in the background. This may or may not be a foggy moment. Duluth can get foggy is a few minutes. It is one of the many Lake effects. We can also experience a 10, 20, even 30 degree temperature swing if you are down by the Lake or up over the hill.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Cornice and upper floors of Minnesota Surplus store and Mr. Nick's hamburgers, in the old Duluth Herald newspaper building, and Livingston's Big Duluth men's clothing store, on the lower side of West Superior Street.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Cornice and upper floors of Minnesota Surplus store and Mr. Nick's hamburgers, in the old Duluth Herald newspaper building, on the lower side of West Superior Street.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
When it gets very cold and the water of Lake Superior is warmer than the air, the lake "smokes" as seen here. The smokestack at the left is the Duluth Steam Plant that provides heat to hundreds of downtown businesses. The Duluth business district's tallest building is the Alworth shown here just in front of the Aerial Lift Bridge. The 16 story Daniel Burnham designed Alworth was built in 1909 in nine months opening August 30, 1910. Pioneer Hall is behind the Alworth. Ground was broken on April 7, 1975 for the Pioneer Hall and Duluth Curling Club. The Silver Broom World Curling Tournament in March 1976, drew 41,000 fans from ten countries to the new ice sheets in Pioneer Hall.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Jan Murillo awards Virginia Stebner a prize at the dedication celebration for the Meridian Apartments, held at the Normandy Inn. The 39-unit Meridian Apartments, developed by United Cerebral Palsy, opened in Duluth in 1978 and offered barrier-free living for people with disabilities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A living room at the new Meridian Apartments. The 39-unit Meridian Apartments, developed by United Cerebral Palsy, opened in Duluth in 1978 and offered barrier-free living for people with disabilities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
An unidentified woman looks out of the window of an apartment in the new Meridian Apartment complex. The 39-unit Meridian Apartments, developed by United Cerebral Palsy, opened in Duluth in 1978 and offered barrier-free living for people with disabilities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A bedroom at the new Meridian Apartments. The 39-unit Meridian Apartments, developed by United Cerebral Palsy, opened in Duluth in 1978 and offered barrier-free living for people with disabilities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A barrier-free bathroom at the new Meridian Apartments. The 39-unit Meridian Apartments, developed by United Cerebral Palsy, opened in Duluth in 1978 and offered barrier-free living for people with disabilities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A barrier-free shower at the new Meridian Apartments. The 39-unit Meridian Apartments, developed by United Cerebral Palsy, opened in Duluth in 1978 and offered barrier-free living for people with disabilities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A barrier-free shower at the new Meridian Apartments. The 39-unit Meridian Apartments, developed by United Cerebral Palsy, opened in Duluth in 1978 and offered barrier-free living for people with disabilities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A resident of the Meridian Apartment, identified only as Susan, walks through a paper banner, with assistance from Goldie Karon, at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Meridian Apartments. The 39-unit Meridian Apartments, developed by United Cerebral Palsy, opened in Duluth in 1978 and offered barrier-free living for people with disabilities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Mel Saari is outside the door to the community room at the Meridian Apartments. People in the room are gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The 39-unit Meridian Apartments, developed by United Cerebral Palsy, opened in Duluth in 1978 and offered barrier-free living for people with disabilities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Sportscaster Marsh Nelson speaks from the head table at a dedication event held at the Normandy Inn celebrating the opening of the Meridian Apartments. Nelson is introducing guest speaker former Minnesota Vikings player Karl Kassulke, left. The 39-unit Meridian Apartments, developed by United Cerebral Palsy, opened in Duluth in 1978 and offered barrier-free living for people with disabilities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Former Minnesota Vikings player Karl Kassulke speaks from the head table at a dedication event held at the Normandy Inn celebrating the opening of the Meridian Apartments. The 39-unit Meridian Apartments, developed by United Cerebral Palsy, opened in Duluth in 1978 and offered barrier-free living for people with disabilities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Former Minnesota Vikings player Karl Kassulke and others gather and socialize in the community room at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Meridian Apartments. The 39-unit Meridian Apartments, developed by United Cerebral Palsy, opened in Duluth in 1978 and offered barrier-free living for people with disabilities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections