Aerial bridge from bay; boats entering; canal; piers; Minnesota Point buildings on both sides; houses; light house on south pier; Corps of Engineers building.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Aerial bridge under construction; Wenisch and Bourgeault cut stone contractors sign; steamer exiting harbor through canal; light house on south pier near bridge
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The caption on this post card says JOHN A BLATNIK BRIDGE A Foreign Ship enters the Duluth-Superior Harbor Westerly Terminus of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Port Authority Terminal is shown in the background. This is the Interstate Bridge. The original Interstate toll bridge was built in 1897, property of the Duluth-Superior Bridge Company, a subsidiary of the Great Northern Railroad. It was replaced by the this High Bridge or the Blatnik Bridge as it was renamed in 1971.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This post card caption says D-88 Showing the new $6,5000,000.00 Duluth Arena-Auditorium on Harbor Drive. The Arena Auditorium opened to great fanfare in August 1966. It was renamed the DECC or Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center August 31, 1987. It was expanded and opened with celebrations on June 18, 1990. The Harbor Side Convention Center and Parking Ramp additions were opened January 31, 2001.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The suspended car transfer was replaced in 1929 with the Aerial Lift Bridge span. The building at the left is the wholesale grocer Gowan Lenning Twohy.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
D-5 The caption of this post card says One of the nation's top attractions is Duluth's famous aerial bridge which must be raised for each approaching steamer into the harbor, and stretches the mainland of Duluth to the Minnesota Point which juts out into Lake Superior for nine miles. This card was mailed in August of 1958, but these streetlights on the piers were replaced about 1955. Minnesota Point, or Park Point, is a long, narrow peninsula that extends out from the Canal Park area of Duluth separating Lake Superior from Superior Bay. Minnesota Point is approximately 7 miles in length, and when included with Wisconsin Point, which extends 3 miles out from Superior, Wisconsin, is reported to be the largest freshwater sandbar in the world at a total of 10 miles. Due to the short and easy portage across Minnesota Point, the Ojibwe name for the City of Duluth is Onigamiinsing ("at the little portage"). Since the digging of an artificial canal in 1870-1871 Minnesota Point is technically an island, connected to the rest of the city of Duluth since 1905 by the Aerial Bridge, since 1930 by the Aerial Lift Bridge. At the end of Minnesota Point is a small airport, Sky Harbor.
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
A night view shows the Duluth Arena Auditorium and parking facilities. The Minnesota Power and Light substation is in the foreground. There is a lighted Christmas tree surrounded by a car display at the joint entrance to the complex. The Arena Auditorium opened to great fanfare in August 1966. The arena was home to UMD hockey and seats for 8,000, and the Duluth Symphony finally had a grand hall for its performances and sat 2,400. It was renamed the DECC or Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center on August 31, 1987. It was expanded and re-opened June 18, 1990. The Harbor Side Convention Center and Parking Ramp additions were opened January 31, 2001.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A night view shows the lights of Duluth's central business district and lights along the piers of the canal. The two central buildings are the tall Alworth building and the wide Medical Arts building both on the lower side of Superior Street. Fourth Avenue West is bright and visible and runs next to the darker Providence building. All three buildings still stand.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This view shows light the industrial Canal Park area at the left as you approach the Aerial Bridge and the 1966 completed Duluth Arena Auditorium at the center with its expansive parking lot. Sailboats and small pleasure craft are in the harbor. Fifth Avenue West overpass is at the far right. Note that Canal Park was not a tourist destination until the 1980s. It was zoned as a light industrial site for decades.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
In 1893, James J. Hill's Northern Steamship Company built 385-foot ocean style passenger steamers. 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 Canadian steel steamer Huronic was constructed in Collingwood, Ontario, in 1902. She ran on the Northern Navigation Division of the Canadian Steamship Company, on cruise trips from Detroit to Duluth. In 1940, the Huronic was dismantled and made into a package freighter.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This view from Skyline Drive over the central business district of Duluth showing the curve of Minnesota Point is what this woman and two children see. People tend to get out of their cars to enjoy the wide view from Skyline. The Aerial Bridge has already lowered as the ore boat that passed under it now glides into the harbor. Northern Drug Company, or L. W. Leithhead Drug in earlier years, is the multistory building next to the new Fifth Avenue West curving road. The Flame Restaurant and sign are visible on the harbor shore at the tip of the ore boat between the Duluth Arena Auditorium (now called the DECC - Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center) and the circular Radisson Hotel.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This view is from just below First Street looking down Second Avenue West. Glass Block department store and the Sellwood building are on the corners of Superior Street and Second Avenue West. Railroad Street and ice filled slips are between downtown and the bridge. Minnesota Point extends beyond the bridge at the top of the image. Glass Block was built in 1893 and three floors added in 1902. It closed in 1981. The Sellwood was built in 1908 and still stands.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Spectators line the Ship Canal while a Navy destroyer and two small vessels pass under the Lift Bridge. In the background, sprays of water add to this celebration of the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A Navy destroyer and other small vessels pass under the Lift Bridge, as spectators celebrate the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Clearly visible in Canal Park is the small white Army Corps of Engineers Building, which was constructed in 1906.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Submarine Corsair, accompanied by three small vessels, arrives in Duluth for the Seaway Celebration, July 11, 1959. Navy destroyers Sherman, U.S.S. C.H. Roan and Forrest Royal, also took part in this celebration marking the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Spectators line the piers of Duluth's Ship Canal to welcome Navy destroyers Sherman, U.S.S. C.H. Roan and Forrest Royal, along with submarine Corsair, marking the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The 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
This post card was mailed in 1906, but the image is from an earlier year. In the 1890s commercial fishing on Lake Superior was feeding Duluth and the entire Midwest with major operators: A. Booth and Sons (whose sign is visible at the left), Lake Superior Fish Company, H. Christiansen and Sons.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
American Indians from Cass Lake gather near the shore of Lake Superior. The Aerial Lift Bridge and the High Bridge are visible in the background. Built in 1961, the High Bridge was renamed for Congressman John A. Blatnik in 1971. The 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
The lift span is up as spectators watch a line of pleasure craft sail through the Ship Canal, passing under the Aerial Lift Bridge. On July 11, 1959 several thousand people gathered in Canal Park, and more lined the lake shore as far north as the Lester River, to celebrate the completion of the St. Lawrence Seaway. At the foot of the bridge, on the right of the image, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Building. Observation Hill stands behind Canal Park and the harbor.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The caption of this post card says The Aerial Bridge, Span 393 feet 9 inches, 135 feet high from water line. Cost $100,000. Entrance to Duluth-Superior Harbor. The white building at the left is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Building constructed in 1906.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A Navy destroyer arrives in Duluth for the Seaway Celebration, July 11, 1959. Navy destroyers Sherman, U.S.S. C.H. Roan and Forrest Royal, along with submarine Corsair, took part in this celebration marking the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Hugh C. Leighton Co., Manufacturers, Portland, ME.
Date Created:
1910?
Description:
During storms water from waves collect in the piers which are designed with drainage gaps so the water runs back into the canal. Here, there is melted snow and a small pack of snow at the base of the pier's walkway that blocks the drainage.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Duluth Arena Auditorium is at the center of this image, above and to the right of the Arena are the grain elevators on Rice's Point, and the John A. Blatnik Bridge connecting Duluth and Superior, Wisconsin. Built in 1961, the High Bridge was renamed for Congressman John A. Blatnik in 1971. Blatnik (1911-1991) was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1940, he was a representative to the U.S. Congress for Minnesota's Eight District from 1947-1974. The U-shaped building at the lower left is the Hotel Duluth.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A ship heads toward the canal to exit the Duluth harbor. The span is up on the Aerial Lift Bridge to allow the vessel to pass. The discoloration in the water around the ship could be fuel or other residue from vessel traffic in the harbor. Minnesota Slip is parallel to Canal Park in the center of the image; to the left is the Duluth Arena Auditorium. The Arena Auditorium's grand opening was in August 1966. It would be added to over the years and renamed DECC or Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This aerial view clearly shows the long narrow sandbar correctly called Minnesota Point but familiarly called Park Point by local residents. The Point has a recreation area at Thirteenth street and the larger facility including bathhouse, playing fields, and lifeguards at "the End" (the Park at the far end of the beach). To the left of the Point is Superior Bay, to the right is Lake Superior. At the top of the image is the hillside of Duluth. Hearding Island is off Minnesota Point toward the harbor. The island is the uninhabited site that has been called Bird Island by Park Point residents and Harbor Island by Duluth Bird Club members. 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
Looking toward the North Shore this aerial view shows the Duluth Arena Auditorium on the lower left. The Arena Auditorium opened in August 1966 and was renamed the DECC or Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center in 1987. Just below the Arena Auditorium is the building that housed the Flame Restaurant. Located at 353 South Fifth Avenue West, the Flame opened in 1930 and closed on January 3, 1973. The water of Minnesota Slip is visible between Canal Park and the Arena-Auditorium. Off the shore of Canal Park in Lake Superior are the remnants of the Whitney rock crushing enterprise, visible here as a small brown rectangle. The Whitney Brothers, of Superior, Wisconsin, had a sand and gravel processing business that was functioning in 1919. The concrete form that is still in the water was the dredging/crushing building.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The lift span is up and a Cost Guard vessel is at the dock in this view of the Aerial Bridge taken by Duluth activist and Minnesota Point resident Jo Goodsell.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
In this aerial view the span of the Lift Bridge is down and traffic is free to flow between Canal Park and Minnesota Point. The newly constructed Marine Museum (now the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center) is visible in the lower portion of the image, adjacent to the right side of the canal; its grand opening was on September 29, 1973. Also visible in Canal Park are the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Building, next to the Marine Museum, the Sand Bar, 522 Lake Avenue South, and the home of Jeno's Incorporated, 525 Lake Avenue South, now known as the Paulucci Building. The sandy beach of Minnesota Point shows on the left side of the canal in this image.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This image shows Canal Park toward the end of its light industrial era. At the bottom center of the image, between First Avenue East and Lake Avenue, at 438 Lake Avenue South, is the Northwestern Iron and Metal Company scrap yard. The newly constructed Marine Museum (now the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center) is visible below the canal; its grand opening was on September 29, 1973. Also visible in Canal Park are the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers building (1906), next to the Marine Museum, the Sand Bar, 522 Lake Avenue South, and the home of Jeno's Incorporated, 525 Lake Avenue South, now known as the Paulucci Building. In the upper right corner of the image, on Minnesota Point is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel yard. An excursion boat in the canal approaches the harbor.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
An excursion boat enters Superior Bay (the Duluth harbor) under the Aerial Lift Bridge. Canal Park is on the left of the bridge, and Minnesota Point is on the right. The discoloration in the water of the Bay could be fuel or other residue from vessel traffic in the harbor.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This aerial view faces downtown Duluth, incorporating the near end of Minnesota Point and Canal Park. Minnesota Slip runs straight up through the center of the image, between Canal Park and the Duluth Arena Auditorium, and a Coast Guard cutter is docked in front of the Arena. Minnesota Slip is where the 600-foot long William A. Irvin ore boat museum will lay beginning in July 1986. The hillside rises up behind downtown, with Mesaba Avenue running diagonally up the left side of the hill. The rectangle and three dots parallel to the piers of the canal are the remnants of the Whitney Brothers rock crushing enterprise. The lift span of the bridge is up as a ship moves out of the harbor. At the center in the bottom portion of the image is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Duluth Vessel Yard at Ninth Street and Minnesota Avenue that was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in October 1995. It was a maintenance, storage, mooring facility established in 1904, supporting dredging and maintenance of the Duluth shipping harbor.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This striking image presents an aerial view directly above the Lift Bridge. The span is up and a vessel approaches the canal. On the left, cars on Minnesota Point are visible waiting for the bridge span to return to ground level. In local parlance, if you are stopped for the lifting of the span, you are being bridged. People who live on the Point calculate their comings and goings with getting bridged in mind. You can sit and wait for ten or fifteen minutes and sometimes longer.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Looking up into the bridge structure, photographer Jo Goodsell captures the light and architectural shapes of the Lift Bridge. The Aerial Lift Bidge was entered in the National Register of Historic Places on May 22, 1973.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Formally known as the South Breakwater Inner Light Tower this 67 foot tall structure, seen here next to the south tower of the Aerial Lift Bridge, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The light was first lit in 1901. Originally owned by the federal government, the light tower was sold in December 2008.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A Norwegian-flagged vessel is moored at the Port Terminal. Another vessel moves through the harbor, with the Aerial Lift Bridge and Duluth in the distance. The completion of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959 opened the Duluth-Superior port to ocean-going vessels. 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
The small red building is an office for the Great Lakes Towing Company. Organized on July 7, 1899, in Cleveland, the Great Lakes Towing Company was founded by prominent Great Lakes ship owners. Great Lakes Towing Company is the largest U.S. tugboat company on the lakes and has been operating in the Duluth-Superior harbor since 1900.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
In this aerial view the span of the Lift Bridge is up and a vessel approaches the canal. The newly constructed Marine Museum (now the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Building are visible in the lower left corner of the image. The 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
This view from the entry of the Ship Canal shows the south pier, including both the outer and inner South Breakwater Lights. The lift span of the Aerial Bridge is up, giving a view into the harbor. The "Eiffel Tower" structure near the end of the South Pier of the Duluth Ship Canal held the antenna for the Radio Direction Finder signal which used to be broadcast from there. The tower was left standing after the RDF equipment was removed. When the Ship Canal piers were renovated in 1985-1986, the tower was removed.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The lift span is up as pedestrians walk along the north side of the Ship Canal. Behind the bridge footings is the home office of Jeno's Inc, 525 Lake Avenue South, now known as the Paulucci Building.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The scale of the moored vessel is evident as a person walks beside it. The Aerial Lift Bridge is framed by the Duluth hillside and the moored vessel. The 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
A view of Canal Park and Minnesota Point (Park Point) taken from the Tri-Towers Apartments, 222 North Second Avenue East. The Point has a recreation area at Thirteenth Street and a larger facility including bathhouse, playing fields, and lifeguards at the end of the park. To the right of the Point is Superior Bay; to the left is Lake Superior. Superior, Wisconsin is visible in the background above the Bay.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This image shows spectators lining the Ship Canal to witness the first foreign ship entering the Duluth harbor. The merchant vessel Ramon de Larrinaga arrived in Duluth on May 3, 1959, to load grain. Departing from its home port of Liverpool, it was the first foreign ship to arrive in Duluth through the newly opened St. Lawrence Seaway.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Radisson Hotel, 505 West Superior Street, is seen here in an early phase of construction. The Lift Bridge is just visible behind the gables of the Union Depot. Construction of the Radisson building was a result of the Gateway Urban Renewal Project, which was intended to renew the "Bowery" area of downtown Duluth. Begun in 1961, the Project included demolition of buildings from Seventh Avenue West to between Fourth and Fifth Avenues West, and from the upper side of Michigan Street to the lower side of First Street. The grand opening of the Radisson Hotel took place in May 1970.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This image provides a winter view of Lake Superior, Superior Bay, downtown Duluth and Minnesota Point (Park Point), as well as the Aerial Lift Bridge. The water of the bay is frozen and ice lines the shore of Minnesota Point. The photographer noted the view as being taken from "the Skyline." Formerly known as Duluth's Highland Boulevard, Terrace Parkway, Rogers Boulevard and Skyline Drive, Skyline Parkway stretches 25 miles from Becks Road east to the Lester River, ending at Lake Superior. Skyline Parkway was designated as a State Scenic Byway in 1998.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
In this image the Aerial Lift Bridge is seen from Garfield Avenue in the Duluth Harbor. Stacks of timber are awaiting processing. Although the photograph was taken from Garfield Avenue, the timber is most likely in the yard at the Superwood Corporation, 1210 Railroad Street. Superwood began operation in 1945 as Superior Wood Products Company to manufacture furniture cores. In 1949 the business switched to manufacturing hardboard. The name was changed to Superwood in 1952.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This 26-foot, 2,000 pound statue of Neptune was featured at the Minnesota State Fair in 1959. Following the Fair it was given to Duluth by the Minnesota State Fair Board and placed in Canal Park for the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959. Made of fiberglass and plastic over papier-mch it eventually disintegrated. The statue was removed in 1963.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Aerial Lift Bridge is highlighted in this view from the windows of the Duluth Arena Auditorium. The lift span is up providing a view of the South Breakwater Inner Light Tower. The tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally owned by the federal government, it was bought in December, 2008 by Steve Sola and Matt Kampf of Duluth. The Light Tower is 67 feet tall; its light was first lit in 1901.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Looking to the southwest and the Aerial Lift Bridge, this view is from St. Luke's Hospital, 915 East First Street. On the right side of the image is the Fitger's Brewery. The Fitger Brewing Company (1881-1972) was the oldest continuously operating industry in Duluth at the time of its closing in September 1972 (the date of this photograph).
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
As described by the photographer, this photograph was taken from the vantage point of the Kitchi Gammi Club, 831 East Superior Street. Behind the Aerial Lift Bridge the Blatnik High Bridge is visible in the distance. In the foreground is a statue of Jay Cooke. Created by sculptor Henry M. Shrady, the statue was dedicated October 15, 1921. 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
Ore boat leaving Duluth. Detroit Publishing Co. was a prolific post card publisher, especially in the U.S. Their cards were published from 1898 to 1933. Using a color process called Phostint, their cards were considered to be very artistic. The hobby of collecting post cards is called deltiology. The first post card was issued by the Austrian government, America's first postcards came out in 1873. Picture postcards were introduced later. The golden age of postcards was supposed to date from 1907 through the first World War.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The newly built High Bridge connecting Duluth and Superior, Wisconsin is highlighted in this postcard. Built in 1961, the High Bridge was renamed for Congressman John A. Blatnik in 1971. Blatnik (1911-1991) was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1940, he was a representative to the U.S. Congress for Minnesota's Eight District from 1947-1974.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Located at Point of Rocks at First Street near Mesabi Avenue, Higgins Observation Point Park was dedicated Tuesday, June 8, 1965. Money for the park was donated by the Higgins family. In the center of the image is the Flame Restaurant, 353 South Fifth Avenue West. Opened in 1930, it closed January 3, 1973, later reopened under other managements, and closed againon February 11, 1985
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Members of the Duluth Fire Department create water sprays to mark the arrival of the Ramon de Larrinaga. The Larrinaga was the first foreign ship to arrive in Duluth through the newly opened St. Lawrence Seaway. It was followed five minutes later by the Liberian-registered Herald. 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
Tanker Asia transported grain from Canada to the Great Lakes. It was sold in February 1960 to D. B. Deniz Nakliyati T.A.S., Istanbul, renamed and reflagged Gaizan, Turkey and delivered to the buyers in Galveston, Texan in 1960. There is no trace of this vessel after 1977.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The post card caption says These giant ore and grain carriers measure as long as 729 feet and have a pay load of up to 26,000 tons. They make the round trip from Duluth to Lake Erie ports and back in 4 to 5 days. There are over 300 ore and grain carriers operated by some 25 companies.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The full caption on this post card says Giant Ore Carrier going through the canal and under the famous Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth, Minn. Ore and grain carriers measure as long as 729 feet carrying up to 26,000 tons. Duluth is the westerly terminus of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View of the harbor from above, possibly from Skyline Drive. The long, low Northern Pacific Railroad freight sheds are between Minnesota and Industrial slips. A laker is in Minnesota Slip. The coal dock area will be the construction site for the Duluth Arena Auditorium in 1963. Hearding Island is off Minnesota Point in the harbor. The island is the uninhabited site that has been called Bird Island by Park Point residents and Harbor Island by Duluth Bird Club members. The name Hearding Island is for William Hellins Hearding (England, 1826-1893, Milwaukee) who surveyed the Duluth-Superior harbor in 1861 as assigned by Captain (later a general in the Civil War) George C. Meade. The survey, completed in a little over two months, included the St. Louis River up to Fond du Lac, and the bay including Minnesota Point and the mouth of the Nemadji River. Rice's Point is at the middle left of the image showing a number of grain elevators.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A view to the canal with the Duluth business district in the foreground. The 1896 Sacred Heart Cathedral steeple is in the right corner in front of the building that is now the Damiano Center (clothes distribution and soup kitchen). The cathedral, now a music center, and the Damiano are at 211 and 206 West Fourth Street. At the left is the smokestack of the Duluth Steam Plant built in 1932 that continues to provide heat to downtown businesses. To the left of the smokestack is the five-story Freimuth's Department store which opened in 1900 on the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street. It was Duluth's oldest family owned firm when it closed in 1961 with 60 employees. The Freimuth's building was razed in May 1968. On the far right on Superior Street are the tall, slim Alworth building (16 stories) dating from 1909, and the light colored Medical Arts building on the site of the St. Louis Hotel. The hotel was razed beginning May 19, 1932. September 1, 1932 contractors broke ground for the Medical Arts building. Signs in Canal Park include Marshall-Wells Hardware Company and Griggs, Cooper and Company. Griggs Cooper was a wholesale grocer and liquor business at 217-219 Lake Avenue South featuring Home brand food.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The caption says The Aerial Bridge Span 393 feet 9 inches, 135 feet high from water line, cost $100,000 Duluth, Minn. A few more details that are not on this card are that the Aerial Bridge was completed in February, 1905. The Aerial Bridge transporter or gondola or transfer car roadway was 17 feet by 50 feet with sidewalks seven feet by 50 feet and the cabins were 30 feet long. This original bridge was modified with the lift span in 1929 and first operated March 19, 1930.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This post card caption says D-103 NITE VIEW OF AERIAL LIFT BRIDGE Duluth, Minnesota Vessels from the world's ports arrive at the Duluth-Superior Harbor after transiting the St. Lawrence Seaway. A few more details could include that the St. Lawrence Seaway, after a 40 year struggle, was officially opened June 26, 1959, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth II. On July 11, 1959 several thousand people gathered in Canal Park, and more lined the lake shore as far north as the Lester River, to celebrate the first ocean-going vessels to arrive in Duluth following completion of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This post card caption says Dutch Ship Colytto - 475 feet-long and 62-feet wide with a tonnage capacity of 9075 tons arrives at Duluth coming through the canal and under the famous Aerial Lift Bridge. Duluth is the westerly terminus of the St. Lawrence Seaway. This is an ocean general cargo vessel. Its derricks and booms enable it to load various package cargoes. The St. Lawrence Seaway is the common name for a system of locks, canals and channels that permits ocean-going vessels to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the North American Great Lakes, as far as Lake Superior. Legally it extends from Montreal to Lake Erie, including the Welland Canal. The seaway is named after the Saint Lawrence River, which it follows from Lake Ontario to the Atlantic Ocean. Proposals for the seaway started in 1909, but were met with resistance from railway and port lobbyists in the United States.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Colorized or hand colored image of a vessel entering the harbor. Waterfront industrial structures are beyond the bow of the ship. The lighthouse structure at the left dates from 1901. The formal name is South Breakwater Inner Light Tower formerly owned and regulated by the federal government. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is 67 feet tall. The tower's light was first lit in 1901. It was bought in December 2008 by Steve Sola and Matt Kampf of Duluth. The winning bid was more than $31,000.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The aerial lift bridge is owned and operated by the City of Duluth on Congressional permit. The Ship Canal and grounds are under the authority of the Lake Superior Area Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Minnesota Point, also called Park Point, is a well-known Duluth neighborhood that has a population of about 1,500; it is a major year-round recreational area with beaches and an airport. You can see the light edge of the sand beach parallel to the edge of the photograph. Minnesota Point is located at the western tip of Lake Superior, at the mouth of its largest tributary, the St. Louis River. Minnesota Point, seven miles long and averaging 500 feet wide, is geologically part of a continuous, sandy, bay mouth bar that stretches between Duluth and Superior, Wisconsin. The middle of the bar is submerged, creating the natural entry that separates Minnesota Point on the northwest from Wisconsin Point on the southeast. This bar was formed by two processes: primarily by sands carried from the South Shore and deposited by lake currents, and secondarily by sediment deposited by the St. Louis and Nemadji rivers. There are erosion and flood problems on the two sides of Minnesota Point. Most of the Minnesotas Lake Superior shore consists of rock and red clay. The vast sandy beach of Minnesota Point is not common. Shifts in dunes and breaks in dune line can occur in just a few hours. If a blow hole forms in a dune line, up to 3,000 cubic feet of sand can shift during a single storm. Vegetation can help prevent dune erosion. Dunes are extremely important in controlling wind erosion on Minnesota Point. To protect the dunes, it is essential to control pedestrian traffic and prohibit the use of vehicles. If it is necessary to cross dunes, the use of designated trails with boardwalks or bark mulch can minimize damage.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
139-D The caption of this post card says The unique Aerial Lift Bridge and Ship Canal Entrance to Duluth-Superior Harbor is an outstanding attraction of this popular summer vacation city. Total bridge load lifted is 900 tons. Only 55 seconds are required to lift the span 135 feet. The Harbor is second only to that of New York City in shipping tonnage and through it passes about 60 per cent of America's iron ore production, from the great iron ore ranges just north of Duluth. Another fact, not included in the caption is that 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
The caption for this post card says The famous Aerial Lift Bridge, at the entrance to the Duluth -Superior harbor, is the largest of its kind in the world. The 900-ton span, lifted by electrical energy stored in batteries, rises 120 feet in 50 seconds each time a boat approaches the harbor.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Whaleback is an unusual ship design with steel hulls (body of the vessel) and rounded decks (boat, hurricane, main -which is the lowest full-length deck in a ship's hull, and spar are all decks at different levels) which was introduced by the inventor Captain Alexander McDougall of Duluth in 1888. It was a very stable vessel. American Steel Barge Company, a New York corporation engaged in shipbuilding and transportation on the Great Lakes as well as on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, purchased all of the patents for McDougalls whaleback vessels for $25,000. The only remaining whaleback is the Meteor, which is now a museum at Barker's Island in Superior, Wisconsin.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This post card caption says Arena-Auditorium Duluth, Minnesota Fifth Avenue West and Waterfront. This beautiful new $6,100,000 multi-purpose facility will have an Auditorium to accommodate 2,500 people, and Arena with seating capacity up to 8,000 persons, an Exhibit Hall, 9 Meeting Rooms, and complete Banquet Facilities. The Arena-Auditorium will make Duluth the Convention Entertainment and Sports Center of The Upper Midwest. The building will be completed in 1966. This illustration is an architect's rendering of the proposed arena auditorium design. Ground was broken December 19, 1963.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Duluth harbor looking at the waterfront, the hillside beyond and the Canal Park area abutting the bridge. At the left on the waterfront are warehouse district buildings and remaining North Western Fuel Company coal docks before you reach slips and Canal Park businesses. At the center of the image is a light building, Hotel Duluth, at Superior Street and Third Avenue East that opened in May 1925. The bay side view of Minnesota Point is at the right with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel yard facility.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Minnesota Slip (water), on some 1920s maps called Lake Avenue Slip, is bounded by the Northern Pacific Railway Dock No. 6, and the businesses and warehouses on the harbor edge of Canal Park. The Marshall-Wells water towers are a feature standing tall next to the DeWitt Seitz Company building that stands today. The DeWitt-Seitz Co., whose plant, factory, warehouse and offices were at 390 S. Lake Avenue, was one of Duluth's prosperous businesses. The company, organized in 1905 by Henry F. Seitz and C E. DeWitt, manufactured all grades of mattresses and box springs, and included wholesale and jobbing of furniture and floor coverings. The DeWitt-Seitz best grade mattress and box spring, known as the Sanomade, carried the slogan "Remember the Name, the Rest is Easy." It was used and advertised all over the country. Its wholesale furniture and jobbing business covered Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Michigan, North Dakota and parts of South Dakota and Montana. Including salesmen, the company employed a total of 60 persons in its nine story building that still stands as the DeWitt-Seitz Market Place in Canal Park. F. S. Kelly Furniture Co. bought the furniture stock of the DeWitt-Seitz Co in June of 1961. DeWitt-Seitz continued manufacturing mattresses and reorganized the firm, but the mattress company was sold in 1962.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A Pittsburgh Steamship Division vessel is just about to move under the lift span of the bridge. If the crew looks toward the hillside it will see Minnesota Slip, Industrial Slip, remnants of the North Western Fuel Company coal dock, Northern Pacific Railroad docks 5 and 6, the site of Fifth Avenue West and Commerce Street that once was the bustling warehouse district and includes the Lakes Transit Company, F.A. Patrick building, Northern Drug wholesale building, and the electric company power station. The Flame Restaurant is the light rectangular building near the water's edge. Remnants of the Whitney Brothers rock crushing business are at the far right in the lake.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View from the harbor looking toward the Duluth downtown business district and the hillside. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel yard is at the right. The U.S. Amry Corps of Engineers Building is framed by the Aerial Lift Bridge whose span is raised for the exit of an approaching ore boat. The ore boat is parallel to the new Arena Auditorium, just opened August 1966. The excursion boat business is at the corner of the Arena and Minnesota Slip. The pyramid shaped roof ofthe Pietro Belluschi designed copper top church, First Methodist, at Central Entrance and Skyline Drive is visible. It was completed in 1966. Canal Park is still industrial but will become a tourist destination following redevelopment in the 1980s. The South Breakwater Inner Light Tower or the Canal Park lighthouse is at the far right.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View shows Commerce Street in the foreground and Minnesota Point and its sandy beach to the right of the bridge. At the top left, Canal Park businesses and industries fit between Minnesota Slip and Lake Superior. Two cars are crossing the bridge. Ground was broken December 19, 1963 for the Duluth Arena Auditorium. The Arena Auditorium complex opened to great fanfare in August 1966. UMD hockey was played at the arena which, seating 8,000, was also the site of performances of entertainers and rock concerts. The Auditorium was home to the symphony, opera, ballet, and artists like Marcel Marceau. It was renamed the DECC or Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center on August 31, 1987. It was expanded and re-opened June 18, 1990. The Harbor Side Convention Center and Parking Ramp additions were opened January 31, 2001. At the far right are businesses removed for the Fifth Avenue West Overpass, and later, the Great Lakes Aquarium and Bayfront Festival Park.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The lift span is up as an ore boat of the Cleveland-Cliffs fleet approaches the canal. Pioneer Hall and the Northwest Passage skywalk link to downtown are complete. Gateway Towers and Lenox Place apartment high-rises and the new Duluth Public Library are visible. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, formerly called the Marine Museum, opened in 1973 and is seen near the north pier with Grandma's Saloon restaurant and its summertime tent visible marking the first two amenities of Canal Park that would develop into a tourist destination.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Claude Turner design for the original Aerial Bridge from 1901. Many companies and designers vied for this project. The bridge was built in 1904-1905. This drawing shows the spires and steel structural detail as well as the concrete footings and dimensions. Both towers are shown with an end view. In 1929 the suspended car transfer was eliminated and a lift span was installed.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Technical details and named parts of the suspended car and its supporting structure for the bridge's builders. Included on the drawing are dimensions, rivet poles, braces, center lines, bolt connections, plates, trusses, knee brace, hanger roll. Drawing 161, Sheet M5.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Nearly a companion photo to 2161.6, this is an autumn day. View of Duluth from above Skyline Drive out to Lake Superior where laker and saltie vessels wait to come in to the harbor. There can be a pile up of vessels waiting for cargo that has not yet arrived for pick up. In this case, there was a grain millers' strike in progress. The strike, called by Local 118 of the American Federation of Grain Millers, lasted twelve weeks beginning on July 6. It began against two of the eight elevators in the Twin Ports, but by July 25 affected all elevators. It had nothing to do with the longshoremen. You can see the orange bottoms of some of the vessels. They are riding high on the water without the weight of their cargos. Once filled, the vessel's weight forces the orange portion to be underwater and not visible. You can also see the cranes on the decks of the vessels. The cranes are used to transport commodities onto the vessel. There is an ore boat and tug in the bay. The Arena Auditorium is just to the right of the Aerial bridge. The Arena is an oval shape. Opened in August 1966, the Arena Auditorium complex was altered later and finally renamed as the DECC, Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center. The Normandy Inn hotel and restaurant building stands out with its red name on a white wall. The Normandy, on Superior Street between Second and Third Avenues West, opened in December 1977 . It becomes the Holiday Inn in the early 1980s, a part of the Labovitz and Goldfine properties. The Normandy stands on what was called the Lyric Block named for the grand Lyric theater that occupied 75 feet of frontage on Superior Street for decades. Duluth's first Skywalk segment connected the Normandy with the First American National Bank across Superior Street. The block with the Lyric theater was razed beginning in June of 1976 for new development. The distinctively shaped, round, Radisson Hotel is obscured by trees. You can just see the top of it. It is further west on Superior Street. The Radisson opened in May 1970. The NC sign is on top of the Alworth building. The Northern City National Bank's NC was there from 1957 to 1980 when the bank became First Bank Duluth. The smokestack at the left is part of the Duluth Steam Cooperative that supplies heat to many downtown buildings.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View over downtown Duluth from Skyline Drive or the Parkway. Skyline Parkway extends from Becks Road east to the Lester River, ending at Lake Superior. The road skirts the ridge line of Duluth, though portions extend into Proctor and Midway Township. About 25 miles of it can traveled by car. The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The program is a grass-roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. Since 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program has funded 2,832 projects for state and nationally designated byway routes in 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities. A laker is entering the harbor having just passed under the raised aerial lift bridge. The tall, light-colored buildings on Superior street are, left to right, the First National Bank (1958), the Alworth building (1909), and the Medical Arts building (1932). The cluster of brownish buildings at the tip of the ore boat are the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway Station depot Minnesota Point extends in a graceful curve beyond the bridge. You can see the sand beach on the lake side that is enjoyed by locals and visitors. There is a park with amenities at what is called The End, which includes baseball and polo fields and the Park Point Beach house.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections