This carbon copy of a Claude Turner document is an historical overview about the bridge re-design. It includes discussion of contracts, alternate design, and petitions. Also includes exhibits A, B, and C from interested parties communicating with the Duluth City Council.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This is a general elevation drawing, plus end view of both towers. The suspended car transfer is in the center of the bridge drawing over the canal. Dimensions are included for the distance from the water to the bottom of the bridge span (135 feet) and the footings. The drawing shows small stone and gravel fill near and around the concrete footings at the base of each tower. The finials are shown in detail. Lake Avenue is shown from one tower to the other. Drawing H-5421A, U.S. Patent February 1903.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
There are three drawn details: end view, part side elevation, lateral bracing in horizontal plane. The towers are the two end parts of the bridge that hold the central span and the suspended car. The towers are referred to as North and South. The South Tower is nearer to Minnesota Point, the North Tower is on the "mainland." Drawing 167, Sheet M11.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Detailed drawing of the suspended car, or gondola, and the vertical structure that holds it. This is the element that moves from one side of the bridge to the other above the canal. This transfer car could hold vehicles and people. Normal speed of the car was 4 miles per hour; it made the trip in about 1 minute. This drawing includes dimensions of individual structural elements such as braces. Drawing 160, Sheet M4. Turner is identified as engineer, 816 Phoenix Building Duluth.
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
Two detailed drawings of the car, or gondola, which carried vehicles and people across the canal. The drawing shows etched glass, punctured decorative steel plates, electric light fixtures, seats with perforated wood bottoms, maple flooring, glass paneled doors, lattice rail, copper flashing, wire supports, wire ropes, dimensions, floor beams, pine planks, and oak flooring. Drawing 162 Sheet M6.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A side elevation of the car, or gondola, which carried vehicles and people across the canal. The drawing shows: decorative circular metal plate with the word Duluth and floral-like details, wooden wall with windows, open lattice feature. Plan of strut is drawn as a detail for the bridge builders. Drawing 163, Sheet M7.
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
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
Looking down Fourth Avenue West from Fourth Street in downtown Duluth. The 16-story Alworth building constructed in a record nine months in 1909-1910 is the tall building at the left. It is at 306 West Superior Street. The 1932 built Medical Arts building is in the middle of the photograph at 324 West Superior Street.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Looking north from the Minnesota Point beach. The neighborhood of Minnesota Point is called Park Point. The park at the end of the point is also called Park Point. The building to the right of the black and white lighthouse is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Building. built in 1906. The Marine Museum will be joined to it in 1973. The 67-foot tall lighthouse in front of the Aerial Lift Bridge is formally called South Breakwater Inner Light Tower. Owned by the federal government and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, 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. Mr. Sola grew up on Park Point, Kamps in Hibbing, but lived many years on Cape Cod before moving to Duluth. They cannot move the tower.
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
This view is from what is today the Corner of the Lake, but was the vicinity of Michigan Street and South Second Avenue East. It is now at the Lake Walk. The railroad tracks are gone. The wooden building is the edge of the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad freight depot buildings. The concrete structure in the water is the remnant of the Whitney Brothers rock crushing company. Canal Park area was an industrial location until it began a slow transformation in the 1970s to the tourist destination familiar today.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A winter view of the Duluth Harbor, the Aerial Lift Bridge, and Lake Superior from 1015 East Eleventh Street, the site of Peace Church. The church has evolved through three names. In 1872, the German congregation chose the name St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The first church built that same year at Tenth Avenue East and Third Street still stands as an apartment building, and is the oldest church building in Duluth. In 1934 they changed the church name to St. Paul's Evangelical and Reformed. in 1957 it was given the name St. Paul's United Church of Christ. In 1959, the congregation broke ground for the new church at the present site and changed the name to Peace Church.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
You can walk down to the Lake at Leif Erikson Park near downtown Duluth. There are large rocks to sit or stand upon and a rocky shoreline. At all seasons, individuals, families, people and their dogs, spend hours at this spot watching the Lake, wading, watching for boats to enter the harbor, watching for loons on the water. On the right of this shot is the bluestone retaining wall below the Fitger's Brewery whose smokestack and water tower are prominent. Fitger's at 600 East Superior Street closed in 1971, but was remodeled and reopened in 1984 as a 48-room inn, with shops and restaurants.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Looking toward Canal Park from East Second Street, Calvary Temple Church is at the center right with a white cross. The church address is 412 East First Street. Next door to Calvary is Curran Apartment building with three front stoops at 408 and 410 East First Street. The very top of Hotel Duluth at far right top. This residential area was absorbed by Miller-Dwan Hospital and its parking facilities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The 1893 First Methodist Episcopal church occupied the corner of Third Avenue West and Third Street in downtown Duluth until the congregation built the 1965 church building designed by architect Pietro Belluschi that everyone calls the Copper Top church at Skyline and Central Entrance. This brownstone structure closed in November 1966 and was razed in 1969.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
These railroad tracks are parallel to Lake Superior which is not visible at the far right. Superior Street is at the far left with an edge of the brick Minnesota Power electric company's substation building showing at Fifteenth Avenue West. Superwood Corporation hardboard manufacturers is at the right and appears to be in front of the Huron Portland Cement silos. Garfield is at about Sixteenth Avenue West behind you at you look at this shot. Superwood is at Fourteenth Avenue West and Waterfront and the Huron Portland cement silo at Ninth Avenue West and waterfront.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A view from an upper window of the Duluth Malt and Brewing Company at Twenty Ninth Avenue West between Huron and Railroad streets. These Lincoln Park houses will be lost during interstate construction.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Interstate Bridge between Duluth and Superior, originally called the "Duluth-Superior Bridge", was owned by the Great Northern railroad but never used by them. It was used by the Soo Line from 1909 until its closure in December 1961 when the new High Bridge opened. Built in 1897 by the Duluth-Superior Bridge Company, it carried two railway tracks as well as two tracks for streetcars. The center draw span, the largest of its kind when built, was 485-feet in length. Small tugs and ferries could pass underneath, and the outer spans were designed for passage of log rafts to upriver mills. The center span and its granite support pier were pulled out in 1972. The lake vessel Henry Phipps is in the foreground. The 601-foot steam ship was built in 1907, and could carry 12,000 tons of iron ore. The Henry Phipps was sold for scrap in 1976 and scrapped in Duluth in 1978.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Arlantic Hope is a Liberian bulk carrier built in 1965. She is next to the General Mills grain elevator purchased in 1943 from Consolidated Elevator, Company, in the Duluth harbor. James Ford Bell led the formation of General Mills, Inc., consolidating Washburn Crosby and several other regional milling companies to create what would become the largest flour miller in the world. Among the mills consolidated were the Red Star Milling Company of Kansas, the Royal Milling Company of Montana, Kalispell Flour Mills Company and the Rocky Mountain Elevator Company. Other mills joined the new company early in 1929, including the Sperry Flour Company of California, the Kell Group in the Southwest, the El Reno mill of Oklahoma, and the Larrowe Milling Company of Michigan, which allowed entry into the feed business. And General Mills was born.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Hillside housing stock built with a rock outcrop in the backyard; A Master Bread billboard is at the top of the image. The Zinsmaster family opened a bakery called Zinsmaster Hol-Ry Company in Duluth in 1931. Master Bread was one of their brands. The structure that looks like it is framed by the Aerial Lift Bridge is the Huron Portland Cement silo that later became LaFarge Cement. It still stands on the Duluth waterfront. The white trimmed brick structure at the top right is 1515 West Superior Street, the Duluth Gospel Tabernacle building. The building to the right but further east on Superior Street with the arched window is a Minnesota Power station and garage at about Fourteenth Avenue West and Superior Street.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View in winter of the Canal Park area at the base of the bridge with the Blatnik or High Bridge in the distance. The Canal Park Marine Museum and Visitor Center is joined to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Building. Both are visible just in front of the lift span in the middle of the photograph. There was a grand opening for the Museum on September 29, 1973. The brown, tall building at the right is the Paulucci building which is the common name for the Stone-Ordean-Wells building. It was built at 525 Lake Avenue south in 1915. The architect of the project was Frederick George German.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View in spring of the Aerial Bridge with the grain elevators and other harbor industrial and shipping facilities on Rice's Point. Cargill elevators B2 (far left) and B1 (built 1976) are the white structures at the top left. They are reached off of Garfield Avenue unless you approach by water. The Canal Park Marine Museum sits at the foot of the bridge's north tower. There was a ground breaking Sept 12, 1972 for the museum. It cost $283,000. The dedication was September 29, 1973. Mr. C. Patrick Labadie, native of Detroit, was hired as director in August, 1973. In 1973, it cost $40,000 annually to operate the museum. Entry had always been free to the public. The museum expansion dedication was July 5, 1979. The brown building at the right middle of the photograph is the Paulucci building, the common name for the Stone-Ordean-Wells building. It was built here, at 525 Lake Avenue South, in 1915. The architect of the project was Frederick George German.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View of the Duluth harbor from just east and behind Hotel Duluth in downtown. You are looking across Superior Street down Lake Avenue. You move along Lake Avenue to approach and cross the bridge. Hotel Duluth is at the far right of the photograph. The lift span is down. Grandma's Restaurant (opened in 1976) is at the base of the north tower of the bridge and the Corps of Engineers Building is to the left of the restaurant. The blue building, a flag is to its left, and the facility stretching out from it is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel yard at 903 Minnesota Avenue. It is on the bayside of the Point after you cross the bridge. There is a Burger King, red, sign visible at the left in front of the Corps administrative building. You can clearly see the bridge was painted silver. In September 1970, the entire structure was scraped, primed and repainted in silver, rather than its former green color. It has been silver ever since.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View of the Blatnik or High Bridge within the frame of the Aerial Bridge with the lift span raised. Canal Park in the foreground is without today's familiar tourist amenities of restaurants, shops and hotels. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Building is in the center of this photograph. It was built in 1906. The 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. The Aerial Lift Bridge was entered in the National Register of Historic Places on May 22, 1973. The black and white lighthouse-type structure is to the left of the bridge's south tower. The formal name is South Breakwater Inner Light Tower and it is owned by the federal government. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tower is 67 feet tall and its light was first lit in 1901. The tower was not used for navigation for years, and was offered for sale by the government - with restrictions. The tower was bought in December 2008 by Steve Sola and Matt Kampf of Duluth. The winning bid was more than $31,000. Mr. Sola grew up on Park Point, Mr. Kamps in Hibbing, but he lived many years on Cape Cod before moving to Duluth. The tower must remain where it is. The brown, tall building at the right is the Paulucci building, the common name for the Stone-Ordean-Wells building. It was built at 525 Lake Avenue south in 1915. The architect of the project was Frederick George German.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View from the harbor looking toward the Lake with everything in silhouette. The South Breakwater Inner Light Tower is lit. Houses on Minnesota Point are visible at the far right on Minnesota Avenue. The two flags are above the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Building (built 1906). To the left is the Paulucci building at 525 South Lake Avenue.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View from a distance up the shore, probably from Leif Erikson park. Harbor facilities are in the distance at both the left and the right. Canal Park is at the right, and Minnesota Point is to the left. The very bright white structures are grain elevators. The Lake can be glassy calm, but it can alter very rapidly.
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
View of the harbor looking at the back of the Paulucci building. The Paulucci building is the common name for the Stone-Ordean-Wells building. It was built at 525 Lake Avenue south in 1915. Stone-Ordean-Wells Company was a wholesale grocery firm. Their in-house, monthly magazine, begun in 1910, was titled Ginger. Nokomis, Hiawatha, and Blue Bird were brands sold by Stone-Ordean-Wells. The architect of the project was Frederick George German. Jeno Paulucci first occupied the building in 1961. Prior to that date there was a series of occupants. Two of the Great Lakes Towing Company tugboats are at the ready because the lift span is fully up which means a vessel must be approaching. The 1901 Canal Park lighthouse is visible between the bows of the tugs. The 107-year-old lighthouse was offered for sale in August 2008 by the federal government with limitations. The formal name for this light structure is South Breakwater Inner Light Tower. It is owned by the federal government and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 67 feet tall tower's light was first turned on in 1901. It was bought in December 2008 by Steve Sola and Matt Kampf of Duluth. Their winning bid was $31,000. Mr. Sola grew up on Park Point, Kamps in Hibbing, but lived many years on Cape Cod before moving to Duluth. The light tower cannot be moved.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Bergetta Moe Bakery, 716 East Superior Street, built about 1875, has evolved over the years. Here it has green striped awnings and is the Superior Lake Gifts shop. Earlier, from about 1970 to 1989, this building held the contemporary design store called the October House. In the lower level was Martin Gould's, the owner's, architectural office. Joyce and Martin Gould also owned the brick and stone building next door. Gould made the lower level into a tiny apartment. The frame building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in June 1976. In about 1989 Martin and Joyce Gould sold both buildings to Mark Marino. Mr. Marino added to the frame building. The Portland Malt Shoppe sells ice cream seasonally. The Malt Shoppe building was built In 1921 as a gas station for Northwestern Oil Company owned by Harry and Edith Rogers. The Rogers managed the gas station for many years. Martin and Joyce Gould, owners of the October House, had a retail dress shop featuring Finnish Marimekko garments in the building. They named their store Portland Village. Portland comes from the plat name of the neighborhood. The Goulds sold the building in 1989, and it became the Portland Malt Shoppe. These buildings are a few steps East of the Fitger's complex, a brewery turned "mall,"and a destination for residents and tourists especially in the summer. The Lakewalk is behind and below these buildings. At the middle right of the photograph are buildings at Canal Park. The Interstate or Blatnik or High Bridge is in the distance. One bridge, many descriptive names. It links Duluth and Superior, Wisconsin, thus, interstate.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View of the St. Clair, 770-foot vessel, passing under the bridge's lift span into the harbor. To handle Great Lakes cargo, a special type of vessel has evolved, the North American "laker," the largest being 1,013 feet long, capable of carrying up to 70,000 tons of iron ore or 1,700,00 bushels of grain in one trip. On any given day during the sailing season, the vessels of the U.S. and Canadian fleets are in continuous motion carrying a wide range of cargos. Thanks to a career spent primarily in freshwater, the average life expectancy of a laker is 40-50 years, compared to about half that for saltwater vessels. Downtime during winter lay-up allows ample opportunity for maintenance, another key factor in a laker's long lifespan and enviable safety record.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
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 brown building at the right is the Paulucci building which is the common name for the Stone-Ordean-Wells building. It was built at 525 Lake Avenue south in 1915. The architect of the project was Frederick George German. The Blatnik or High Bridge is in the distance behind the aerial bridge. 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.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
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
This is the lower side of Superior street between Third Avenue West on the left and approaching Fourth Avenue West on the right. The buildings left to right are Lonsdale at 300, Alworth at 306-308, Siewart's 310, Irving Moore Memorial 312, Torrey 314-316, St. Louis Hotel 318. If we could see a little further toward Fourth the Providence building would be near the corner. The St. Louis hotel was razed and the Medical Arts building constructed in its place in 1932.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Marine Iron and Shipbuilding Company launches including one named Prairie State. During WWII, the company installed the piping in 30 vessels built by Zenith Dredge company of Duluth. A tugboat (tug) is a boat that maneuvers vessels by pushing or towing them. Tugs move vessels that either should not move themselves, such as ships in a crowded harbor or a narrow canal, or those that cannot move themselves alone, such as barges or disabled ships. The company was located at Eleventh Avenue West and bayfront. The company became Modern Constructors, Marine Iron and Shipbuilding in 1954. Today, Marine Iron and Shipbuilding is at 325 South Lake Avenue and Waterfront Plaza Building. Above the tug on the left, just above the tug's name, is the two story brick Webster elementary school at 433 South First Avenue East in Canal Park. It was built in 1897 and razed in 1930. It was named for Daniel Webster who, as Secretary of State, negotiated the Webster-Ashburton Treaty that established the definitive eastern border between the United States and Canada.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Chicago Shipbuilding Company of Chicago, a subsidiary of the American Shipbuilding Company, built the steamer William E. Cory for the Pittsburgh Steamship Company in 1904. The vessel dimensions are 569' X 56' X 31'. She sailed from Chicago on her maiden voyage August 12, 1905 bound for Duluth to load iron ore. The aerial bridge was new. Bids were opened March 25, 1901, but only one was received. The Duluth Canal Bridge Company was awarded the contract but abandoned the work. In February 1904, the Modern Steel Structural Company of Waukesha, Wisconsin was issued a contract. Work began July 20, 1904. On February 23, 1905, with local dignitaries at hand, the bridge was first operated. Regular service began the next day according to newspaper accounts. The city engineer's report for 1905 stated that the bridge was "completed and commenced operation on May 5, 1905, and a few problems were corrected in running the bridge over the next few days." 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, the cabins were 30 feet long. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office building with flag above it was built in 1906. Also visible in the image are the National Biscuit Company 517 Lake Avenue South, Blanchet Hotel 520 Lake Avenue South, and Wieland Flats 502-512 St. Croix Avenue
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Every student in Duluth learned about the Aerial Bridge from family or teachers. This table-top model in clay is typical in demonstrating how central to children and families the structure and impact of the bridge was and is to residents of Duluth.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Every student in Duluth learned about the aerial bridge from family or teachers. This table-top model in clay is typical in demonstrating how central to children and families the structure and impact of the bridge was and is to residents of Duluth.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Passenger steamer North American of the Georgian Bay Line is steaming out of Duluth harbor leaving Duluth. There were many passenger ships and companies used similar names. This vessel had a partner named the South American; both were built in 1913. The Great Lakes is one of the oldest, yet one of the newest cruise destinations. Cruises were being taken as early as 1842, yet the industry had almost disappeared 100 years later. Railroads bought and built steamship lines to compliment railroad services. Some activity continued into the 1960s, but following the departure of the South American in 1966, cruising effectively ceased for thirty years. Houses on Minnesota Point are at the left. The Aerial Bridge gondola or basket transporter is visible behind the stern. These lamp posts on the piers remained until about 1955. This is a print made from a broken glass plate negative: the bottom right corner is missing (black). The photographer's negative number is cut off, only the beginning of his name shows "McK."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Spectators watch log rollers in the bay. The Duluth Boat Club was organized July 10, 1886. The original building was built in 1891 at the foot of Seventh Avenue West and the bay front. This, the second facility, was built in 1906 at 1000 Minnesota Avenue on the harbor side. This was a social center of Duluth but you did have to buy a membership. It had nearly 200 rowboats, canoes, and a flotilla of sailboats. Duluth rowers won 20 national championships between 1911 and 1923, as well as hosting the national races in 1916. The club dissolved in 1926 due to flagging interest and debt.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Duluth Boat Club was organized July 10, 1886. The original building was built in 1891 at the foot of Seventh Avenue West and the bay front. This, the second facility, was built in 1906 at 1000 Minnesota Avenue on the harbor side. This was a social center of Duluth but you did have to buy a membership. It had nearly 200 rowboats, canoes, and a flotilla of sailboats. Duluth rowers won 20 national championships between 1911 and 1923, as well as hosting the national races in 1916. The club dissolved in 1926 due to flagging interest and debt.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Set of 37 sheets of architectural drawings accepted for the City of Duluth by Samuel F. Snively, Mayor, and John Wilson, City Engineer, Plans Accompanying Specifications of January 1929. Technical drawings with varying degrees of legibility. There is only one elevation in the set; Sheet 1. The original bridge was the Aerial Bridge constructed in 1904-1905. The bridge was modified in 1929 with a lift span and subsequently called the Aerial Lift Bridge. These plans are highly technical and were designed for the use of engineers and specialty contractors. Each drawing indicates that certain features of the structure have been revised. This set appears to represent the final revision. The Lift Bridge was designed by Harrington, Howard and Ash Consulting Engineers, Kansas City and New York. Patented in the United States from 1909-1925.
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
Lake vessel Tristan moored in the harbor. The Tristan is from the Buckeye Steamship Company fleet. In Cleveland in 1923 Captain Charles Hutchinson's son, John T., organized the Buckeye Steamship Company. Following the death in 1944 of Captain Charles L. Hutchinson, John T. became the senior partner of Hutchinson and Company, and his younger brother, Gene C., and Dale L. Coy advanced to partnership. Following the death of John T., Gene C. became president of both Hutchinson and Pioneer. With the exhaustion of high-grade iron ore in the Mesabi range, the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway to ocean-going traffic, and the increased cost of operation (mainly labor), both Hutchinson and Co. and Pioneer Steamship ceased operation in late 1962.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This summertime view is from about Fourth Street and Third Avenue West looking toward the Aerial Bridge and Minnesota Point over a segment of the Duluth downtown business district. Minnesota Slip is a private marina but will be the berth of the 600-foot SS William A. Irvin ore boat museum beginning in 1986. The tall center building (white) is the back of the Normandy Inn (1977) that will become the Holiday Inn and Holiday Center in the 1980s. To its left is the copper (green patina) dome of the Duluth Carnegie Library (1901) on Second Street. The tallest Duluth building, 16 stories, is the Alworth (1909) at the right at 306 West Superior Street with the Medical Arts to its right at 324-330. Tho photographer, Duluth-born Wayne Gatlin, enlisted in the aviation cadet program in 1942. Later he flew 55 combat missions for the 360th Fighter Group in England and downed an ME-262 jet fighter. In 1948, he joined the Texas Air National Guard but eventually transferred to Duluth, where he became operations officer for the 179th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Gatlin flew jet fighters while stationed at Duluth during the Korean War. He was the high individual scorer at the 1954, 1955 and 1956 National Air Guard gunnery meets. Gatlin served as commander of the Air Technician Detachment at Duluth, wing commander, group commander and finally chief of staff for the Minnesota Air National Guard. He logged over 6,700 military flying hours during his career. Gatlin studied photography over the years and his marvelous portraits of Guard aircraft have appeared in many publications and journals.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This autumn aerial view is one of many taken by Wayne Gatlin. Enger park is at the left and Enger Tower in the midst of it. The park acquired partly by gift from J. B. Enger, was acquired by the city of Duluth between 1891 and 1928. Enger Tower cost $30,000 to build, is built six stories high, 70 feet tall, and 583 feet above Lake Superior. You can see 31.4 miles on a clear day. It has a 10 foot conical shaped beacon at the top with 32 vertical tubes. One third of the $185,000 Enger estate, $61,000, was to be used for a civic memorial. Canal Park is to the left of the aerial bridge and Minnesota Point stretches to its right. Sailboats are in the harbor. The Duluth Public Library is under construction and will have its dedication in the summer of 1980. Duluth-born Mr. Gatlin enlisted in the aviation cadet program in 1942. Later he flew 55 combat missions for the 360th Fighter Group in England and downed an ME-262 jet fighter. In 1948, he joined the Texas Air National Guard but eventually transferred to Duluth, where he became operations officer for the 179th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Gatlin flew jet fighters while stationed at Duluth during the Korean War. He was the high individual scorer at the 1954, 1955 and 1956 National Air Guard gunnery meets. Gatlin served as commander of the Air Technician Detachment at Duluth, wing commander, group commander and finally chief of staff for the Minnesota Air National Guard. He logged over 6,700 military flying hours during his career. Gatlin studied photography over the years and his marvelous portraits of Guard aircraft have appeared in many publications and journals.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This aerial view is one of many taken by Wayne Gatlin. The shape of Minnesota Point and the harbor are clear. Duluth-born Mr. Gatlin enlisted in the aviation cadet program in 1942. Later he flew 55 combat missions for the 360th Fighter Group in England and downed an ME-262 jet fighter. In 1948, he joined the Texas Air National Guard but eventually transferred to Duluth, where he became operations officer for the 179th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Gatlin flew jet fighters while stationed at Duluth during the Korean War. He was the high individual scorer at the 1954, 1955 and 1956 National Air Guard gunnery meets. Gatlin served as commander of the Air Technician Detachment at Duluth, wing commander, group commander and finally chief of staff for the Minnesota Air National Guard. He logged over 6,700 military flying hours during his career. Gatlin studied photography over the years and his marvelous portraits of Guard aircraft have appeared in many publications and journals.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This aerial view is one of many taken by Wayne Gatlin. Canal Park (under the jet) is in its transformative stage moving from a light industrial site to a tourist destination. Grandma's Saloon and Grill has its striped canvas tent up with the ice cream railroad car in place. The double-decker red bus is at the intersection of Morse and South First Avenue East or Canal Park Drive. The first segment of the Lakewalk will be built in 1988. Duluth-born Mr. Gatlin enlisted in the aviation cadet program in 1942. Later he flew 55 combat missions for the 360th Fighter Group in England and downed an ME-262 jet fighter. In 1948 he joined the Texas Air National Guard but eventually transferred to Duluth, where he became operations officer for the 179th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Gatlin flew jet fighters while stationed at Duluth during the Korean War. He was the high individual scorer at the 1954, 1955 and 1956 National Air Guard gunnery meets. Gatlin served as commander of the Air Technician Detachment at Duluth, wing commander, group commander and finally chief of staff for the Minnesota Air National Guard. He logged over 6,700 military flying hours during his career. Gatlin studied photography over the years and his marvelous portraits of Guard aircraft have appeared in many publications and journals.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Duluth Missabe and Iron Range ore docks are the two reddish brown linear structures in the foreground. Ore boats are pulled between the docks by tugboats. Railroad cars loaded with ore or taconite pellets move along the railroad tracks on the top or the length of the dock. A chute or steel pocket beneath the tracks is lowered to the open cargo hatch and a door at the bottom of the pocket opens, allowing the pellets to run into the ore boat that moored parallel to the dock. Four hours is typical for loading ore. Loading is the responsibility of the First Mate. It is important to load the ore in a proper sequence to avoid over stressing the boat unevenly. Each chute (or drop of pellets) is about 20 tons.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Duluth harbor is frozen over and snow covered, but the lake is still open. It is very rare for Lake Superior to freeze fully. Which ever way the wind blows the lake ice shifts. Lake ice piles up on Minnesota Point or moves out into the lake or onto the northeast segments of shore. It changes every minute. This is a terrific view of the shape of Canal Park in the foreground and the Point as it extends toward Wisconsin. The U.S. Naval Reserve Training Center is at the corner of Thirteenth Street and Minnesota Avenue on the Point. Thirteenth is where the road, Minnesota Avenue, jogs to the right. The structure at the right is the Arena Auditorium (will be added to and renamed the DECC in 1987) and Pioneer Hall. The feature in the harbor off of Minnesota Point is the snow covered Hearding Island. The skywalk from downtown Duluth to the arena through Pioneer Hall is known as the "Northwest Passage."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The businesses and housing of the East End are visible in this wide view facing west. Superior Street, East First Street and East Second Street run diagonally from left to right in the lower half of the image.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The businesses and housing of the East End are visible in this wide view facing west. Superior Street, East First Street and East Second Street run diagonally from left to right in the lower right quadrant of the image. In the distance beyond the Lift Bridge is Rice's point.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections