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 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
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 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Aerial view of the freeway segment locally known as the can of worms. The I-35 freeway was completed in 34 years. On August 31, 1958, the Minnesota Highway Department submitted the proposed route through West Duluth, and on October 29, 1992, the final connecting segment through eastern Duluth opened.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
For the Guidance of Visitors Who May Not Know Upon Whom to Call for Information When Entering a Strange City; drawings by N. A. Long; Places of Interest; Accommodations; Traffic Regulations; Duluth city limits; Proctor; Two Harbors; parks; streets; hotels; arterial highways; boulevard; Pike Lake
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A Few of Duluth's Points of Interest Together With the In-Coming and Out-Going Roads Aiding the Visitor Who Seeks The Beautiful and Desires the Thrill of Stupendous Enterprise and Achievement; drawings by N. A. Long; Places of Interest; Accommodations; Traffic Regulations; Trip Memoranda; Duluth city limits; Proctor; Adolph; parks; streets; hotels; arterial highways; boulevard; Pike Lake
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
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
View of seventh avenue west incline railway in Duluth bisecting the hillside; housing stock; businesses; signs; railroad cars; photo number 1987; Weather Bureau Building is next to the track at the top of the hill at 631 west seventh street built in 1904
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Cars on a great lakes vessel docked in a slip being unloading. There are Labels on the windshields. Western Transit Company is off loading the automobiles. Its office is at the Northern Pacific freight depot 114 South Fifth Avenue West.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Cars on a great lakes vessel docked in a slip being unloading using ramps. White protective cloths or covers are still over some of the unloaded cars. There are Labels on the windshields. Western Transit Company is off loading the automobiles. Its office is at the Northern Pacific freight depot 114 South Fifth Avenue West.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Cars on a great lakes vessel docked in a slip being unloading. There are Labels on the windshields. Western Transit Company is off loading the automobiles. Its office is at the Northern Pacific freight depot 114 South Fifth Avenue West.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Cars on a great lakes vessel docked in a slip being unloading. Cradles or tracks to hold the tires are visible. There are Labels on the windshields. Western Transit Company is off loading the automobiles. Its office is at the Northern Pacific freight depot 114 South Fifth Avenue West.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View of a lake vessel entering the Duluth harbor under the Aerial Lift Bridge loaded with new cars and trucks. This style of street lamp on the piers was replaced in 1955. During the shipping season the bridge makes about 25 lifts a day. The Aerial Lift Bridge was first operated on March 19, 1930. It was remodeled from the side to side moving transporter or gondola to feature a lift span.
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
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
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 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