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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
This postcard shows Albin Ruikka and John Ruikka in their Maxwell ragtop convertible. The Maxwell automobile company was formed in 1904 and ceased to exist in 1925. The back of the postcard has handwriting saying, "Albin Ruikka John Ruikka in old Maxwell."
Three part set of architectural blueprints for the six original, 70 foot Express Boats built by the Twin City Rapid Transit Company in 1906. Designed by Wayzata boat builder Royal C. Moore, these boats were in service on Lake Minnetonka until 1926. Three of these boats (Como, Minnehaha, and White Bear) were scuttled to the bottom of Lake Minnetonka in 1926, while two others (Harriet and Stillwater) were scrapped. The "Hopkins" was sold and used as an excursion vessel until it was scuttled in 1949. The "Minnehaha" was raised in 1980, restored 1990-1996, and returned to passenger service May 25, 1996.
Three part set of architectural blueprints for the six original, 70 foot Express Boats built by the Twin City Rapid Transit Company in 1906. Designed by Wayzata boat builder Royal C. Moore, these boats were in service on Lake Minnetonka until 1926. Three of these boats (Como, Minnehaha, and White Bear) were scuttled to the bottom of Lake Minnetonka in 1926, while two others (Harriet and Stillwater) were scrapped. The "Hopkins" was sold and used as an excursion vessel until it was scuttled in 1949. The "Minnehaha" was raised in 1980, restored 1990-1996, and returned to passenger service May 25, 1996.