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
This 26-foot, 2,000 pound statue of Neptune was featured at the Minnesota State Fair in 1959. Following the Fair it was given to Duluth by the Minnesota State Fair Board and placed in Canal Park for the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959. Made of fiberglass and plastic over papier-mch it eventually disintegrated. The statue was removed in 1963.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Duluth Arena Auditorium, the Aerial Lift Bridge and the buildings and streets of downtown Duluth are lit up in this night time view of the Duluth Harbor. Ground was broken December 19, 1963, for the Arena Auditorium, it opened in August 1966. It was renamed the DECC or Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center in August, 1987. The NC sign is on top of the Alworth building. The Northern City National Bank's NC was there from 1957 to 1980 when the bank became First Bank Duluth.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A night view shows the lights of Duluth's central business district and lights along the piers of the canal. The two central buildings are the tall Alworth building and the wide Medical Arts building both on the lower side of Superior Street. Fourth Avenue West is bright and visible and runs next to the darker Providence building. All three buildings still stand.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This post card caption says D-88 Showing the new $6,5000,000.00 Duluth Arena-Auditorium on Harbor Drive. The Arena Auditorium opened to great fanfare in August 1966. It was renamed the DECC or Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center August 31, 1987. It was expanded and opened with celebrations on June 18, 1990. The Harbor Side Convention Center and Parking Ramp additions were opened January 31, 2001.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A Pittsburgh Steamship Division vessel is just about to move under the lift span of the bridge. If the crew looks toward the hillside it will see Minnesota Slip, Industrial Slip, remnants of the North Western Fuel Company coal dock, Northern Pacific Railroad docks 5 and 6, the site of Fifth Avenue West and Commerce Street that once was the bustling warehouse district and includes the Lakes Transit Company, F.A. Patrick building, Northern Drug wholesale building, and the electric company power station. The Flame Restaurant is the light rectangular building near the water's edge. Remnants of the Whitney Brothers rock crushing business are at the far right in the lake.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View from the Duluth harbor to the hillside and up the shore. The $283,000 Canal Park Marine Museum's (dark building under the bridge) ground breaking was September 12, 1972, followed by a dedication event September 29, 1973. In 1973, it cost the Army Corps of Engineers $40,000 annually to operate the museum which has always been free to the public. The Museum Expansion dedication was July 5, 1979. To the left of the Marine Museum is the striped awning of Grandma's Restaurant (opened in 1976) but the rest of Canal Park is still in transition. It will become a tourist destination as all of the industrial business are sold and closed and replaced by shops, restaurants, hotels, and the Lake Walk. On the shore line at the far left is Leif Erikson park.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Interstate toll bridge was built between 1896 and 1897, dedicated on July 13, 1897, with more than 4,000 spectators and dignitaries participating or looking on. It connected Rice's Point of Duluth with Connor's Point of Superior, Wisconsin. It was property of the Duluth-Superior Bridge Company, a subsidiary of the Great Northern Railroad. It closed to use on December 3, 1961, the day after the toll-free High Bridge opened. The Interstate bridge was replaced by the High Bridge or the Blatnik Bridge as it was renamed September 24, 1971. The Interstate bridge was struck by vessels and damaged more than once. Considerable damage was sustained in 1906 and 1924.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The passenger vessel South American was built in 1914. During the summer season, the vessel made weekly trips between Buffalo, New York and Duluth. The 321-foot vessel, with a passenger capacity of 440 and a crew of 170 made its last visit to Duluth in 1966.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A Norwegian-flagged vessel is moored at the Port Terminal. Another vessel moves through the harbor, with the Aerial Lift Bridge and Duluth in the distance. The completion of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959 opened the Duluth-Superior port to ocean-going vessels. The photographer, Elizabeth Jo Goodsell, was a Duluth community activist, teacher, and long time resident of Minnesota Point.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The 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
Leif Erikson Park is the site of the half-size replica of the Leif Erikson boat the "Norwegian Vikings" sailed to America in 997 A. D. The boat was donated to the city of Duluth by Enger and Olson, Inc. (furniture store owned by Bert Enger of Enger Park and Enger Tower) in 1927. The 12-ton, 42 feet long, red and white sail, replica was built of Norway pine and sailed to America from Korgen, Norway, leaving Norway on May 26, 1926, arriving in Duluth after visits to numerous ports, on June 23, 1927. The head and tail were made by a Norwegian architect.
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
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
Construction shot of the bridge and the approach to the bridge from Minnesota Point or South Lake Avenue, Minnesota Avenue. This photograph has been physically altered; the background has been whited out and buildings drawn over.
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
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