J. J. Summers Agency, 1973
I got one for the Duluth History Detectives. Where was the J.J. Summers Agency located?
I just received an art book of the famous photographer Stephen Shore, and it was the following photo.
Caption reads: J.J. Summers Agency, First Street, Duluth, Minnesota, July 11, 1973.
I enjoy the rare opportunity to track down the locations of old famous photographs in the area to rephotograph and want to find this one. A quick cruise through Google Street view show a could of store fronts which still looks similar (Glenwood Signs) that I’ll go inspect, but any first hand accounts of the location, or records of an actual address would be great. Visual identification may be hopeless if it has been tore down or remodeled in the past 37 years.
I think it was on the upper side of first street between 3rd and 4th avenue west, just west of the the old Pioneer Bowling Lanes (?) I think there was a camera store next door.
You’re a pretty astute individual, sjixxxy, but in case you’re not on top of your game tonight, note the “DULUTH PAINT 3” reflected in the window.
Were the Pioneer Lanes where the Pioneer bar is today?
A quick glance on Google Street view shows columns very much like the ones in the photo directly west of the Pio Bar.
I’ll have to go check them out tomorrow to see if the geometry is the same.
The Pioneer Lanes were east of the Pioneer Bar, west of the former Hawley Music store, across from the YMCA. There was a doorway and set of steep stairs up to the bowling alley. I lugged my bowling bag up those stairs every weekend as a child. They had a great foosball table too.
It’s “Duluth Paint &…”
I have a city directory from 1965. Here’s the listing:
Summers J J Agency Paul J Lyons Mgr Business Machs 333 W. 1st St.
(Good job Swan!)
Thank hbh1. That address corresponds with the street view image I posted.
And that’s why we admiringly call him The Swansonian Institute.
Thanks for the history, HBH!
A follow-up to this post is available at: Rephotography in Duluth: Stephen Shore.