Postcard from Congdon Park in 1914
This postcard was mailed 110 years ago today — July 18, 1914. It shows a scene along Tischer Creek in Congdon Park. (more…)
MiigWitches Brew drive-thru coffee kiosk open
Mail
On the Fond du Lac Band’s reservation, one family is energizing the community through quality coffee. MiigWitches Brew is the only coffee shop on the reservation and one of a few Native-owned shops in the state.
mprnews.org
MPR News reports MiigWitches Brew, a new Native-owned drive-thru coffee kiosk, opened in June at 1810 Big Lake Road on the Fond du Lac reservation, about 15 miles east of Duluth.
Alan Sparhawk – “Can U Hear”
Duluth musician Alan Sparhawk has released the first track from his upcoming album White Roses, My God, scheduled for release Sept. 27 on Sub Pop Records. The video was directed by Rick Alverson. (more…)
The Duluth Artwork of J. W. Perry
The photo of a painting above comes to Perfect Duluth Day via Dean M. Brickson, who wondered why there was no information online about the artist J. W. Perry. (more…)
PDD Quiz: Beachy Keen
Dive into this edition of the PDD Quiz, which tests knowledge of local beach (and beach-adjacent) trivia.
The next PDD quiz, scheduled for July 28, will look back at this month’s headlines. Please submit question suggestions to Alison Moffat at aklawite@d.umn.edu by July 24. (more…)
Video Archive: George W. Bush’s ‘Iron Ridge’ Gaffe of 2004
Twenty years ago today — July 13, 2004 — President George W. Bush spoke at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Arena to a crowd of about 8,000. He was campaigning against Democratic challenger John Kerry. In reference to Minnesota’s Iron Range, the President mistakenly said he appreciated “the good folks from Minnesota and the Iron Ridge.”
The Wreck of the Adella Shores
On April 29, 1909, the Adella Shores was bound for Duluth with a cargo of 9,200 barrels of salt. The ship never arrived. Disappearing in a gale off Whitefish Point, Michigan, the location of the 195-foot wreck remained one of the lake’s unsolved mysteries. But the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum has found it. (more…)
Postcard from Park Point Bathing Beach
This undated postcard from Kreiman’s Lyceum News & Book Store sports an illustration of Park Point in the vicinity of South Tenth Street, referred to as “Tenth Ave.” on the front of the card. The 72-degree temperature is cited as proof Duluth is “the air-conditioned city.” (more…)
Proving I am who I say I am
While I often avoid politics in my public writings, I want to take a few minutes to explain the life of someone different from most people, in a small way, that may reveal the complexities of some recent legislation proposed at the federal level. (more…)
Cloud Cult – “The Universe Woke Up as You”
The third video from Cloud Cult‘s upcoming album Alchemy Creek is for the song “The Universe Woke Up as You.” The album is set for release Aug. 8.
The video was directed by Chad Amour of Motion 117 Productions.
Villiard aims high with ‘Waiting for Beds’
Ojibwe descendant artist creates safe space for empowerment, exploration of stories | Buffalo’s Fire
Buffalo’s Fire: Native-led news covering Indigenous communities in North Dakota — tribal sovereignty, environmental justice, and cultural preservation.
buffalosfire.com
The Native American news website Buffalo’s Fire reports on Duluth artist Moira Villiard’s new project, “Waiting for Beds,” which looks at what happens to people who have to wait for a bed during a crisis, such as domestic violence, homelessness or addiction. The exhibit is on display at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth’s church at 835 W. College St. through September.
New screenwriting contest debuts in Duluth
What might be Duluth’s first screenwriting competition is one month away. “Unfinished Work: A Screenwriting Contest” will present some of the region’s finest screenwriters showing off a portion of their newest work. The event is on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., at Zeitgeist Teatro. Admission is free. (more…)
Saturday Essay: Paved Paradise
Oh, good. There are some open spaces in the lot, so I won’t have to go rogue and park illegally next to the dumpster. With six garbage bags of clothes to donate, I’d been worrying I’d have to hoof them, biceps trembling during multiple trips, for a block or more.
I give an appreciative mental pat to the convenient parking lot with its open spaces. Well done, little lot. My lazy biceps thank you for your service.
Sliding into a space a hundred yards from the door, I turn off the car and sigh, bracing myself. Okay, now where do I go with these donations? (more…)
Mystery Photo: Duluth’s Saddest Family
For sale on eBay under the header “RPPC Duluth Minnesota Melancholy Mother with Children Real Photo Postcard c1910” is this photo of a rather unenthusiastic-looking foursome. The postcard is from the Owl Studio in Duluth. (more…)
Bryan Cranston’s Tribute to WWII Veteran Jack Moran
Actor Bryan Cranston, son of two World War II soldiers, tells the story of U.S. Army soldier and Superior native John “Jack” Moran, who courageously fought in the Battle of the Bulge. The video is from the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert, broadcast by PBS. (more…)
A Video Journal of Lake Superior
This video ran on a loop at the Duluth Art Institute’s “Water Works” show June 20 to Aug. 25, 2013. It hadn’t made it to the internet yet. (more…)
Duluth’s bowery was already historic in 1907
Previous posts on Perfect Duluth Day have explored the history of the Fifth Avenue West corridor. Urban renewal in the 1960s attempted to “clean up” blighted areas of town. A recent research dive revealed that the bowery was already targeted for “renewal” as early as 1907.
“End of once notorious section is in sight” proclaimed one of the sub-headlines. That part of town has had many ups and downs over the years. (more…)
Saltydog talks creative process, recording at Erickson house
Members of the band Saltydog on West Michigan Street near Bent Paddle Brewing in July 2023: Sam Deters, Owen Mahon, Gavin St. Clair, Jacob Mahon, Calvin Lund and Bryan Johnson. (Photo by Aaron Reichow)
Saltydog isn’t new anymore, hence the dropping of “New” from the band name. The Duluth-born jam band has accumulated an impressive cult following over the past seven years, playing venues across Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Duluth’s Bent Paddle Brewing on Monday nights. An enthusiastic group of funk and blues lovers seem to follow the band from show to show, along for the improvisational ride Saltydog takes them on. (more…)
Duluth and the Climate Haven Bandwagon
US cities are advertising themselves as 'climate havens'. But can they actually protect residents from extreme weather?
Buffalo, New York, is one of a growing number of cities to embrace the idea of being a climate refuge, but can they actually protect residents from extreme weather?
bbc.com
The British Broadcasting Corporation mentions Duluth among the cities that have “jumped on the climate haven bandwagon.”
“But is any place really going to be spared from climate change?” the story asks. “And does moving to one of these cities represent a sustainable solution to the crisis?”
Dollhouse City Streets
The latest video from Dollhouse City.
PDD Quiz: June 2024
Test your knowledge of June 2024 headlines with this week’s quiz!
A beach-themed PDD quiz floats your way on July 14. Please submit question suggestions to Alison Moffat at aklawite@d.umn.edu by July 10. (more…)
Happy 21st birthday to us!
Duluth’s Duluthiest website was launched 21 years ago today. Join us for a party on the beach at Park Point at 5 p.m. as the Park Point Art Fair wraps up.
Postcard from the Car of the Aerial Bridge
This undated postcard from the V. O. Hammon Publishing Company shows Duluth’s Aerial Bridge circa 1905 to 1929, when a ferry car transferred people across the shipping canal.