Duluth Turban Lady, 1997
In 1994 I worked for six months at the Holiday Stationstore at 3401 Grand Ave., next to Wheeler Fields. The store closed around 2003 and the building is empty now. As you can imagine, there were a number of characters that frequented the store. One of them we called Turban Lady. (more…)
Sinkholes come to Duluth
Maybe a month ago a hole appeared out of nowhere on the avenue in front of our house. Not a pothole mind you, more like a door leading to a banquet hall. I myself have examined it, as well as just about every curious soul in the neighborhood. I’ve even seen people throw their trash in it. At this point it’s roughly a foot in diameter, but opens up into quite a cavernous void directly below the asphalt. My wife can insert her leg up to her hip and fully extend it. (more…)
Duluth 12th Best City in U.S. to Find Jobs?
Dailybeast.com has posted it’s top 20 Best U.S. Cities to find a job (not necessarily a career) and our beloved Duluth ranks 12th and Rochester, MN is #1. Hailing from Rochester I could understand it being nemero uno, but stating that Duluth is 12th in the country is a little baffling. Is it that good here?
#12. Duluth, MN
Job Growth: 11.26 percent
Jobs Gained: 14,208
Manufacturing and mills are a major part of Duluth’s economy, and the city is a huge transportation hub for manufacturing materials. But health care and education are major employers, too.
I wonder what statistics the DailyBeast accessed to get Duluth placed right behind Boulder, CO and right in front of Brownsville, TX?
Kid’s Tye Dying in the Park
Using the fresh, cold water of Lake Superior we will twist and tie with dye a garment of your own or one of ours provided. You get $2 off if you bring you own item to dye.
*must call and register (218) 722-2919
Where: Meet at Pineapple Art Center
124 W. First St., Duluth
When: Sunday Aug. 15, 1:30-3pm
Cost: $10 or $8 w/own garment
Includes: Healthy Snack and a six-block walk
The Life and Brawls of Thomas Madden — former chief of West Duluth Police, saloon keeper and old fashioned thug
This post is a follow up to the post requesting information about Duluth’s old bowery district. The focus here is on Tom Madden, who managed to find himself in the news a lot. Set the Wayback Machine for 1891 and we’ll go in chronological order from there.
Dec. 13, 1891 | Duluth News Tribune
WILL IT BE MURDER?
——————————
Patrick Mulligan May Die From Injuries Received From Chief Madden.
Patrick Mulligan, who runs the “Little Diamond saloon on Central avenue, and who had his jaw broken a few days ago at the brickyard bagnio by a blow from ex Chief of Police Madden, was taken yesterday to St. Mary’s hospital, where he is now hovering between life and death. His jaw was set by Dr. Magie a day or two ago, but serious inflammation has set in, and the doctor said yesterday it would probably be necessary to put a silver tube in his throat to enable him to breathe. His case is a very serious one and the chances are even between life and death. (more…)
Bradfest Lineup!
Announcing some exciting last-minute additions to the festival: Retribution Gospel Choir & Crew Jones! Here is the line-up:
Friday 8/13:
6-Spindrift, 6:45-Zenith City Tribal, 7:15-Rosebud Social, 8:20-Acrylic, 9-Anna Ferguson, 9:30-The Acceleratii, 10:30-Zenith City Tribal, 11-Retribution Gospel Choir
Saturday 8/14
1-Crew Jones, 2:30-The Sessionists, 4:20-Red Label, 5:50-High Volt Rustler, 7-Burnsville City Limits, 8-Meat Raffle Road, 9-Expressive Machines (music robots!!!), 9:30-Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, 10:30-Ziola, 11-Arcwelder.
Hope to see you there!
bradfest.org
Lightning?
3:31 am — Single flash of light and a long rolling thunder… or was it the ship coming to a stop? Keep your eye out for cover-ups.
Anyway, it just seemed strange without any other lightning that I can tell.
Nevermind, there’s the second one, and I saw it too. That’s some huge creepy lightning I tell ya. Hope Lakeside is still there in the morning. Or do I? Yeah I guess I know some people out there.
Good story.
-A
Warmer in the Lake?
After 42 summers of swimming in “the big lake they call Gitchee Gummi” I’ve got to say that this afternoon I experienced what has got to be the warmest temperatures I can remember. I don’t know if this has been covered in the local press, as I don’t read the DNT anymore. I’m wondering if anyone has any specific data and/or similar perceptions.
From Age to Age, a Minnesota professional Choir on MPR classical today!
Around 3:15 pm today, MPR Classical Radio will broadcast songs performed by From Age to Age Choir. Steve Staruch will play two selections that will be included on the upcoming CD: “Hic Est Martinus” by Eric William Barnum and “Bogoroditse Devo, Radiusya” by Sergey Khvoshchinsky.
From Age to Age, directed by Andrew Miller, is a 16-voice professional choral ensemble comprised of singers from across Minnesota and beyond. The ensemble performs a cappella choral music representing many eras and styles. It features tight harmonies, warm sound, and a careful blend of voices.
(more…)
Road trip suggestions
Everyone on PDD seems to give great suggestions/ideas, so what are the best “little” towns to visit in either Minnesota or Wisconsin? A few friends and I are planning a road trip, but are completely okay with not hitting up the Twin Cities and Madison/Milwaukee. Love big cities, but we’ve been to them so much that we’d prefer something different. Any cool roadside attractions?
Chester Creek Artist
Can anyone tell me anything about the beautiful artwork under the Ninth Street Bridge on the east side of Chester Creek? I’m going back with a camera today!
I don’t get why I am annoyed by kids dressing like Marty McFly from Back To the Future II
I wanted those Nikes so bad. Why do I get so bothered by it now? I think I might be jealous.
Sex Change @ Zinema
Has anyone seen this yet? Is it a good show? I’m debating on going tomorrow evening.
Minnesota journalist to share her story of coming of age in Duluth during the boom days of print
Author Laurie Hertzel will be in Northern Minnesota this September and October promoting her new book News to Me: Adventures of an Accidental Journalist.
(more…)
NorShor Sound and Door Help: Aug. 21
The Playhouse could use some volunteer sound engineers on the mezzanine for the Orpheum Theatre Centennial Celebration at the Historic NorShor Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 21. There will be a full system, so you need to know how to run a board and plug stuff in. Bonus if you know the acoustics of the mezzanine. Daytime 12-4PM and nighttime 8PM-2AM.
Also needed are a couple volunteer door / security volunteers. Nothing too heavy, just watching the stage door and back door and “keeping an eye on things.”
Please email me if you are interested: adam [at] transistormag [dot] com. Thanks!
Glensheen Festival of Fine Art and Craft
Glensheen’s Festival of Fine Art and Craft is this weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This juried show offers fantastic art, free admission, and a free shuttle bus from UMD. Questions? Give us a call (726-8910) or shoot us an email, info@glensheen.org
Bowery Bros. Bowery District?
The old bowery district is a part of Duluth’s history that seems to be forgotten, or at least not talked about too often. Bowery Bros. (new pub with delicious food I might add) is located where Duluth’s bowery district used to be. Kinda cool. Anyone have any old stories about this?
Tonight at Lake Avenue Cafe

Darin Bergsven
Lake Avenue Cafe
Wed, Aug 11, 7 pm
Annual Duluth Public Library Book Sale
The Friends of the Duluth Public Library invite you to the Annual Used Book Sale. The dates this year are August 18 and 19 from 10 until 5:30 p.m. and the Bag Sale on Friday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. There is early admission for Friends members on August 17 from 10 until 5:30 p.m. People can join Friends at the sale. Shop for bargain books, CDs, DVDs, books on tape. A silent auction will be held with older and rarer books. All proceeds from this fundraiser go toward Duluth Public Library book and media purchases and toward programs held at the library.
Are you a Member of the Friends of the Duluth Public Library? It’s only $10 per year and let’s you get into the sale on Tuesday, Aug 17 – 10 to 5:30. You may join the Friends of the DPL on-site.
Also, early notice for a new library fundraiser through the Friends. Laps Around the Library will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 9:30 a.m. Go the duluth.lib.mn.us/CS/Friends.html to download registration form. Sponsors and walkers wanted!
The Boomchucks and the Low Numbers rock Duluth!
Come down Thursday, Aug. 12, to Fitger’s and check out the Boomchuck’s and the Low Numbers!
The Low Numbers is the latest and greatest project from Eric Levy (the ATF and Cockfight!), Andy Iwanin (the ATF), and Matthew Moon Wells. Expect some bitchin’ rock and roll!









