This aerial view faces downtown Duluth, incorporating the near end of Minnesota Point and Canal Park. Minnesota Slip runs straight up through the center of the image, between Canal Park and the Duluth Arena Auditorium, and a Coast Guard cutter is docked in front of the Arena. Minnesota Slip is where the 600-foot long William A. Irvin ore boat museum will lay beginning in July 1986. The hillside rises up behind downtown, with Mesaba Avenue running diagonally up the left side of the hill. The rectangle and three dots parallel to the piers of the canal are the remnants of the Whitney Brothers rock crushing enterprise. The lift span of the bridge is up as a ship moves out of the harbor. At the center in the bottom portion of the image is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Duluth Vessel Yard at Ninth Street and Minnesota Avenue that was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in October 1995. It was a maintenance, storage, mooring facility established in 1904, supporting dredging and maintenance of the Duluth shipping harbor.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A ship heads toward the canal to exit the Duluth harbor. The span is up on the Aerial Lift Bridge to allow the vessel to pass. The discoloration in the water around the ship could be fuel or other residue from vessel traffic in the harbor. Minnesota Slip is parallel to Canal Park in the center of the image; to the left is the Duluth Arena Auditorium. The Arena Auditorium's grand opening was in August 1966. It would be added to over the years and renamed DECC or Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This aerial view clearly shows the long narrow sandbar correctly called Minnesota Point but familiarly called Park Point by local residents. The Point has a recreation area at Thirteenth street and the larger facility including bathhouse, playing fields, and lifeguards at "the End" (the Park at the far end of the beach). To the left of the Point is Superior Bay, to the right is Lake Superior. At the top of the image is the hillside of Duluth. Hearding Island is off Minnesota Point toward the harbor. The island is the uninhabited site that has been called Bird Island by Park Point residents and Harbor Island by Duluth Bird Club members. 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
An excursion boat enters Superior Bay (the Duluth harbor) under the Aerial Lift Bridge. Canal Park is on the left of the bridge, and Minnesota Point is on the right. The discoloration in the water of the Bay could be fuel or other residue from vessel traffic in the harbor.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
In this aerial view the span of the Lift Bridge is down and traffic is free to flow between Canal Park and Minnesota Point. The newly constructed Marine Museum (now the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center) is visible in the lower portion of the image, adjacent to the right side of the canal; its grand opening was on September 29, 1973. Also visible in Canal Park are the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Building, next to the Marine Museum, the Sand Bar, 522 Lake Avenue South, and the home of Jeno's Incorporated, 525 Lake Avenue South, now known as the Paulucci Building. The sandy beach of Minnesota Point shows on the left side of the canal in this image.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This striking image presents an aerial view directly above the Lift Bridge. The span is up and a vessel approaches the canal. On the left, cars on Minnesota Point are visible waiting for the bridge span to return to ground level. In local parlance, if you are stopped for the lifting of the span, you are being bridged. People who live on the Point calculate their comings and goings with getting bridged in mind. You can sit and wait for ten or fifteen minutes and sometimes longer.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
In this aerial view the span of the Lift Bridge is up and a vessel approaches the canal. The newly constructed Marine Museum (now the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Building are visible in the lower left corner of the image. 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
Aerial view of the freeway segment locally known as the can of worms. The I-35 freeway was completed in 34 years. On August 31, 1958, the Minnesota Highway Department submitted the proposed route through West Duluth, and on October 29, 1992, the final connecting segment through eastern Duluth opened.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The lift span is up as pedestrians walk along the north side of the Ship Canal. Behind the bridge footings is the home office of Jeno's Inc, 525 Lake Avenue South, now known as the Paulucci Building.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A bulk carrier enters the harbor under the Lift Bridge as an excursion boat approaches the canal. In the foreground of the image is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vessel Yard, 901 Minnesota Avenue.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Formally known as the South Breakwater Inner Light Tower this 67 foot tall structure, seen here next to the south tower of the Aerial Lift Bridge, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The light was first lit in 1901. Originally owned by the federal government, the light tower was sold in December 2008.
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
Pedestrians stand on the bridge as the lift span opens for vessel traffic. In 1971 tickets for the Lift Bridge rides sold for twenty-five cents. Riders were required to stay within an enclosure during the ride.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
As described by the photographer, this photograph was taken from the vantage point of the Kitchi Gammi Club, 831 East Superior Street. Behind the Aerial Lift Bridge the Blatnik High Bridge is visible in the distance. In the foreground is a statue of Jay Cooke. Created by sculptor Henry M. Shrady, the statue was dedicated October 15, 1921. 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
A view of Canal Park and Minnesota Point (Park Point) taken from the Tri-Towers Apartments, 222 North Second Avenue East. The Point has a recreation area at Thirteenth Street and a larger facility including bathhouse, playing fields, and lifeguards at the end of the park. To the right of the Point is Superior Bay; to the left is Lake Superior. Superior, Wisconsin is visible in the background above the Bay.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Fog in the harbor masks Canal Park, leaving the top span of the Lift Bridge visible above the Duluth Arena. In the lower left corner of the picture is the Medical Arts Building, 324-330 West Superior Street. 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
In this image the Aerial Lift Bridge is seen from Garfield Avenue in the Duluth Harbor. Stacks of timber are awaiting processing. Although the photograph was taken from Garfield Avenue, the timber is most likely in the yard at the Superwood Corporation, 1210 Railroad Street. Superwood began operation in 1945 as Superior Wood Products Company to manufacture furniture cores. In 1949 the business switched to manufacturing hardboard. The name was changed to Superwood in 1952.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This view from Skyline Drive over the central business district of Duluth showing the curve of Minnesota Point is what this woman and two children see. People tend to get out of their cars to enjoy the wide view from Skyline. The Aerial Bridge has already lowered as the ore boat that passed under it now glides into the harbor. Northern Drug Company, or L. W. Leithhead Drug in earlier years, is the multistory building next to the new Fifth Avenue West curving road. The Flame Restaurant and sign are visible on the harbor shore at the tip of the ore boat between the Duluth Arena Auditorium (now called the DECC - Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center) and the circular Radisson Hotel.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
A band is playing on the steps of the Federal Building in the Civic Center. The Federal Building is at the right, the St. Louis County Courthouse is behind you and a little to the left. Duluth's City Hall is not visible, but is at the far left, facing the Federal Building. The cylindrical building is the Radisson Hotel. The Arena Auditorium is just in front of the Aerial Bridge. The span is up: a vessel is either outbound or inbound. Cars and pedestrians on either side of the bridge must wait. They are being "bridged" or stopped by the vessel traffic. On the other side of the tree and the child on the bicycle is the civic center pool and fountain.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This post card caption says D-103 NITE VIEW OF AERIAL LIFT BRIDGE Duluth, Minnesota Vessels from the world's ports arrive at the Duluth-Superior Harbor after transiting the St. Lawrence Seaway. A few more details could include that the St. Lawrence Seaway, after a 40 year struggle, was officially opened June 26, 1959, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth II. 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 first ocean-going vessels to arrive in Duluth following completion of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The caption on this post card says JOHN A BLATNIK BRIDGE A Foreign Ship enters the Duluth-Superior Harbor Westerly Terminus of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Port Authority Terminal is shown in the background. This is the Interstate Bridge. The original Interstate toll bridge was built in 1897, property of the Duluth-Superior Bridge Company, a subsidiary of the Great Northern Railroad. It was replaced by the this High Bridge or the Blatnik Bridge as it was renamed in 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 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
Northern City National Bank's NC sign was placed on top of the Alworth building in 1957 where the bank occupied the Alworth's main floor. The sign was permanently removed in 1980 when a bank merger resulted in the new First Bank. The Alworth is Duluth's tallest downtown building at 16 stories. Minnesota Point extends into the distance. The Arena Auditorium is in the middle of this photograph on the edge of the harbor. Later, the street behind the complex will be renamed Harbor Drive. The Arena Auditorium itself will be expanded and renamed the DECC in 1987. Canal Park, at the far left, is still occupied by industrial businesses in this image. It will not begin to transition to the tourist destination we know it as today until Grandma's Restaurant opens there in a rehabilitated building in 1976. The seven-story Ordean Building is next to the Fifth Avenue West Overpass. The Ordean was built in 1973 and occupies the site of the Spalding Hotel.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
View in winter of the Canal Park area at the base of the bridge with the Blatnik or High Bridge in the distance. The Canal Park Marine Museum and Visitor Center is joined to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Building. Both are visible just in front of the lift span in the middle of the photograph. There was a grand opening for the Museum on September 29, 1973. The brown, tall 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.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The vessel is 62.5 meters long. Under engine power, she reaches a top speed of 10 knots, while she can make up to 14 knots under sail. She has a crew of 18 and can accommodate 88 passengers. The Christian Radich, a full rigged three masted steel hull ship, is known through the international release in 1958 of the movie Windjammer. The Christian Radich sailed to the United States in 1976 as part of the Bicentennial Celebration. She was in New York on July 4, 1976. The vessel was built for training sailors for the Norwegian merchant navy, and did so for many years.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections