One hundred years is a long time, and the Duluth of one hundred years ago can seem like a place without much connection to the present. But whether we are aware of them or not, elements of the past always carry over into the present. As an illustration of that, these five images, taken by Duluth photographer Hugh McKenzie and included in UMD’s Kathryn A. Martin Library Archives and Special Collections, show the city’s neighborhood telephone exchanges in 1920. Shown individually below, they are followed by the most recent Google Streetview image of the same location.
These structures are spread across the city. You can see a lot of change, but a lot remains very recognizable. Some people may encounter these structures every day and be aware of their history and some may have never noticed them or given them any thought. But regardless of how much you know about this part of Duluth’s history and whether or not you are aware of any personal connection you might have to it, the Duluth of 1920 is undeniably a part of present day Duluth.
Calumet Exchange in Denfeld area of West Duluth
Douglas Exchange in Gary – New Duluth
Oxford Exchange in Hunters Park
