Rag Mag: More Duluth Literary History Hunting

This post, also looking for resources and connections for my fall 2025 course in Minnesota Writers, has two asks.

The first is about this literary journal or ‘zine — do you recognize any of the authors in the Table of Contents as Duluthians?

I recognize, I think, one — wasn’t Patrick McKinnon a major figure in Poetry Harbor?  If so, there is a chance there are more Duluthians in this.

Second, of course, I am always looking for people with stories, papers, and even audio recordings (from public readings or from the radio from Poetry Harbor. I see this SoundCloud. I don’t really know what it is.

Help is always welcome.

1 Comment

Liz Minette

about 3 weeks ago

David, Patrick McKinnon was definitely a Duluthian and was friends with Todd Moore who is listed in the Table of Contents. Rag Mag I believe was published out of Wabasha, Minnesota, and when I remember it, Bev Ahlers was the editor and publisher of this literary 'zine. Bev also published Patrick McKinnon's book of poetry Cherry Ferris Wheels with her Black Hat Press.

I recognize as well the names of poets Lyn Lifshin, Shelia Murphy, Karen Herseth Wee and Will Fisher. I believe McKinnon published Moore and Murphy in the lit 'zine Poetry Motel.

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