Paul Lundgren
Postcard from the Proposed Court House Group in Duluth
This undated postcard depicts plans for the Duluth Civic Center, a cluster of government buildings that includes the St. Louis County Courthouse (1909), Duluth City Hall (1928), Gerald W. Heaney Federal Building (1930), St. Louis County Jail (1923) and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (1919). (more…)
Postcard from Spruce Point Motel in Beaver Bay
Featured here are two undated postcards from Gallagher’s Studio of Photography that promote the Spruce Point Motel in Beaver Bay. The older card shows how it was originally a one-story structure before the second story was added. (more…)
Mystery Photo: McDowell Sisters
This old cabinet card photo, for sale on eBay, was shot in Duluth. Several details are provided, but some mysteries persist. (more…)
Postcards from Bill’s Mount Silver Motel and Cabins
The postcard above, and the one below, were both published by Gallagher’s Studio of Photography circa the 1950s. And both were made to promote Bill’s Mount Silver Motel and Cabins on Silver Cliff Bay, northeast of Two Harbors. The location now features private residences. (more…)
Duluth and the Harbor from Highway 11 in 1923
Photo by William L. Barker, Jr. for the U.S. Forest Service.
This photograph from the National Archive is dated Oct. 1, 1923 — 100 years ago today. The caption reads: “Duluth and the harbor on Lake Superior from Highway #11.”
Selective Focus: Fall Colors 2023
Chlorophyll, schmlorophyll; turn up the carotenoids and anthocyanin. The annual biochemical process is underway. Progression of fall and peak leaf colors can be tracked with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Fall Color Finder.
Featured here is Perfect Duluth Day’s annual collection of select images from Instagram showcasing nature’s palette. (more…)
Postcard from the Rocky Shores of Lake Superior
This undated postcard, circa 1970, was published by Gallagher’s Studio of Photography. The caption on the back read: “Rocky Shores Along the Circle Route of Lake Superior.”
Postcard from the Superior YMCA
This century-old postcard shows the old YMCA building at Ogden Avenue and 14th Street in Superior. Though the card is postmarked, the year is not legible. (more…)
Mystery Photos: Duluth Counterfeiters of 1883
From left to right: Charles Chambers, James McGovern and Frank Watters
It was on this date 140 years ago — Sept. 10, 1883 — that the first arrests were made in connection to a counterfeiting operation at a Duluth grocery store. (more…)
Postcards from the Launching of a 600-foot Freighter
Although the postcard caption above reads “Launching of a 600 ft Freighter, Duluth, Minn.,” the vessel in the image appears to be the SS Edward Y. Townsend, which was built in Superior. (more…)
Duluth-area School Pin-back Buttons
Be true to your school and let your colors fly. Collected here are various pin-back buttons promoting schools in, or near, Duluth. (more…)
Postcard from the Grain Elevators on the Duluth-Superior Harbor
This undated postcard shows the Cargill and Belt Line grain elevators on the Duluth-Superior Harbor a good long while ago.
PDD Shop Talk: Final words on the first 20 years
The Latelys performed on the outdoor stage at Bent Paddle Brewing on June 29 during PDDXX: Perfect Duluth Day’s 20th Birthday Party.
It’s been two months since Perfect Duluth Day celebrated its 20th anniversary. The speed of life hasn’t allowed much time for reflection and gratitude, so this post is an attempt to jam that in so we can properly push forward with the next 20 years. (more…)
One Great Lake. Two Great Cities.
Early 1980s Twin Ports tourism newspaper ad.
Postcard from Northland Country Club
This undated postcard, published by Kreiman’s Lyceum News & Book Store, shows Duluth’s Northland Country Club circa the 1930s. (more…)
Selective Focus: More Summer PDDs
Select photos from Instagram spanning mid-July to mid-August 2023, all hashtagged with the name of a certain website. #perfectduluthday (more…)
Duluth Artificial Limb House
Long before Duluth had a House of Donuts it had a house of limbs. This ad is from the 1900 Duluth-Superior city directory.
Quarry Park: Let’s Have Sex
Though it is important to first point out that applying graffiti on rocks or any other thing in a city park is just plain wrong, we should also not let the medium distract from the message.
Postcard from the Alworth Building in 1913
This postcard of Duluth’s Alworth Building was mailed Aug. 11, 1913 — 110 years ago today. Someone named Mary sent it from Duluth to Miss Julia Heskin in Minneapolis. (more…)
Riding High on the Aerial Lift Bridge
This wacky postcard was mailed 55 years ago today — Aug. 8, 1968. The caption on the back reads: “Riding High on the Famous Aerial Lift Bridge, Duluth, Minnesota.” (more…)
Postcard from a “Log Raft”
The location this photo was shot from is not entirely clear, but the caption on back reads, “Log Raft as seen along the Lake Superior Circle Route.” It’s from an undated postcard published by Gallagher’s Studio of Photography in Duluth.
Duluth Waterfront Aerial Photo Circa 1903
This image from the Minnesota Digital Library, contributed from the Kathryn A. Martin Library Archives & Special Collections is estimated to be from the year 1903 — 120 years ago. It shows the Duluth Shipping Canal prior to construction of the Aerial Bridge, along with views of Canal Park, Rice’s Point and the old West End. (more…)
Postcard from the Babes on Park Point
This undated postcard features a trio of sunbathing beauties on Park Point circa the 1960s.
Selective Focus: Full-on PDDs
Select photos from Instagram spanning mid-June to mid-July 2023, all hashtagged with the name of a certain website. #perfectduluthday (more…)
Love and Kisses from Duluth in 1903
This Detroit Publishing Company postcard of Duluth is copyright 1902 and was mailed July 16, 1903 — 120 years ago today. The writing at the left indicates the temperature that day was 71 degrees.