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.

Sidestreet Detour – “Time is Short”

Sidestreet Detour performed its Superior Porchfest concert on June 15 on a residential driveway near Central Park. Porchfest is a free, family-friendly music and art series in which attendees can bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic and/or simply stop by to enjoy the show.

The 2023 season concludes on Thursday, Sept. 7, with music at sunset around a campfire in Billings Park.

Accordion on a Unicycle with Steve Solkela

Steve Solkela performs Wild Cherry’s hit song “Play that Funky Music” on accordion while riding a unicycle … because he’s Steve Solkela.

Beating the Heat

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.

Duluth artist exhibits at Minnesota State Fair

Duluth artist Pat Hagen leapt a huge hurdle to exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair — producing some of the best work in the state. (Photos via Pat.)

New book by Duluthians about Agatha Christie

This book, by some undercelebrated authors from Duluth, looks really promising. They have cranked out six books together, I think.

Soap Box Derby History

I am looking to talk to folks who might have a memory of being in Duluth’s Soap Box Derby — either on London Road but especially the last few years that it was in Hartley Park.

The elm tree in the center of the photo above stood in the stream bank where the old farm road/junction of Stornaway Street was until the blowdown of 2016. The photo is from Hartley Nature Center where the Dale Mell’s 1964 derby car is displayed.

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.

A Sea Change for Lake Superior: Mishi Bizhiw — Great Panther

This short video explores Ojibwe perspectives and cultural stories associated with Lake Superior, with interviews and artwork by Carl Gawboy and Jonathan Thunder. A version of it will be included in the public television documentary, A Sea Change for Lake Superior.

PDD Quiz: August 2023

Dive into this edition of the PDD Quiz and see how many local headlines you remember from the past month.

The next PDD quiz will highlight area hiking trails; it will be published on Sept. 10. Submit question suggestions to Alison Moffat at [email protected] by Sept. 6.

A Fun Time with PJ’s Rescue

These youth I know spent the afternoon with PJ’s Rescue at the Lincoln Park Resource Center & Garden. It was a kind of life-saving joy.

Climate>Duluth: Melanie Wallace and Bonnie Waltch – Climate Emergency Feedback Loops Films

Climate>Duluth host Tone Lanzillo interviews Melanie Wallace and Bonnie Waltch of Climate Emergency Feedback Loops Films.

Recorded in hybrid style at Duluth Public Access Community Television’s studio in City Hall.

Duluth Runway Fashion

Comedian and sitcom actor Tim Allen referenced Duluth in a scene on the ABC-TV sitcom Last Man Standing in 2015. The scene appears in season 4, episode 19, titled “Summer Internship.”

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