December 2010 Posts

J. J. Summers Agency, 1973

Dec 15, 2010 10 Comments

I got one for the Duluth History Detectives. Where was the J.J. Summers Agency located?

I just received an art book of the famous photographer Stephen Shore, and it was the following photo.

Caption reads: J.J. Summers Agency, First Street, Duluth, Minnesota, July 11, 1973.

I enjoy the rare opportunity to track down the locations of old famous photographs in the area to rephotograph and want to find this one. A quick cruise through Google Street view show a could of store fronts which still looks similar (Glenwood Signs) that I’ll go inspect, but any first hand accounts of the location, or records of an actual address would be great. Visual identification may be hopeless if it has been tore down or remodeled in the past 37 years.


Art, History, Photos

The Fortunately, Unfortunately, Fortunately of Google Fiber

Dec 15, 2010 9 Comments

Fortunately, Duluth-Superior put together a great bid for Google Fiber in the Spring as Google Twin Ports. We generated tons of buzz nationwide, and even worldwide and mobilized thousands of community members in support of the project. I was a tiny (miniscule, really) cog in the wheel that was the ad-hoc Google Twin Ports steering committee in the first part of this year. And just like everyone else, I have been anxiously waiting for the end of the year for the community (ies) that will get Google Fiber to be announced.

Unfortunately, as noted in another PDD post, Google has said they can’t decide yet and they’ve kicked the announcement date down into 2011.

Fortunately, that aforementioned PDD post from Brian B was on the coveted first page of “links” on the most recent official Google Fiber blog post!

This could mean anything or not much so try not to call me too naive here. But one thing is certain: They haven’t forgotten us. I say that means we are still in the hunt folks, and I think we’re a front runner when I consider all the factors I can think of, climate, community support, integration, availability of “dark” fiber, competing delivery systems (WiMax, 3G, Cable, DSL, even Superior Broadband’s nifty radio thing) attractiveness of the community and the list goes one. And I’ll just add in one more huge asset we have: Perfect Duluth Day. And that there screenshot proves they know that, too.


Uncategorized , , ,

Plain drunk, drunk and disorderly and even beastly drunk in Duluth

Dec 15, 2010 9 Comments

Regular folks getting drunk used to be front page news. Ah, the good ol’ days.

From the first issue of the Duluth Herald, April 9, 1883:

James Clark got drunk yesterday and was run in by Officer Turcotte. He was taxed $8.50 this morning by Justice Martin.

A. Lonquest was drunk and disorderly at Rice’s Point last night and Officer Peloski found considerable difficulty in arresting him. He had an infernal machine called a self cocking revolver on his person besides a dangerous looking knife. He contributed $10 to the city treasury this morning.

P. Peck was a plain drunk who was picked up by Tom McLaughlin yesterday. He paid the customary $8.50 this morning.

Mary McGraw got beastly drunk yesterday and fell into the clutches of the police. This morning she woke up financially embarrassed and the result was she was sentenced to ten days confinement in the county jail.

These are our people; this is our heritage.


History

Missing Person: Scott Michael Tridgell

Dec 15, 2010 6 Comments

ScottTridgellUPDATE: Tridgell was found on Jan. 5, 2011.

Duluth Police Dept. news release:

Scott Michael Tridgell, age 26, of Duluth was reported missing by his family on Dec. 14. Family members said Tridgell left his residence in Duluth on the morning of Dec. 13, leaving a note that he was going to a job interview. He has not been seen or heard from since.

Tridgell suffers from a form of amnesia which limits his ability to recall important details regarding his personal life, such as where he lives or where he has been. In 2007, Tridgell was listed as a missing person by the Edina, Minnesota Police Dept. after he failed to show up at his residence there. He was located three weeks later by police at a rest stop in Menominee, Wis. He had no ties to that city.

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News and Current Affairs

Jewelry trunk show at Sivertson Gallery

Dec 15, 2010 No Comments


Jewelry trunk show with Alicia Randazzo and Rachael Schultz of Oreb Lram from Ashland, WI. Saturday, December 18, 10am-6pm.
Sivertson Gallery
361 Canal Park Drive
[email protected]
723-7877


Art, Events

No-so-high-speed decision making

Dec 15, 2010 1 Comment

Google is still deciding which city will receive Google Fiber. They were originally going to announce the decision by the end of the year, but now they say to look for an announcement in early 2011.


Random

Not-so-high-speed rail advice

Dec 15, 2010 10 Comments

Next week, my daughters and I are going to be heading out on a week-long trip via Amtrak out of St. Paul. Having spoken to someone at the station who suggested that the parking lot there might be full so close to Christmas, I’m wondering if anyone has recommendations for long-term parking options in the general vicinity of the station. No one we know in the Cities is going to be available to ferry us, and both timing and cost considerations militate against the bus or shuttle. Has anybody done this successfully?

[State Library of Queensland, Australia, on Flickr]


Random

New Year’s Eve

Dec 14, 2010 No Comments


Events, Music

Old Knifey and the Cutthroats Annual Holiday Variety Show at Thirsty Pagan

Dec 14, 2010 2 Comments

The 2nd Annual

Facebook Event Page


Events

Cloud Cult on World Café

Dec 14, 2010 8 Comments

Cloud Cult (featuring former Duluthian Craig Minowa) will be performing on National Public Radio’s World Café on Wednesday, Dec. 15. The show is broadcast on 103.3FM KUMD in Duluth from 3-5 p.m.

(If you missed the broadcast, you can listen at your leisure using this link.)


Music

Early Bird Music at Chester Creek Cafe with TJ Trio, December 18

Dec 14, 2010 No Comments

Get blown away by the sounds of TJ Trio, Terrol, Jane, and Kyle Keegan on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. Take advantage of $2 off all wine and beer from 5-7 including on tap favorites, Bells Two-Hearted and Surly Furious. Happy Hour appetizer specials all night in the Chester Creek Wine Bar.


Events, Music, Restaurants ,

Ballast Water & Aquatic Invasive Species

Dec 14, 2010 No Comments

Wednesday night, Dec. 15, 7 pm, at Hartley Nature Center (3001 Woodland Ave.) will be the last presentation of the fall series on aquatic invasive species — Ballast Water, the myth and truth about the role ballast water plays in the spread of AIS by Marte Kitson, MN Sea Grant program.  More information at www.hartleynature.org


Events, Outdoors

Holiday Shows at Sacred Heart

Dec 13, 2010 No Comments

Two great holiday shows this week at Sacred Heart

The Rose Ensemble presents: La Nochebuena: A Spanish Renaissance Christmas

Thursday, Dec. 16, 7:30pm, $23 at door

Advance tickets $23 available by calling The Rose Ensemble 651-225-4340 or at roseensemble.org (Special student at-the-door pricing $10 with proper ID)

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Events, Music

Fundraiser for new mountain bike trails!

Dec 13, 2010 2 Comments

The Brewhouse and Burrito Union have generously decided to donate $1 from every pint sold over the week beginning this Wednesday, Dec. 15, through next Wednesday, Dec. 22, to the Cyclists of the Gitchee Gumee Shores. In addition, Bernicks Beverages has donated all of the soft drinks to the Burrito Union for that week and all soda proceeds will also be donated to COGGS.

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Outdoors

CD Release Party at Pizza Luce!

Dec 13, 2010 1 Comment

A night of roots music at Pizza Luce! Matt Ray and Those Damn Horses celebrate the release of their double album “Then and Now” with friends the Bitter Spills and the Breeze! Come out and support local music and get your feet stompin’!!!


Events, Music