Postcard from Park Point Bathing Beach

This undated postcard from Kreiman’s Lyceum News & Book Store sports an illustration of Park Point in the vicinity of South Tenth Street, referred to as “Tenth Ave.” on the front of the card. The 72-degree temperature is cited as proof Duluth is “the air-conditioned city.”

Proving I am who I say I am

While I often avoid politics in my public writings, I want to take a few minutes to explain the life of someone different from most people, in a small way, that may reveal the complexities of some recent legislation proposed at the federal level.

Cloud Cult – “The Universe Woke Up as You”

The third video from Cloud Cult‘s upcoming album Alchemy Creek is for the song “The Universe Woke Up as You.” The album is set for release Aug. 8.

The video was directed by Chad Amour of Motion 117 Productions.

John

I’ll call him John.

He lives in a doorway near Chum, which is apparently where he obtains enough nutrients to survive. If John is not in his doorway, he’s usually circling the neighborhood yelling at the invisible people who are yelling at him. They must be saying terrible things, because he is always telling them how it is they who are the worthless fucking motherfuckers, not him.

Villiard aims high with ‘Waiting for Beds’

The Native American news website Buffalo’s Fire reports on Duluth artist Moira Villiard’s new project, “Waiting for Beds,” which looks at what happens to people who have to wait for a bed during a crisis, such as domestic violence, homelessness or addiction. The exhibit is on display at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth’s church at 835 W. College St. through September.

New screenwriting contest debuts in Duluth

What might be Duluth’s first screenwriting competition is one month away. “Unfinished Work: A Screenwriting Contest” will present some of the region’s finest screenwriters showing off a portion of their newest work. The event is on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., at Zeitgeist Teatro. Admission is free.

PDD Geoguessr #21: Hermantown

Hermantown History Center (Photo by Myotus used under CC 4.0)

When you Google Hermantown, the results are preceded by some questions people often ask about the place: Is Hermantown the same as Duluth? What is Hermantown known for?

Saturday Essay: Paved Paradise

Oh, good. There are some open spaces in the lot, so I won’t have to go rogue and park illegally next to the dumpster. With six garbage bags of clothes to donate, I’d been worrying I’d have to hoof them, biceps trembling during multiple trips, for a block or more.

I give an appreciative mental pat to the convenient parking lot with its open spaces. Well done, little lot. My lazy biceps thank you for your service.

Sliding into a space a hundred yards from the door, I turn off the car and sigh, bracing myself. Okay, now where do I go with these donations?

Mystery Photo: Duluth’s Saddest Family

For sale on eBay under the header “RPPC Duluth Minnesota Melancholy Mother with Children Real Photo Postcard c1910” is this photo of a rather unenthusiastic-looking foursome. The postcard is from the Owl Studio in Duluth.

Bryan Cranston’s Tribute to WWII Veteran Jack Moran

Actor Bryan Cranston, son of two World War II soldiers, tells the story of U.S. Army soldier and Superior native John “Jack” Moran, who courageously fought in the Battle of the Bulge. The video is from the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert, broadcast by PBS.

A Video Journal of Lake Superior

This video ran on a loop at the Duluth Art Institute’s “Water Works” show June 20 to Aug. 25, 2013. It hadn’t made it to the internet yet.

Duluth’s bowery was already historic in 1907

Previous posts on Perfect Duluth Day have explored the history of the Fifth Avenue West corridor. Urban renewal in the 1960s attempted to “clean up” blighted areas of town. A recent research dive revealed that the bowery was already targeted for “renewal” as early as 1907.

“End of once notorious section is in sight” proclaimed one of the sub-headlines. That part of town has had many ups and downs over the years.

Saltydog talks creative process, recording at Erickson house

Members of the band Saltydog on West Michigan Street near Bent Paddle Brewing in July 2023: Sam Deters, Owen Mahon, Gavin St. Clair, Jacob Mahon, Calvin Lund and Bryan Johnson. (Photo by Aaron Reichow)

Saltydog isn’t new anymore, hence the dropping of “New” from the band name. The Duluth-born jam band has accumulated an impressive cult following over the past seven years, playing venues across Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Duluth’s Bent Paddle Brewing on Monday nights. An enthusiastic group of funk and blues lovers seem to follow the band from show to show, along for the improvisational ride Saltydog takes them on.

Duluth and the Climate Haven Bandwagon

The British Broadcasting Corporation mentions Duluth among the cities that have “jumped on the climate haven bandwagon.”

“But is any place really going to be spared from climate change?” the story asks. “And does moving to one of these cities represent a sustainable solution to the crisis?”

Dollhouse City Streets

The latest video from Dollhouse City.