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.

PDD Quiz: June 2024

Test your knowledge of June 2024 headlines with this week’s quiz!

A beach-themed PDD quiz floats your way on July 14. Please submit question suggestions to Alison Moffat at [email protected] by July 10.

Happy 21st birthday to us!

Duluth’s Duluthiest website was launched 21 years ago today. Join us for a party on the beach at Park Point at 5 p.m. as the Park Point Art Fair wraps up.

Postcard from the Car of the Aerial Bridge

This undated postcard from the V. O. Hammon Publishing Company shows Duluth’s Aerial Bridge circa 1905 to 1929, when a ferry car transferred people across the shipping canal.

Big Sky Woody – “Cantina Diablo”

Duluth is No. 10 on CNN’s Best Towns to Visit in 2024

“Duluth is proving to be a Superior travel spot,” according to CNN, “thanks to its lakeside setting, outdoor activities and creative spirit.” The Zenith City landed at No. 10 on the cable news channel’s list of “American’s Best Towns to Visit.”