Queries Posts

Mysterious Biz White Song about Duluth

Jul 07, 2018 3 Comments

We need to unearth some Duluth-based songwriter history. The current reference librarians at the Duluth Public Library are unable to track down the lyrics to a song about Duluth by Biz White, a female librarian during the 1980s and ’90s.

Here’s the conversation:

I was visiting with friends yesterday and one of them said he had been trying to find the lyrics to a song written about Duluth. It was written by Biz White, who used to work at DPL, and he thought it may have been for a Playhouse production. Some of the lyrics he remembered were, “Oh Duluth, your granite hills rise,” and “Oh Duluth, your heartless hills.” I was hoping you had some ideas.

Thanks,
Kim

Help! Does anyone have these lyrics recorded?


Art, History, Music

Duluth Dog Etiquette

May 21, 2018 16 Comments

Last Thursday, shortly after 6 p.m., I was out for a walk with my dog on the west side of Chester Creek between Skyline and Eighth Street. We were heading up the trail and passed a gentleman out for a jog with his two dogs, heading down the trail.

As we approached each other I said, “Hello, my dog’s friendly.”

He replied with, “Hi. My dogs are not,” and kept running.

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Random ,

What the heck is that thing?

May 02, 2018 5 Comments

Here’s something I always wonder about when I see it, but then immediately forget: Across from the cemetery on Highland Street there is a series of roofs built on the ground in a field, enclosed by a fence.

A cursory search on PDD and Google revealed no answers about its purpose. It’s probably capping something boring like an old dump or the sewer, but I remain curious.

So, does anyone know what it is?
 


Random

What’s Rick Steves’ deal with Duluth?

Apr 03, 2018 8 Comments

Does Rick Steves have a beef with Duluth? While I was doing a searching for something Duluth related, I discovered a PDD post from Nov. 22 titled  “Rick Steves offends his Duluth friends.” Which surprised me, as I had just recently noticed yet another slight from Rick Steves regarding Duluth.

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Random

How much ship traffic goes through Superior Entry?

Nov 05, 2017 2 Comments

It seems most ship traffic going onto the lake from Duluth-Superior goes through the canal under the Aerial Lift Bridge. How much ship traffic uses the Superior Entry, which is between Minnesota Point and Wisconsin Point? Only the ships going to and from Allouez?


Random , ,

Coffee, dessert and football in Duluth

Oct 14, 2017 3 Comments

Does anyone know of a quiet location to watch the Packers/Vikings game? Preferably one with good desserts and coffee?


Recommendations, Sports ,

Eclipse viewing in Duluth

Aug 11, 2017 1 Comment

Any events happening in Duluth for the eclipse later this month? We have extended family who will be in town that day and are looking for a good viewing spot/party/whatever.


Random

Pattison State Park workout area

Jul 24, 2017 No Comments

Does anyone have any info about the workout area at Pattison State Park near the swings? I remember that it used to have a sign posted that showed how to use all the equipment but that sign is now gone. Anyone know any background about it or have a photo of the sign when it was still posted?


Random ,

Duluth Rideshare Board?

May 02, 2017 3 Comments

Would Perfect Duluth Day be interested in hosting a rideshare board for trips that go beyond the bounds of Duluth (like to the Twin Cities and back, etc.)? It would sure be helpful for one-car or no-car families that have to travel regularly. The UMD Ride Share board is great and shows the concept works, but I’m not a university student and it feels kinda weird showing up for a ride as a middle-aged person when the driver expects a student. And then there’s the summer.


Recommendations ,

Scooters in Duluth

Apr 16, 2017 5 Comments

ScootersI’m considering a 49cc scooter for getting around town, primarily from Lakeside up to work at UMD, during the non-snow months. I’m wondering if one that small can haul me, or my husband, up the hill. I’ve Googled to not a ton of help. Has anyone over, say, 200 lbs. used one? I won’t require you to divulge your actual weight.


Recommendations ,

Duluth Technical College baking classes TV commercial

Apr 02, 2017 2 Comments

We’ve had bits of luck on Perfect Duluth Day in the past when we’ve put out requests for someone to step forward with video of old Duluth TV commercials. Well, here’s another attempt.

A query in the PDD inbox reads:

I’m searching for an obscure commercial for baking classes that were held at the vo-tech college, old LSC, from the 1980s. We’ve recently had a family member pass away and he was in the commercial as the baker. If you have any ideas of where to get the footage, that would be fantastic. We believe it was on Channel 10, WDIO, with Jack McKenna.

Lake Superior College was known as Duluth Technical College in the 1980s. It merged with the Duluth Community College Center in 1995 to form LSC.


Videos , ,

Suggestions for a cheap wedding photographer in Duluth

Mar 29, 2017 2 Comments

My fiancé and I are getting married in 2018 and we have done some searching and the prices for professional photographers are ridiculous. We are looking for a photographer for our wedding and we don’t want to spend more than $1,000. Perhaps someone who does it part time and has some wedding photography experience. Any suggestions?


Photos ,

Big Jig Ice Fishing Contest 2017

Feb 18, 2017 6 Comments

Does anyone know why it’s not going on this year? I can’t find any info.


Outdoors ,

What is this brick pillar in the sidewalk?

Feb 16, 2017 1 Comment

West End Thing

The above image landed in my inbox this morning with the following question from a fellow named Ben: “Any idea what this is? It’s on West Superior Street at 17th Avenue West. There’s nothing on it or attached to it.”

Well, it just so happens I have a pretty good idea what it is.

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History ,

Stolen from Sam Hanson

Dec 21, 2016 4 Comments

electric-construction-co-ceramic-ash-tray

This ceramic ashtray raises a few questions, the primary one being: Who was Sam Hanson?


History