Secrets in Stone: A Rock Unveils History of Duluth

How One Man's Yard is Uncovering the City's History

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Every place has a story.

“I think it’s real important to retain the history, and try to help people retain the history of their lives,” said Stephen Sydow, a Duluth resident.

For Duluth, that story may be written in the rocks.

When he moved into his home 15 years ago Sydow was fascinated with what he found in his yard.

“Because of all the names that are inscribed and the dates that go back to the 1800s,” he explained.

Names and dates that left a lot up to his imagination.

“Maybe there was a kid running around on the rocks, or maybe he was at home with a relative and they were holding hands discussing the next child,” Sydow imagined.

But just this week Sydow took to the internet, deciding he needed to know the facts.

“I found Mr. Krelwitz. This is a ‘C’ for Charles,” he explained.

He connected with the man’s granddaughter who had some answers.

Like, what this man once did for a living.

“He was a land surveyor and worked for the city,” Sydow said.

And, the importance of the year 1901.

“The family has already told me that he was married previous to that,” he explained.

Plus, what his family was like.

“And that their first child was five years old at the time,” he added.

But she also had questions for Sydow about her roots.

“I think it’s a catalyst for a genealogy commencement,” Sydow said.

Proving what may look like just a rock could hold the secrets of a city.

This weekend Charles’s granddaughter is coming to town to explore the place her grandparents called home.