Northland Uncovered

These Bricks Did More than Build Houses, They Built a Community

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: The story behind the quaint 84 Jackson Project brick houses in Hermantown.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – America in the 1930’s is remembered for its high unemployment and struggle for working families to find affordable housing. President Franklin D. Roosevelt started a number of projects to help the nation’s families escape these problems and find a better life, including a Northland colony of depression–era housing projects, one of the nation’s only homestead colonies still…

Two Theaters, One Stone: Historic Auditoriums Brought Back to Life in West Duluth

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: The West Theater was an art deco movie palace when it was originally built in 1937.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s not your average movie theater, it has a lot of history! The West Theater is one of two historic theaters making a comeback in the Northland. “I said I would only be interested if I could turn it back into a theater,” Bob Boone said. This was the promise Boone made to the last owner of his…

The DTA Celebrates Another Milestone in Long History of Transporting People Around Duluth

The DTA has been Duluth's public transit system since 1883

DULUTH, Minn. – With almost two thousand stops, 75 fixed–route buses and some of the highest ridership in the country, the Duluth Transit Authority has served as an example for transportation systems all over the nation. “In 1883 they had mule–drawn street cars because they needed transportation that was affordable to get people around the community and up the hill,”…

Tunnels Under Duluth Remain Some of the City’s Oldest Infrastructure

The tunnels under Duluth are a part of the city's storm drain system

DULUTH, Minn. – Infrastructure development was booming at the turn of the twentieth century in Duluth and under it. The tunnels of Duluth were built to convey water under major roads without disrupting the city above. “They are durable. That blue stone doesn’t wear away. The bottoms of them are still on their original bedrock channel,” city program coordinator Todd Carlson…

The Man Behind the Courtney Medal of Honor

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: Major Henry A. Courtney and the Medal of Honor

DULUTH, Minn. – The Courtney Medal of Honor is a symbol of leadership to many. “My regret is he was taken in a war, and I never got to grow up and get to know him,” Major Henry Courtney’s nephew Courtney Storey said. Major Courtney was killed in 1945, two years after his nephew Courtney Storey was born. What Storey knows…

The Northland Remembers America’s Ace of Aces Richard I. Bong

Northland Uncovered: The Richard I. Bong Veterans Center is in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – What started as a plane and a dream has now turned into a haven for Northland veterans. From Poplar, Wis. farm boy to America’s icon, U.S. Army Air Force Major Richard Bong was one of nation’s most decorated fighter pilots during World War II. “He ended up becoming America’s ace of aces shooting down 40 confirmed enemy air…

A Little Bit of Scandinavia in the Northland

Northland Uncovered: Bergquist Imports- Scandinavian gift items

CLOQUET, Minn. – Minnesota has the largest population of Scandinavian Americans in the United States. Put a little bit of Scandinavia in every home in america- that’s the Bergquist motto since 1948. “Our house was always full of beautiful Scandinavian gift items, so i grew up with them in the home,” Bergquist owner Barry Bergquist said. Barry Bergquist’s parents got the…

Korean War Veteran Remembers Time as One of the ‘Frozen Chosin’

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: Bob Johnson is a born and raised Duluth veteran

ESKO, Minn. – The Korean War ended 66 years ago, but it’s effects are far from forgotten, especially on Northland veterans. Bob Johnson is 88 years old. He enlisted when he was just 17. “I read about Marine exploits and I figured if I grew up and ever war, I want to be in the Marine Corp,” Johnson said. Summer…

Duluth News Tribune Reports City News for 150 Years

Northland Uncovered: 150 years of DNT news on display at Glensheen

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth News Tribune has shared first hand the history of Duluth almost as long as it’s been a city. “What you see is really the last 150 years of history as reported by the Duluth News Tribune,” Glensheen executive director Dan Hartman said. Duluth’s oldest source for news has seen it all. “People really did trust that…

Duluth’s Local Knitting Shop Celebrates 20 Years of Yarn

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: Yarn Harbor opened in 1999

DULUTH, Minn. – It may not be as obvious as the running community, but the knitting community casts a pretty wide net over Duluth. A harbor is another word for a home. 1999, Yarn Harbor became that home to the Northland’s surprisingly large knitting community. “You’ll see people knitting in all sorts of places around town,” owner Kathy Thomas said. It…

A Century Old Theatre That’s Trying to Make a Comeback

The Lyric Center for the Arts was built in 1911

VIRGINIA, Minn. –  A century old theater is making a come back. The arts play a significant role in any town, especially one like Virginia, Minnesota. “The theater opened in 1912, in January, and to a full house and rave reviews,” Lyric executive directory Mary McReynolds said. In 1912, the Lyric Center for the Arts was one of several stops…

The New Scenic Cafe Celebrates Art and Food for 20 Years

Northland Uncovered: The New Scenic Cafe turns 20 in April 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- When many think of art, they think of what’s hanging in museums, but for 20 years the New Scenic Cafe has thought of art in terms of food. You may have spotted the hole in the wall driving up the North shore. “We’ve become a water hole of sorts where people enjoy stopping here on their way up…

Northland Uncovered: The Family Behind Gordy’s Hi-Hat

Northland Uncovered: Gordy's Hi-Hat celebrates 59 years in business.

CLOQUET, Minn.- 1960- that was the year Gordy and Marilyn Lundquist decided it was time to settle down in Cloquet. The couple owned 2 other restaurants before opening Gordy’s, an A&W in Eleveth and the London Inn in Duluth. But Gordy’s became more of a family affair. “It’s myself, my dad, and my grandma and grandpa that still work here today,…

Northland Uncovered: The Douglas County Courthouse Celebrates 100 Years

Northland Uncovered: The Douglas County Courthouse was built in 1919

SUPERIOR, Wis. – At the time it was built, the Douglas County Courthouse stood for growth. “The shipyards were operating, a lot of activity going on here and we had a lot of industry,” long time county board member Douglas Finn said. The original courthouse sat on the Nemdaji river, but in the midst of a booming population a new one was…

The Women Behind the Building for Women

Northland Uncovered: The Building for Women

DULUTH, Minn.- March is Women’s History Month, and where better to hear stories by women than in the Building for Women? The building faced an incredible journey leading to it being the only one left of its kind today. “We’ve put up quite a battle,” Building for Women founder Tina Welsh said. The Building for Women hols significance as a…

The Future Shifts for One of the Northland’s Most Popular Music Venues

Northland Uncovered: The Red Herring Lounge and location.

DULUTH, Minn.- From the most unknown local artists to headliners that we know and love, the Red Herring Lounge has been the Northland’s go to spot for live music for years. Since 2013, the Red Herring Lounge on East 1st Street has been one of Duluth’s most popular concert venues. “What I thought the scene deserved was a place that was…

Northland Uncovered: Turning the Traphagen House into a Home

Northland Uncovered: A Duluth home passed through the hands of architect Oliver G. Traphagen and the Congdon's will now be rented out as modern apartments

DULUTH, Minn.- Turning the old into the new, that’s what one property owner wanted to do with a well known home in the Northland. “If you can’t preserve and protect, reconstruct with the heritage in mind,” contractor Austin Aili said. Oliver G. Traphagen left a legacy as an architect with hands on several buildings in Duluth, including Fire Station No….

The First and Last Bridgeman’s Restaurant in the State

Northland Uncovered: A Duluth creamery that led to several ice cream shoppes and one standing restaurant in the state of Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. Ice cream- good, whether it’s hot or Minnesota cold. “Bridgeman’s is a family owned ice cream company, so we make our own ice cream, and then we also have restaurants,” Bridgeman’s brand owner Crystal Bakker said. In 1883, Henry Bridgeman delivered fresh milk home to home through Duluth. It’s…

The YMCA Isn’t Just For Young Men Anymore

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: The Duluth Branch YMCA

DULUTH, Minn.- Everyone knows the song, but what is the YMCA really? What started as bible school for Christian young men turned into so much more. “This branch in Duluth has actually been providing services to the community all the way back to 1870, although we didn’t have a building at that time,” Duluth YMCA president and CEO Sara Cole…

Chester Bowl – The Northland’s Home Away from Home

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: The park that's been around since Duluth became Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – What’s Winter without snow, and what’s snow without skiing? Chester Park is an outdoor haven that dates back to the late 1800’s. “A lot of people assume the Chester Bowl was named after Chester Congdon after so many things in this town that are named after Chester Congdon, but there is a man named Charles Chester who…

The Northland’s National Weather Service

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: The Duluth branch National Weather Service is making history in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – 2019 may be the year we see historic temps in the Northland, but what’s the history behind the guys making that call? Before they were called the National Weather Service, the U.S. Weather Bureau landed in Duluth in 1855. Along with being one of the biggest shipping ports, Duluth’s spot on Lake Superior and it’s crazy weather…

100 Year’s Since Minnesota and Wisconsin Agreed to Prohibition

Northland Uncovered: January 17 marks the 100 year anniversary of Wisconsin and Minnesota agreeing to a ban on alcohol

SUPERIOR, Wis.- January 17 marks the 100 year anniversary of Wisconsin and Minnesota agreeing to a ban on alcohol. “The overturning of prohibition, of course, was with the 21st amendment. And we just celebrated; actually it was 85 years in December,” business manager Jon Winter, from the Douglas County Historical Society said. But before the 18th amendment was overturned, prohibition withstood a…

Douglas County Anticipates Big Anniversaries in 2019

Northland Uncovered: The Douglas County Historical Society is preparing for the big anniversaries coming in 2019.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Douglas County Historical Society is busy at work preparing for 2019 in honor of its big anniversaries. “It’s important to look at what we did in the past to maybe not make some mistakes in the future,” DCHS business manager Jon Winter said. In 2019, the city of Superior will have plenty to look back on. 3 major…

Officials with the Saints of Mary and Joseph Church Make Final Stretch to Completing Years Long Project

Northland Uncovered: Historic log church in Sawyer is close to being completely renovated.

SAWYER, Minn.- A historic log church in Sawyer is close to being completely renovated. “Most of the people that use to go to this church love this slamming of the…church door. They love the screen door. That’s what they remembered about this church, the screen door,” said deacon Bryan Bassa. Through that door, 134 years of history- memories from the…

Northland Uncovered: Bentleyville Grows Over 15 Years

Take a look at the history of Bentleyville.

DULUTH, Minn.- The story of Bentleyville Tour of Lights started long before it became a holiday attraction. In 2001, Nathan Bentley and his family were inspired to hang lights on their home in Esko after seeing their neighbors do the same. “The next year I thought I should put up a few more lights and then after the front yard…

Northland Uncovered: Marcia Hales’ Park Point Home of Lights

Hales says this really is her last year of decorating for the holidays.

DULUTH, Minn.- The lights first turned on in 1998 when Marcia Hales and her husband Alan entered a city lighting competition. “We won second place that year. He did… Although i did most of the work,” Hales said. Aiming for a first place win, the couple started planning their decorations for the following year. But in April of ’99, Alan…

Curling, Beer and Pizza- Oh My!

The Duluth Experience's newest tour includes two monumental pieces of the Northland's history.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was the perfect time to launch The Duluth Experience’s newest tour after all the curling hype from the Winter Olympics. “People really want to get out and curl…there’s a lot of interest,” Duluth Experience co-founder and CEO Dave Grandmaison said. At one point, Duluth had the largest indoor curling facility, known as the Duluth Curling Club… Located…

More Than Just a Tree: Emmanuel Evergreens

Meet the family who wanted to bring the Christmas spirit back to West Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- “Christmas is more than just the day. It’s like a whole season,” Kimberly Powell said. “Picking out the tree for most people is like the paramount… The big thing of all the Christmas celebration, aside from that time with family and friends around an amazing meal and giving gifts.” That’s why Powell wanted to bring the magic of…

Former First Lady Edith Wilson to Come Alive Friday in Superior

Douglas County Historical Society in Superior will Host "Edith Wilson," a Historic Political Performance for the Community on Friday, November 9

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Happening Friday, November 9, the Douglas County Historical Society will present “Edith Wilson” LIVE on stage. Accomplished actress Jessica Michna is a one-woman show bringing Edith Wilson to the history theater stage on the 100th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice and the end of WWI. Tony Tracy, Executive Director of the Historical Society says, “Edith played an amazing…

Historic Haunted Tours of the Raspberry Inn!

Join Twin Ports Paranormal and the Ricigliano's to hear all about the activity discovered in the house, the history and the cover up!

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — This weekend ONLY you have the opportunity to tour the old historic Raspberry Inn. The home is said to be haunted, with many accounts and stories surfacing from this old inn. Locals Brandon & Jasmine Ricigliano decided to buy it and save it. Brandon says, “After I started hearing the voice from the third floor that was…

Raspberry Inn Paranormal Investigation

Medium Lady Ocalat & Twin Ports Paranormal Investigate A Haunted Superior Wisconsin Home

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this week’s Northland Uncovered the Fox 21 morning crew goes on a paranormal investigation into the Raspberry Inn, with Medium & Psychic Lady Ocalat and Twin Ports Paranormal. NOTE: The FULL extended version of our investigation will be posted after 3pm tonight on this website and you can also find it on Meteorologist Brittney Merlot’s Facebook…

Nopeming Sanatorium Paranormal Investigation

Medium Lady Ocalat & Twin Ports Paranormal Investigates The Old County Tuberculosis Sanatoria

DULUTH, Min. — Fox 21’s Northland Uncovered October Special investigates The Old County Tuberculosis Sanatoria, Nopeming. Nopeming was built in 1912 to help house and care for individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis. The building went through many changes in structure, tenants, employees and management since. Nopeming has been privately owned by Orison Inc. which is a non-profit since 2009. Orison has…

Duluth Train Depot Paranormal Investigation

The Train Depot Is Said To Be Haunted, Fox 21 Investigates This Historic Union Station

DULUTH, Min. — For this week’s Northland Uncovered the Fox 21 morning crew is continuing a special series throughout the month of October! It’s centered on exploring old historic locations across the Northland and the existence of any paranormal activity within. This week’s paranormal investigation takes us to the Historic Train Depot in Duluth, Minnesota. It was built as a…

S.S. Meteor Paranormal Investigation

The Last Whaleback Freighter In The World Is Said To Be Haunted, Fox 21 Investigates This Superior Wisconsin Ship

SUPERIOR, Wis. — For this week’s Northland Uncovered the Fox 21 morning crew is starting a special series throughout the month of October! It’s centered on exploring old historic locations across the Northland and the existence of any paranormal activity within. This week’s paranormal investigation takes us to the S.S. Meteor in Superior, Wisconsin. The S.S. Meteor is the last…

Massive Military Display Saturday in Superior

The Military and Civilian Vehicle Show Starts at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 4, 2018

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – On Saturday, August 4, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., Twin Ports area residents will have the chance to check out the Military and Civilian Vehicle Show presented by United Veterans Construction. “This year’s show promises to be even bigger than the year before,” said Hayes Scriven, Executive Director of the Richard I Bong Veterans Historical Center. Scriven…

Scoops of Fun at Fairlawn Mansion

Fairlawn Mansion in Superior will Host Their Annual Ice Cream Social Wednesday, July 18, 2018

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Hundreds of Twin Ports residents and visitors from all across the country will make their way to Fairlawn Mansion in Superior on Wednesday, July 18 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The annual Fairlawn Ice Cream Social is taking place, and organizers say it’s a crowd favorite every year. There will be good old fashioned fun, complete with…

Northland Uncovered: Grandma’s Marathon Viewing Train

The Grandma's Marathon Viewing Train will Leave the Duluth Depot at 5:45 a.m. on Saturday, June 16

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend thousands of fans will be packing the streets, waiting for their favorite athletes to pass by. But did you know you can also witness Grandma’s Marathon from the tracks of the North Shore Scenic Railroad? Tuesday morning on FOX 21 Local News, Lake Superior Railroad Museum Executive Director Ken Buehler stopped by to chat about…

Moose Lake Museum Prepares “Shack” for 1918 Fires Dedication

Northland Uncovered: 100 Years Since the Fires of 1918

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – This year marks 100 years since the historic, tragic fire of 1918 that ravaged much of the Northland. The blaze swept the region beginning on Saturday, October 12, 1918. Now, the Moose Lake Depot and Fires of 1918 Museum is preparing to commemorate that anniversary. “It remains the largest natural disaster in Minnesota 100 years later,”…

Northland Uncovered: Shipping History in the Twin Ports

A look at the Start of Shipping in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s hard to imagine Duluth and Superior without shipping, but at one time we didn’t have the Aerial Lift Bridge with thousand foot ships moving underneath. “Really the history of the Port of Duluth-Superior is reflective of the history of this whole region,” explained Adele Yorde, the Public Relations Director for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. Ships…

International Music History Can be Found in Superior Museum

A World of Accordions Museum Displays Evolution of Instrument

SUPERIOR, Wis. – International music history is alive in the Twin Ports. Some refer to the Harrington Arts Center as a hidden gem. The center has featured musicians from all over the world and the World of Accordions Museum also has international flair through their instruments that are on display. “They’re all individual personalities. They play, they handle differently, but…

Glensheen Mansion to Host Free Classic Tours for Moms on Mother’s Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Mother’s Day is coming up and Glensheen Mansion is offering a fun way to spend time your mom. The Historic Congdon Estate is offering free Classic Tours for mothers on Sunday, May 13. This is in honor of Clara Congdon. The mansion is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Also in May, Glensheen is once again…

Minnesota Man Works to Support Vietnam Veterans

Program Highlights Nonprofit Work with Minnesota Veterans for Progress

SUPERIOR, Wis. – History is hard to miss throughout the Northland and one center in the Twin Ports is continuously educating citizens and supporting local veterans. One way the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is working to do that is through a program being hosted next week. Veteran Fletcher Hinds is visiting the center on Thursday, May 10 to…

Trains Begin Chugging Along North Shore Scenic Railroad

DULUTH, Minn. – As more birds are chirping outside, there’s also another sound that’s a sure sign of Spring, the whistle of a train on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. The trains are starting two weeks earlier than usual this year, running at 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. As the full season gets underway starting Memorial Day weekend,…

Wisconsin Town is Home to Carnegie Library and Presidential History

Northland Uncovered: Washburn Public Library

WASHBURN, Wis. – A library is often a place for community and that’s a constant across the country, including right here in the Northland. Some Wisconsinites even stop by their hometown library when they’re back in town just for a little reminder of home. A Carnegie Library isn’t a rare sight to see in the country, but one building stands…

Karpeles Museum Presents “Milton’s Hell in Voice and Image”

DULUTH, Minn. – Tonight, Tuesday, April 3, an exhibit is opening up at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum in Duluth depicting Milton’s Hell. Professor Karmen Lenz, Ph.D. will give a gallery talk introducing a multimedia art and video exhibit titled “Milton’s Hell in Voice and Image.” The video merges a spoken word reading of the language describing the epic struggle between…

Two Harbors Church is Home to Oldest Congregation in City

Northland Uncovered: United Church of Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The community at church often becomes family for those in the congregation. One church up the North Shore has had that feeling for over 110 years. Don Lindahl is a life-long Two Harbors resident and he’s passionate about the history of the United Church of Two Harbors because it represents important moments in his life. “When…

Northland Uncovered: Lake County Courthouse

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – County courthouses are visited for necessity and oftentimes the history represented within the walls is overlooked. One courthouse in the Northland has been standing for over 100 years, but it wasn’t always that way. Two Harbors resident Mitchel Costley knows all about the Lake County Courthouse, “I grew up here, so I’ve been in and out…

Kid-Friendly Events Connect Youth to Northland History

Camp Bong & Stuffie Boot Camp Taking Registrations

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Two fun events in Superior are getting school-aged kids involved with local history. Officials at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center are continuing Camp Bong have created another event, Stuffie Boot Camp. Camp Bong is put on by the historical center and The University of Wisconsin – Superior. Camp Bong is a sleepover experience at the…

Brownstone Church Stands in Duluth for Over 100 Years

Northland Uncovered: Mount Olive Lutheran Church

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is filled with historic churches and they each have their own unique beginning. One church in town has been standing for over 100 years and in that time, two congregations have found their home inside. The building that is now home to Mount Olive Lutheran Church was built in 1906. The Mount Olive…