Duluth

Images of America: Minnesota

by Maryanne C. Norton, Sheldon T. Aubut

Duluth, Minnesota, "The Zenith City of the Unsalted Seas," is located on the shores of Lake Superior. Once a center for shipping, lumber, mining, steel, railroads, grain, and one of the nation's largest ports, it housed some of the wealthiest people in the country. During the 1880s, the New York newspapers believed that within 20 years it would be larger than Chicago. Due to all of this wealth, the city grew at a remarkable rate, yet it also suffered through several recessions that almost destroyed it. With many handsome houses and remarkable buildings, Duluth's architectural heritage is among the strongest in North America. At the turn of the 20th century, it boasted more park land and green space, per capita, than any other American city, and offered residents a lifestyle that was incomparable.

Genres: History

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 25, 2001

Reviews

[John Stanley]

If you’re at all interested in the history of cities, especially Minnesota cities, and, of course, especially Duluth, this is a very nice little compilation of important historical buildings from both an architectural and historical perspective. The next time we go back to Duluth we’re taking this book with us and plan to spend some time just driving around town looking at the various locations with buildings both standing and gone.

[Sue]

Pictures of past landmarks and buildings of Duluth, Minnesota. I felt like they didn’t do enough research on the beginnings of the settlement. They jumped to where they had photographs and went from there. There are photographs of different neighborhoods but not a lot of descriptive history on how and why these neighborhoods were established.

[Stephen Hero]

I could see in his eyes that the enormous bully in the bar was certainly going to beat me up unless I answered his question. And quickly.

So I did. "Turtle doves are the UK's fastest declining bird species and they are threatened with global extinction. That being said, turtle doves are a vibrant, dainty species of dove (weighing in at around 140 grams) with a charismatic turrrturrr-ing call from which its name derives."

[Beth]

Since I consider Duluth my hometown, it's hard not to love this book. Loved learning and re-learning some of the history of Duluth. It's a great little book to relive the architecture that makes that city very unique. Highly recommend this book for anyone who has ever lived in, visited or plans to visit Duluth.

[Krissy]

There are a lot of old, beautiful houses in Duluth that were demolished in the 1900s. A large chunk of beautiful old homes and schools that are left standing have been turned into apartment buildings. It was a quick read, filled with mostly pictures and little descriptions of them.

[Lynda]

I grew up in Duluth so I was drawn to this book immediately. Was a revalation to me about how much I didn't know about my home town.

[Amy]

A beautiful book!! Written by my uncle Sheldon. :)