In the time between the city’s founding and the reverberation of World War II, Duluth built.
Many structures from that timeframe – whether still standing or not – are documented in Duluth’s Grand Old Architecture 1870-1940. The book is co-authored by Tony Dierckins and Maryanne C. Norton (1933-2018). The two have worked together on other projects, but their latest is the largest yet. "It's 336 pages, almost a foot wide, weighs in at 4 pounds 3 ounces," says Deirckins. "Through the help of UMD archivists and so many people in the community and greater Minnesota; 425 historic photos and sketches."
Within the architecture of Duluth - and all cities - is its history. Churches tell the tale of when immigrants moved to town, the presence of schools indicates where young families were settling, and industrial buildings speak to the various booms through the decades. "Looking at buildings and bridges and park structures - and all the things we include in the book - you actually get the story of the people who built Duluth," says Dierckins. "No matter what, I'm always writing about people."
Dierckins will be at Glensheen Mansion tonight (October 13th, 2022) for a book launch that begins at 7pm. The gathering will be a celebration of all the work that's gone into creating the book. "We want to celebrate Maryanne's work, of course," says Dierckins. "But there are hundreds of people who helped me make this book. I want to celebrate all of them."
Minnesota Reads is produced at The North 103.3 with funding provided in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
