I have wondered how many people are aware that, as part of the reconstruction of Highway 61 through Grand Marais, the trees from Third Avenue West to about First Avenue West are to be cut down allowing for roadway expansion, including bike paths. I am aware that a lot of people have volunteered considerable time to make plans to better this stretch, meeting the Highway Departments guidelines. And the plans are available on line. I have seen them but do not recognize Grand Marais, as I know it. It really could be anywhere.
This highway section has been reorganized before, or rather created in the mid 1920s when buildings and homes were moved to allow for automobile traffic to and in the center of town. One of the buildings was the Princess or Wigwam Theater owned by Earl Leng who then build the Shore Theater, now the empty lot on Wisconsin Street. According to my mother, the Wigwam was the place in town for entertainment. The previous highway was County Road 7.
I understand the trees are elm and are now almost 100 years old. If so they are probably either the “Slippery Elm” or the “American Elm” which live 150-200 years. Has it be been determined that these trees are in fact infected so that they need to come down or is it a matter of sheer convenience? When last the city streets and sidewalks were improved trees were planted to make good shade. Still just a promise.
Those who came before us created this “quaint little village” that benefits those who live here and the tourism trade that survives, and prospers. It’s not just anywhere…. yet.
Pat Lind Zankman
Grand Marais
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