10 Years Ago . Aug. 2, 1999 • TheGrand Marais City Council, by a vote of 3-2, rejected Gordon Awsumb’s Old Ski Hill development proposal at its regular meeting July 28.
Awsumb, who was present at the meeting, was proposing a three-phase development which would eventually build 62 dwellings on one-acre plots on the lower third of the property.
The development proposal was accepted two weeks ago by the Grand Marais/Cook County Economic Development Authority, but because the lower portion of the Ski Hill property is owned by the city, the council has final say on whether Awsumb could proceed. •Due to the disaster of the July 4 storm, the canoe races at Gunflint Lake have been cancelled until the summer of 2000.
Organizers of the races, which raise thousands of dollars for the Gunflint Rescue Squad and Fire Department, were anxious to let those who bought raffle tickets know that the tickets could be refunded.
20 Years Ago . July 31, 1989 • Ten thousand years of prehistory are being uncovered by archaeologists on the Superior National Forest.
Forest Service archaeologists, students and volunteers are working daily excavating one of the earliest prehistoric hunting camps in northern Minnesota. The site is located in the East Bearskin Lake campground, 23 miles north of Grand Marais on the Gunflint Trail.
Experts have estimated the site is approximately 10,000 years old based on artifacts uncovered including broken spear points and an exciting discovery last week of a rare stone scraper.
Fire hearths have also been located which contain enough prehistoric charcoal to enable carbon dating of the site.
Archaeologists say this may be one of the most significant finds in Minnesota and the Great Lakes area. •Dining at the Birch Terrace Supper Club in Grand Marais has become a year-round pleasure, since the owners added a lounge and expanded their hours. The restaurant is featured in the current issue of Lake Superior magazine.
50 Years Ago . July 30, 1959 • A 45-acre fire in the Northern Light Lake area kept 25 men, a plane, six pumps and three bulldozers busy Saturday afternoon and evening.
According to U.S. Forest Ranger Harry Matthews, a smaller fire had flared up a mile away a bit earlier, believed caused by berry pickers. The crews went out on this fire about noon and the plane specially equipped to scoop water from a lake, dropped water on the blaze and soon had it under control. It was when the plane took off and circled the area at a higher altitude that it discovered the larger fire about a mile away. •Tom Hansen is building a new home at Tofte. The building, which will be attractive, is being built in Tofte’s “West End” a bit west of the Chuck Wagon, south of the highway. •At Greenwood Lodge, those still fishing for trout in 60-70 feet of water are having fairly good luck. The average size runs 2-6 pounds.
90 Years Ago . July 30, 1919 • While working in Hedstrom’s sawmill on Maple Hill last Saturday Joseph Zerbach had the misfortune to get caught in the belting, breaking his leg and injuring his back. • Forest fires that have been raging along the Alger Smith line are now reported under control. • Word has been received here that Jack Woods has been chosen as a member of the Senior Eight of the Duluth Boat Club crew and is now in Worcester, Mass., where he will take part in the national rowing regatta next Friday and Saturday.
Jack tried out at the YMCA last spring and to his surprise was found “up to snuff” and chosen to take part in the regatta held in Duluth last week.
It is quite an honor to be chosen as one of the Senior Eight who are to try for the national championship.
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