10 YEARS AGO
AUG. 1, 2008
After holding two special meetings this week to consider their options regarding a possible disruption in garbage collection, the Cook County commissioners said Wednesday they would wait until Aug. 12 to take any action. The problem came to the attention of the county board a week earlier, when the county received a letter from the state Department of Revenue instructing the county to revoke Ray Pederson’s license as a solid waste hauler. Why? The state says Pederson owes an undisclosed amount of money that is to be paid as a Solid Waste Management Tax.
Superior National at Lutsen held its second annual “Rally for the Cure” tournament July 20. The event was well-attended: 65 women played this year, up from 40 last year. The event raised close to $3,000 to raise awareness about breast cancer.
20 YEARS AGO
AUG. 3, 1998
Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson has proclaimed Aug. 7, 1998 as George Morrison Day. Morrison, one of the state’s most celebrated artists of the 20th century, is internationally known as a painter and sculptor. He is also a much-respected Elder of the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe and lives on the reservation in Cook County.
A list of complaints and concerns from Recreation Park residents about the North House Folk School was presented to the park board at a recent meeting. The list, vocalized by park residents who feel that the folk school operations are hindering their ability to enjoy their vacations, includes noise from power tools after 5 p.m.; residents want a fence that has been removed from the west side of the school to be replaced as a border and to screen building materials; the folk school should put out garbage cans for their people and boats; North House people have been taking showers in the park without paying; parking problems; and a concern that the park will grow beyond its present borders. Grand Marais Mayor Gail Englund said she has discussed the concerns with representatives of the school, and explained the problems as “growing pains.” “There hadn’t been anybody down there for a long time, and now there is activity there. This is about fear of the unknown and a school that has been successful beyond its timeline,” she said.
50 YEARS AGO
AUG. 1, 1968
Admissions at the local historical museum have brought in $362.55 so far, reported the treasurer at a museum council meeting last Saturday. This shows that the museum has been well accepted as “something worthwhile to see” while in Grand Marais. Many favorable comments are often heard about the neat appearance of exhibits, the welll-abeled descriptions, and the fine collections of an interesting past in this county. As many as 40 volunteers take turns attending the museum to keep it open.
Montgomery Ward’s new sales agency store in Grand Marais—the former bakery building—opened with an open house last Thursday, and by 10 a.m. people lined the approach to the store, and in less than 10 minutes 100 towels were given away to the first hundred customers. Mrs. Charles Miller is in charge of the store.
90 YEARS AGO
AUG. 2, 1928
Miss Leah Brouillette is now employed as a long-distance operator at the telephone office.
The library board met Wednesday evening and heard the annual report. The total number of books is 894. Of these there are 106 worn almost beyond repair; 19 were added by purchase; 39 were added by gift. The total number of borrowers registered is 289; 91 were registered in 1928. The total number of volumes lent for home use this year is 1,522; the fines unpaid amount is $10.56. The balance in the bank is $11.09.
Another thing we don’t hear so much about any more is the old horse trough around the town square which used to be so popular Saturday afternoons.
Jimmy Mitchell is ill, and his small brother Georgie is taking his place at Sjoberg’s restaurant.
Eighteen Girl Scouts from Cook County will camp at Poplar Lake from Aug. 5-12. The girls will meet at Miss Helen Wahlstrom’s home Sunday afternoon and be driven out the Gunflint Trail in cars provided by the Troop Committee. The camp program will include outdoor cooking, swimming, tree and flower study, handicraft, plays, songs, games, and exploring the woods.
Do you have an old picture or a story from years gone by that you would like to share with the Cook County News-Herald readers? We’d love to hear your Historical Reflections Call (218) 387-9100; e-mail starnews@boreal.org; or stop by our office at 15 First Avenue West.
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