20 YEARS AGO
NOVEMBER 6, 2000
The Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission has paid slightly more than $10,000 in Recreation Park surcharge refunds. The refunds are the result of a lawsuit brought against the city of Grand Marais by a New Brighton couple who alleged the surcharge was illegal, and took the city to court over the issue. Due to the 20 percent Public Utilities Commission surcharge that was added to the Rec Park camping rates in 1999, seasonal rental costs went up $82 per month. The couple asked that the $82 per month be returned for their full three-month stay. It took an appeal, but the campers won the battle.
Hedstrom Lumber Company has announced the elimination of eight positions at its Grand Marais mill. The main cause cited for the reduction is continued depressed lumber markets. Elimination of these positions in Grand Marais comes after a complete shutdown of Hedstrom’s Two Harbors mill, which affected 35 employees.
30 YEARS AGO
NOVEMBER 5, 1990
The Birch Grove School Halloween carnival was a resounding success this year. Well over 100 people attended, including families from Grand Marais and Silver Bay. More than 60 pies and cakes were awarded at the cakewalk alone! The event is a fundraiser for the Birch Grove Foundation.
60 YEARS AGO
NOVEMBER 3, 1960
Halloween mischief was at a minimum in Grand Marais, according to Village Marshal John M. Blackwell. The Chamber of Commerce tree trunk in Bear Tree Park was overturned and a few car tires were deflated. Some bells were rung, and that was about it. Bad weather favored the peace officers who were on watch most of the night. On the whole, children were orderly in their trick-or-treat calls about the village and many of them enjoyed the Lions’ party at the school. The party offered the children movies and treats and lots of good fun.
When only 18 parents responded with PTA memberships last month, the PTA officers were forced to ask, “Is there a need for PTA in Grand Marais?” A meeting is being called November 15 to determine by discussion and parent attendance whether the local branch should be continued. Throughout recent years the school faculty have been faithful attendees, often exceeding the number of parents. School faculty often presented programs at the meetings.
100 YEARS AGO
NOVEMBER 3, 1920
Mrs. Matt Lanktree had the distinction of being the first woman to cast her vote in the village and Mrs. Louis Engelsen was the second.
The new Maud Muller: Maud Muller one November day, rose and raked the leaves away; baked a batch of pumpkin pies, set a pan of bread to rise, made the beds and swept the house, killed a bold marauding mouse; hung the curtains out to air, shook the rugs and combed her hair, powdered up her pretty nose, donned her new and nifty clothes; seized her beaded bag so fine, priced at nineteen forty-nine, hailed a trolley, took a ride, reached the polls and tripped inside, and — although she bore no grudge — cast her vote against the judge.
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 ccnh@boreal.org; or stop by our office at 15 First Avenue West.
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