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20 YEARS AGO
AUGUST 20, 2001
While it should come as no surprise that the Gunflint Trail is historic and carries importance in the city of Grand Marais, no one expected that the history could effectively hold up a multi-million-dollar road project. But according to County Engineer Chuck Schmit, that is exactly what is happening. Schmit said the new alignment — which starts east of Grand Marais, curves behind Cook County High School and enters the current Gunflint Trail above Creechville — has been stopped until all those involved can agree upon a way for the road to be built without robbing the Trail of its historical significance.
The Colvill Volunteer Fire Department building will be dedicated on August 26 to the late Dave Bushman, who was the first president of the board for the newest of the county fire departments. He served in that capacity until his death in August 2000.
After several delays, the new translator tower above Grand Marais is finally up. The new tower will hold equipment for several entities, including the Coast Guard, Minnesota Public Radio and the local Sheriff ’s Department. The old tower on the hillside behind the city will be taken down. A 1998 study showed the old tower was rusted and had critical structural weaknesses.
30 YEARS AGO
AUGUST 19, 1991
Renowned Minnesota artist and former Cook County News-Herald editor and publisher Ade Toftey, 86, died August 15 in Grand Marais. Toftey was editor and publisher of the News-Herald from 1928 to 1971, with a five-year interruption during the Depression when he taught printing at the Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Vocational School. During that time, he served as a stringer for the Associated Press and United Press International, and he contributed articles to a number of publications.
Shortly after 3 p.m. on July 18, the Perseverance, a 44-foot Gulfstar sloop owned by Steven Ginkel of Edina, sank in the cold, gray fog-shrouded waters of Lake Superior. As she went down, 2 ½ miles offshore and six miles east of Hovland, the crews of two private vessels and a Coast Guard boat stood by helplessly, unable to save her. The circumstances that led to the sinking will be pondered for a long time by those involved.
60 YEARS AGO
AUGUST 17, 1961
Three forest fires in this area the past few days have caused U.S. Forest Service personnel to issue warnings to all to be extra careful in the woods. Berry pickers and fishermen were especially warned not to be careless.
A noon-day fire Tuesday destroyed the Einar Allen Stables at Hilltop Cabins, but the horses that had been stabled there were safe. The fire that took the old two-story log barn is believed to have started from an electric fly catcher that had been installed the night before. Shortage of water and equipment gave the fire impetus and a head start, and in a short time it was out of control. One small shed near the barn burned also, but the Allen house was saved.
Calvin LeSage broke several ribs while at work Thursday, and on Sunday broke a bone in his left foot. He is laid up at his mother’s place.
The Bob O’Brien poodle was lost near Poplar Lake last week. It was spotted by a maintenance mechanic for the new road construction, but the dog was so frightened the finder was unable to catch it. However, the owner was informed the dog was nearby, and finally Bob himself caught it. The O’Briens paid the $50 reward offered for information leading to the dog’s return.
95 YEARS AGO
AUGUST 19, 1926
FROM WINNIPEG: Western Headquarters of the Canadian Pacific sent the most unusual order ever issued on a Canadian railway. The engineer was instructed by telegraph to keep a sharp lookout for three elephants on Crow’s Nest division. They had escaped six days ago from the coterie of 14 elephants being transported by the Sells-Floto Circus and remain at large in the densely wooded and mountainous country around Cranbrook, British Columbia.
100 YEARS AGO
August 25, 1921
The ball players of Grand Marais made a trip to Tofte Sunday, expecting to cross bats with the Tofte team in a return game after their defeat the week before. The Tofte players had come to the concert at Grand Marais, and word to that effect failed to reach the local players, hence the long ride for naught.
Albert Bally is home from Milwaukee for a week’s vacation. He is taking a four-year course in electrical engineering and will complete his studies next year.
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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