For the past 30-plus years our family has been vacationing along the North Shore. Grand Marais has always been our favorite place to visit.
This year we have been in Grand Marais several times and will soon be back again.
You have a beautiful new library addition and in front of it is one of the “jewels” of your community in very dire need of repair. I am talking about the gateway to the old Gunflint Trail route. The person carrying the canoe has several broken wires that used to hold it securely. The paint is faded and peeling. The little bear in the boat is totally hidden by tree branches. There are some stone blocks that have fallen off the wall and there are severe cracks in the mortar. Overall, it is sad to see such a significant landmark go to ruin.
Is the “Commercial Club” that erected this monument no longer in existence? It was built in the honor of two people that contributed to Minnesota. Go and read the bronze plaques. It must have been quite an occasion when they were dedicated.
As a community, there needs to be some positive action to repair and maintain what should be on the front of all your tourist brochures. Perhaps you don’t realize how many people go and look at this piece of history and take photos of it.
Can your city council pass a .05 cent tax to pay for renovation? Can businesses place donation jars at their sales counters? Is there a Commercial Club or other organization that can take charge of this project?
Grand Marais….you have one of the coolest pieces of Americana in front of you…..please take care of it.
Marianne Brenckman
Willmar, MN
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