Gunflint Trail author Nace Hagemann has compiled an interesting collection of photos of old homesteads, fish houses and odd historical objects, starting with the one on the front cover, in Old Minnesota.
With only three pages of text, Old Minnesota by North Shore author Nace Hagemann should be a quick and easy read. However, the 139 pages without words captivate the reader. The pages of old barns, sheds, fish houses and more, tickle the imagination with untold stories.
As Hagemann notes in his brief comments about the aging buildings, each scene raises questions. What happened to the former tenants? Who left behind the rusted wagon wheels and old bronze bedpost? Why were the once cozy cabins or sturdy barns abandoned?
The book includes Hagemann’s photos of a variety of buildings— some that look as if they could again be habitable with a little work; others swaybacked and beyond repair. There are pictures of homemade signs advertising happier times. There are a few pictures with whimsical touches—an unexplained smiley face in a field and a “No Trespassing” sign where there is nothing left on which to trespass.
Some images are quite sad, like the forgotten tricycle rusting in a snow bank. Another poignant portrait will be very familiar to folks who travel the North Shore often—the white colonial building just off Highway 61 in Little Marais. This reviewer can remember the building in its heydays, when nicely dressed diners at elegant tables were the picture of sophistication to occupants of cars passing by.
Although the building is now shuttered and deteriorating, it is nice that Hagemann has captured the image before it is completely gone. As he has with more than 100 other structures. All of the photos were taken in Minnesota, north of Duluth.
One of this reviewer’s favorite photos shares just a glimpse of the aging green roof of a building sheltered by poplar and birch trees. In addition to wondering where the structure is, what it is, and who used it, one wonders if it is seen in its entirety on another page. Hagemann doesn’t say if all of the photos were taken at completely different buildings or locations. Just one of many questions that intrigues the reader as they enjoy this book.
Another question is—what about the scenes that didn’t make the book? Nearly everyone has a spot that he or she has puzzled over. An old fish house foundation or chimney standing in the woods somewhere. Hagemann’s photos make the reader remember and wonder about those places too.
The unanswered questions—the mysteries of Old Minnesota—are what make Hageman’s book so interesting. Interesting enough that Old Minnesota was nominated for an Art & Photography award in the 24th annual Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards. Old Minnesota received an honorable mention at a May 17, 2012 ceremony at the UMD Library.
Old Minnesota can be purchased at local bookstores and gift shops and is also available from Amazon.com.
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