History Speaks

Artist's Point is a landmark in Grand Marais, a distinctive spit of land that extends into Lake Superior. The history and importance of the Point is explored in this edition of WTIP's series, History Speaks.

Ernest Oberholtzer was a quiet man who lived most of his life on an island in Rainy Lake. He is also responsible for the protection of much of the Quetico, the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. He was also an explorer, photographer, preservationist and spoke fluent Ojibwe. But Oberholtzer is not a well-known figure in the history of the Minnesota-Ontario border lakes region. His life and contributions to the protection of this pristine area - and the reasons for him being relatively little-known - are explored in this edition of WTIP's series, History Speaks.

(Photo courtesy of National Park Service)

Turn off the beaten path and head up the Gunflint Trail for this edition of History Speaks from producer Ada Igoe. Meet some of the hardworking residents who worked and lived on the Gunflint Trail during the mid-twentieth century. You’ll be introduced to everyday life in this remote Cook County community, a place rich in natural beauty and solitude, if not modern convenience.

All photos courtesy of the Gunflint Trail Historical Society archives.

Listen to the latest edition of WTIP’s ongoing series, History Speaks, first broadcast on Thursday, August 29. In this edition we hear the story of the Grand Marais Art Colony studio building, which for five decades has served as a focal point for so many artists. We hear some of the voices of people who are associated with the Art Colony—including artists, students, and instructors.

“Doing Art on the Corner of 3rd Avenue West and 2nd Street: Recollections of 50 years in the Grand Marais Art Colony Studio”, History Speaks, only on WTIP North Shore Community Radio!

Today, more than 200,000 people visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness each year. This unique natural area is widely appreciated, but for decades the Boundary Waters was the source of a contentious debate. In the years before the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act passed in 1978, tensions decades in the making finally boiled over. In this edition of WTIP North Shore Community Radio’s historical series “History Speaks,” producer Ada Igoe presents the voices of the 1970s Boundary Waters Canoe Area debate in Cook County.

Additional Resources:
 
Boundary Waters timelines (natural history and wilderness management versions)
 
Complete 1964 Wilderness Act
 
Complete 1978 Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act
 
Chronology of BWCAW actions as related to the Minnesota government
 
BWCAW page from MN 150 Wiki

Boundary Waters timeline
 
U.S. Forest Service Boundary Waters page
 

Laura Alice Hogeboom Harriman was a true pioneer; a woman in the wilderness. Hard and exhausting as life was for early settlers in Hovland, Minnesota, Laura thrived. Beloved by her family and her community, Laura was a true caretaker. In her time she delivered more than 50 babies, cared for the sick, worked at the school, was active in church, and was mother to a family of five daughters. In this edition of WTIP North Shore Community Radio’s historical series “History Speaks,” producer Barbara Jean Meyers shares Laura’s incredible story.

On August 17, 1862 a group of four young Dakota men on a hunting expedition killed five settlers who lived along the Minnesota river in what is now southwest Minnesota...and a war began. This week marks the 50th anniversary of this historical conflict.  "A Clash of Cultures: Understanding the Dakota War of 1862" is a production of ampers-Diverse Radio for Minnesota Communities.

In this extended edition of History Speaks, we take a closer look at the creation of Isle Royale National Park and its effect on the people and culture of the island.

This documentary was narrated by Carah Thomas, with Lake Superior sounds by Peter Elvin and music by The Pines and Blind Pilot.

Photo courtesy of Joe Ross via Flickr.

Leng’s Fountain was a cornerstone of the community for many years. It was a true old fashioned soda fountain. You could order phosphates, ice-cream or stop in for coffee and a paper. It was a place that brought people together. A place you could linger and mingle. Hear the story of Leng’s as told by former employees and members of the Leng family.

Did you know there was a rail line from Thunder Bay that traveled across the country’s border and went to a mine near the end of the Gunflint Trail? Listen as WTIP uncovers the story “Rails, Mines, Madams, and Crooks” as part of our ongoing History Speaks series. It’s a real life tale full of intrigue, mystery and wonder. Learn about the famous Madam Mag Matthews and her house of ill-repute located near Gunflint Lake, the Italian laborers that endured many hardships to build the rail line, and the crooked businessmen who secured funding for the project in some questionable ways. We’ll also take a look at the new Centennial Trail recently completed by the USFS  that helps preserve this important story.