City Parks - Tour Old Duluth Minnesota with Sheldon Aubut

In 1888 the City Council created the first four city parks. Portland Square which was one city block at 10th Avenue East and Fourth Street, Chester Park was 69 acres, Cascade Park on Mesabi Avenue was 49 acres and was originally acquired by the city in 1869, and what was then known as Lincoln Bank which followed the Miller’s Creek in the West End.

Chester Park was NOT named after Chester Congdon as many presume, but rather after Charles Chester. He was one of the earliest homesteaders in the East End of Duluth. Chester Congdon did not move to Duluth until 1892, and moving into his famous Glensheen Mansion in 1908.

Chester Bowl was owned by the Duluth Ski Club which was chartered in 1905 until later when they deeded it to the City of Duluth.

Early 1900’s there was a festival in Duluth each year called the Lark O’ the Lake.

Books about Duluth and the region available from Amazon.com:

Boomtown Landmarks (Discover Duluth) - by Laurie Hertzel

Sam Cook's "Campsightes"

Chronicles of Aunt Hilma and Other East Hillside Swedes - by Michael Fedo

Barton Sutter's "Cold Comfort: Live at the Top of the Map"

Craig and Nadine Blacklock's "The Duluth Portfolio"

Destination Duluth (Port Cities of North America) by Martin Hintz

Duluth; The City and the People - by Chuck Frederick

Duluth/Superior Funbook - by Julie Ryan

Duluth Tour Book; An Illustrated Guide to Historic & Fun Places - by Jeff Cornelius