Harbor History: November 17, 1966: Lift Bridge Lit for First Time

A photo from the Duluth News-Tribune taken on the evening of November 17, 1966, when the Aerial Lift Bridge was illuminated for the first time. (Image: Duluth News Tribune.)

On this day in Duluth in 1966, during a gala celebration, state representative John A. Blatnik threw the switch to light the Aerial Lift Bridge for the first time. The city’s Project Duluth Committee, chaired by John Grinden, led the effort to light the bridge. “The Aerial Lift Bridge is the symbol of Duluth,” Grinden said, “We want to do everything possible to promote it to dramatize Duluth to tourists.” The committee hoped lighting the bridge would help make it as recognizable a symbol of Duluth as the Eiffel Tower was for Paris or St. Louis’s Gateway of the West Arch. Everyone seemed to love the idea, which would use the same type of lighting that illuminated Egypt’s Sphinx and the Palace of Versailles in France. Soon it had the approval of the City, the Corps of Engineers, the Lake Carrier’s Association, and the Coast Guard. Costs spurred the creation of the Aerial Bridge Club. Membership was obtained by donating one dollar or more to the lighting fund, and each member’s card entitled its holder to one free bridge ride. On Friday, November 11, the group had collected $21,000 from 10,000 donors. On November 17 a crowd of thousands joined Bridge Club officials and city dignitaries to watch as state representative John A. Blatnik—who called the lights “a magnificent symbol of the rebirth of our area”—threw the switch to turn on the lights. The University of Minnesota Duluth marching band broke into “Hey, Look Me Over.” After that, the crowd joined the College of St. Scholastica’s choir in a rendition of “God Bless America.” Read the complete story about the lighting of the bridge here.

Membership in the Aerial Bridge Club cost one dollar, and the money went to purchase lighting. The card also allowed holders one free ride on the Lift Bridge. (Image: X-Comm.)
Tony Dierckins  -- Zenith City Online

Duluth Harbor Boat Traffic for Friday 11/16/2012

Philip R. Clarke departed at 04:19

Duluth Harbor Traffic for Thursday 11/15/2012

American Mariner departed at 00:32
American Courage departed at 05:17
H. Lee White departed at 07:31
Saguenay departed at 14:10
Vikingbank (Dutch ) departed at 14:25
Philip R. Clarke arrived at 16:35
Algoma Quebecois departed at 23:00

Another Camera "Live Stream"

Dear Harbor Cam Friends,
Thank you for all the comments that I have received on the new Live Streaming Camera.  I do listen to suggestions and critiques and try to make adjustments when possible.   I can read between the lines your love for Duluth and the harbor and I appreciate that, since I feel the same way.

Technology has been advancing rapidly and although not perfect, it is now possible to "virtually" stand on a rooftop or hillside and get the feeling that you are truly here.

I have now upgraded a second camera for Live Streaming. This camera, located on top of the Great Lakes Aquarium, is a high resolution view of the Aerial Lift Bridge that also includes sound.  A truly live view, with sound has been a dream of mine for a long time, and is now possible (yet not perfect). While many of us can't live in Duluth, let alone afford some "Hillside" real estate, you can now tune into these new streaming camera for your daily nautical fix.

Although there will always be tweaking and adjusting on these cameras, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.  Also,  make sure to try out the "Full Screen" feature. Click on the second image on the right to access the camera.

Sincerely,
Dennis O'Hara - duluthharborcam.com

Duluth Harbor Boat Traffic for Wednesday 11/14/2012

Indiana Harbor departed at 03:24
John G. Munson arrived at 03:49
American Mariner arrived at 04:15
H. Lee White arrived at 05:06
Paul R. Tregurtha arrived at 06:48
Mesabi Miner departed at 10:45
John G. Munson departed at 14:55
Paul R. Tregurtha departed at 19:00
American Courage arrived at 19:30
Saguenay arrived at 20:30