This week in local history

The Carlton County Historical Society recently posted a photo on Facebook of past Lumberjack Days wood medallion buttons in its collection. The annual event began in the late 1970s and eventually dwindled out of existence after a few decades. It was held at various times, sometimes at the end of June and other times in mid-July. It was tied to the Fourth of July for a long time until the Fourth took on its own traditions in Cloquet.

The historical society, located in the Shaw Memorial Library on the west end of Cloquet Avenue since 1987, is closed during the pandemic but research appointments can be made. The building is in need of a new roof, and the society has begun a fundraising campaign to cover the estimated $50,000 to $70,000 cost to repair the roof of the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The society wants to complete the project before the winter season.

It is applying for grants "but can do much better if we have matching funds," the pitch reads on the Facebook page. Visit the nonprofit's social media pages or website to find out how to donate.