Carlton happenings

On Oct. 12, 1918 — 105 years ago — tragedy struck parts of Minnesota that included the communities of Kettle River, Moose Lake and Cloquet, areas of Duluth, and many smaller towns in the area. This was a devastating event for many families and businesses. I did not realize how close my family history was to the fire in Kettle River. My mother’s mother, Lucina Winquist, was living in Kettle River with her husband, Charles Winquist, and four children. They managed to escape to Moose Lake and survived the flames, but Lucina lost her mother in the fire. After the fire, her husband and infant son died during the flu epidemic. Eventually, my grandmother married Eli Nikkola and moved back to Kettle River. Lucina used the money she received as compensation for her losses to purchase three lots and build a new house. She grew vegetables and strawberries, which she sold in the community to help supplement their income. Grandpa Nikkola drove school bus, worked at the local service station, and sharpened saws. They eventually moved to a house across from the school that was destroyed by fire several years ago. (As a kid growing up, this is the house and school I remember.) I spoke to my Aunt Lucille to see if my grandmother ever talked about her experiences during and after the fire. She never spoke about it, as far as my aunt knew. My Grandma Nikkola was a hard-working, strong Finnish lady. She had that Finnish sisu.

Carlton VFW Post 2962 has bingo Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and a meat raffle at 6 p.m. Fridays. There will be a live band 7:30-11:30 p.m. Oct. 6; karaoke 6-10 p.m. Oct. 21; and a Halloween party 8 p.m. to midnight Oct. 31. The Nicholson-Sellgren VFW Post 2962 Auxiliary is offering two $500 Johnson/St. Maine scholarships.

Carlton Area Public Library: Volunteers are needed to help fill treat bags for the Oct. 28 Downtown Carlton Trick or Treat event. Contact Bethany at 218-940-5831. There will be annular solar eclipse activities on Saturday, Oct. 14, including special eclipse glasses while supplies last, and books for crafting and eclipse projects. Wednesdays: in-person crafts projects for all ages. Outside activities, weather permitting. If you are interested in serving on the library board, contact Bethany, 218-940-5831, for more information or stop in at the Library at 310 Chestnut Ave., Carlton. Hours are 1-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays.

The Carlton Area Chamber of Commerce organizes the Downtown Carlton Trick or Treat, which is 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Design and display your scarecrow by noon for the communitywide scarecrow contest.

Four Seasons Sports Complex and Event Center has open skate from after school to 4:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Oct. 10. Helmets required. No open skate Oct. 19.

The Carlton Hockey Association is looking for used skates and hockey equipment. Equipment should be slightly used and in good condition. Contact Danielle, 218-590-1569 or Leola, 218-310-6065.

If you have a special community event in Carlton or know of a special person who should be recognized, please contact Leola Rodd at 218-310-6065 or [email protected].