1999 Canoe Trip on the St. Louis River

In August 1999, with beautiful weather, the CAC's Environmental Stewardship Committee held a canoe (and kayak) trip on the St. Louis River from Chambers Grove to Boy Scout Landing. The trip was narrated by history buff Jerome Blasevic, who knows the river like the back of his hand. The river is mostly undeveloped in this stretch, between the towns of Fond du Lac, Minnesota, and Oliver, Wisconsin -- but Jerome was able to show us where development once stood. Years ago, following logging, the river valley was farmed, and eventually hotels and factories were constructed. Telltale historical signs include old pilings where commercial docks once stood, low stone walls marking old foundations, and lilacs, which were typically planted near outhouses.