EVELETH—Craig “Figgy” Ritacco is passionate about all things Eveleth. He was instrumental in saving a beloved mural in the Franklin School scheduled to be demolished and was involved in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Hippodrome.

His latest project was the Benjamin Franklin Elementary cornerstone and the time capsule it contained. Ritacco said in an email, “This story started three years ago. As a board member of the Eveleth Area Community Foundation and the Eveleth Heritage Society, we had approached the Rock Ridge School Board for historical items to be donated to our nonprofit foundation to be kept and preserved in the City of Eveleth. With the help of the Rock Ridge School Board and (school official) Willie Spelts, we were able to achieve these tasks.”

Ritacco said, “As demolition of the Eveleth schools was getting closer, it was important to us to seek pieces of these historic buildings. At that time, we asked the school board if the general contractor, Kraus Anderson, could preserve the granite dedication plaque from More Stadium and the Masonic cornerstone from the Franklin which was documented to have a time capsule in it.” The project was done. Ritacco said, “A special thanks to Wade Engebretson with Kraus Anderson, who headed up the removal of these historic and very heavy items.”

In late September, the Eveleth Area Community Foundation, Eveleth Heritage Society, removed the time capsule from the cornerstone and removed its contents of 103 years. Ritacco said, “The items in the capsule were put in place on November 3, 1921. There was a large dedication ceremony with over 2,000 community members in attendance.”

Items found in the time capsule included the following: 3 newspapers from November 3, 1921, from Eveleth and Duluth; Bible from the Masonic Lodge in Eveleth dated 1901, a Duluth Masonic calendar dated September 1921,10 coins in a paperclip box, the paperwork from the building of the Franklin elementary associated with costs.

The items will remain in the City of Eveleth with the Eveleth Heritage Society. The cornerstone will find its new home within Eveleth.​

Eveleth native and hockey legend Willard “Ike” Ikola, along with author Jim Hoey, have written a book about Ike’s career playing goal and coaching high school hockey. As a youngster in Eveleth, he learned goaltending by playing endless hours on outdoor rinks with kids of all ages. He remembers growing up in the 1930s and '40s and how much he liked playing road hockey with the neighborhood kids near his home on Jackson Street. Coach Cliff Thompson recruited the diminutive but courageous eighth-grader as a practice goalie for the high school team. Subsequently, the Eveleth Golden Bears won 50 straight games and three state championships with Ike in the nets.

He went on to be an All-American goalie for the Michigan Wolverines and while in the U.S. Air Force, he participated in the 1956 Olympic Games held in Cortina, Italy. Ike played for the silver-medal-winning 1956 U.S. team and was named outstanding goalie for the games. He enjoyed playing international hockey and finished his playing career with the 1957-58 U.S. National Team. Edina High School in the Twin Cities then provided Ike the opportunity to fulfill his ambition to teach and coach.

The story continues by describing his Edina Hornet hockey teams and coaching philosophy over the 33 years that he coached. This book is full of interesting stories and is a must-read for those interested in Eveleth’s hockey heritage.

Eveleth rejoiced with the rest of the nation after an armistice with Germany went to effect on November 11, 1918, near Compiègne, France. The people of Eveleth had helped support the war effort in many ways for a year and a half. They bought Liberty bonds, held food drives, and joined the Red Cross. The Eveleth Commercial Club created a four-acre garden near St. Mary's Lake, and Presbyterian minister Salvatore Terranova composed a song called "The Volunteers." Eveleth mines provided vital iron ore for military equipment; in fact, six in ten shells used by the Allies were made from Minnesota iron. Hundreds of Eveleth men, many of whom were members of Eveleth's National Guard Company F, served overseas, and although the following article says only one many from Eveleth was killed in action, a 1922 issue of the Eveleth Clarion said as many as fifteen Evelethians died in the war. Here is how the Eveleth News described festivities in Eveleth following the news that the Allied had defeated the Germans:

News of the signing of the armistice that will forever put an end to world was received in Eveleth Monday morning not long after the day started and from that time until the conclusion of the day and early into Tuesday Evelethians celebrated wildly.
Impromptu bands were organized at three o'clock in the morning and before they had paraded many minutes the streets were full of men, women and children wild with excitement and joy over the latest news from the front. Fire whistles, locomotive whistles, in fact everything that could be classed with a whistle was let loose. Church bells pealed the good joy. Automobile sirens were blown and the town forgot the things pertaining to business to join in the first celebration that will be remembered over the entire world.
At eleven o'clock a parade was formed at the fire hall, the Eighth Battalion band leading it, followed by the Home Guards, Motor Corps and citizens of every creed, nationality, color and description, making a line about a mile long. This was the official parade of the day, made so by a verbal proclamation of the mayor. During the afternoon and evening the celebrating continued, fire whistles screeching, mine whistles blowing, church bells ringing and several local musical organizations keeping up the spirit.
Men employed at the mines and other places in the city reporting to their respective duties in the morning were told by their employers that there would be nothing doing in the line of work that day. They were given a day off and told to celebrate as they had never celebrated before. From all reports, they did, too.
Because of so many people being ill with influenza, the major requested that as little noise as possible be made after the first reports were received in order not to disturb those who were confined to their beds. The request was observed for about five minutes, but so enthused were the men who had hold of the whistle strings, bell ropes and other noise creations, that it was impossible to regulate it. From all reports, while it was not very pleasant to those who had to remain in bed, there were no serious effects.
Monday was the day when old men were made young. Whitehaired men and women, who have been known as quiet individuals, reverted back to childhood. They shouted and took part in the parades and were as happy as the youngest schoolboy or girl. Everybody took part who was at all capable of doing it.
The flag purchased a year ago by Lloyd Magee, who is the only Eveleth man who gave his life in the struggle, was at the head of the parade. Mayor Hatch carried it. The kaiser, bound with chains, was led through the streets amid the pleasure of the onlookers. Mayor Hatch states that he will have the flag, formerly owned by Magee, framed and that it will stand in Eveleth from this date on as a memorial to the only Evelethian who died for the cause of the United States and the allies while in action.
While an armistice merely halts the war and does not actually end it, the terms laid down by the allies are so stringent that it will be practically impossible for the enemy to renew it. The war, therefore, may be considered as definitely ended.
​
Over half of the article, which has not been reproduced here, listed the terms of the armistice. 

Exciting new displays will enhance the Eveleth Heritage Committee's annual downtown historical exhibit, open June 30 through July 4 during Eveleth's famous 4th of July festivities. The committee's goal is to bring community members together to reminisce and learn more about Eveleth history. Visitors can also view paintings by local artists and purchase new historical blankets.

More than fifteen new posters will provide better interpretation of photos and tell stories about significant people  places, and events. Topics include folk artist Joe Bogdanich, the 100th anniversaries of Eveleth Junior College and the senior high school building, Italian festivals, and Lundgren Motors. Committee members have been meeting since early May to plan, design, and assemble these posters.

Another highlight of this year's display is artwork depicting people and places from Eveleth's past. Eveleth's first building, a Mesaba Electric Railway streetcar, and the Eveleth Clown Band are just some of the scenes painted so far. Pat Brascugli, Pamela Schultz, Jane Wertanen, John Laurich, Sandra Markovich, and Rebecca Koepke have all contributed artwork to this project. The Heritage Committee hopes to host an art show with even more pictures this fall.

The Heritage Committee will also sell its new souvenir blankets with images of historic Eveleth buildings. The original blankets made in 2004 regrettably listed incorrect dates beneath several buildings. Enough people recently expressed interest in the blankets that the committee ordered 50 more after members consulted multiple sources to ensure accurate dates. The beautiful new blankets cost $59.

​The exhibit will be at 221 Grant Avenue across from the Wells Fargo drive-thru. The building will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. June 30 to July 2, 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. on July 3, and 9 a.m. to noon on July 4. Hours may be extended as needed. Donations of photos and objects are graciously accepted, but please view the Collections Policy before bringing items to the exhibit. We hope to see you there! Click here to see other photos from previous years' exhibits.

​Aug. 20, 1896—"A petition for the abolishment of the nuisance caused by piling merchandise on sidewalk opposite Sletten Bros. & Talboys Store was received and on motion the Marshal was instructed to see that sidewalk was kept clear."
Oct. 2, 1896—Frank McCormack completed contract—[electric light] plant in running order and satisfactory.
Feb. 3, 1897—"Be it resolved that at the next annual election to be held Tuesday, May 9, 1897 a vote be taken and made if said village shall be made a separate assessment and election district and separate from the township of Missabe Mountain, St. Louis Co., Minn. in which said village is situated."
July 7, 1897—Application made by council for a loan of $2,000 for extending water works system. Adopted.
Sep. 6, 1897—"Motion prevailed that a carpenter be employed to repair and finish up the second story of the Village Hall; by using common boards, building paper & ceiling for the side walls only overhead and putting in such glass as found necessary."
Eveleth Power & Light granted permission to wire Village Hall for $1.00 per night for 18 16 candle power lights when same are used. Parties using Hall shall pay $1.00 for lights in addition to usual rental.
Sep. 27, 1897—Contract of Eveleth Light & Power approved—to move the Water Works Plant from its present location to the proposed new site on lot 1 & 2 of block 3, erect bldg., boiler, etc. for $630.00. Lots purchased from A. P. Gross by village $300.
Nov. 16, 1897—Jesmore Livery bill of $3.00 for "rigs" allowed.
Feb. 4, 1898—The sum of $300 appropriated out of Gen'l Funds for a Public Cemetery to apply to the purchase of grounds, etc.
Mar. 21, 1898—E. F. Reamer, P. E. Dowling, J. C. Poole committee for Cemetery to confer with like com. from Fayal & Sparta.
Apr. 7, 1898—Special meeting called to consider Mr. Adams' proposition to vacate certain streets and alleys. "Letter from D. T. Adams read and discussed informally and the following resolution adopted: 'That Mr. Adams, or a representation of the mining company, be asked to come to Eveleth and talk with the citizens, then the council will assist in calling a mass meeting of the property owners and business men; and that it is favorable and willing to assist the company in any way satisfactorily to all concerned.'"
Apr. 18, 1898—T. D. Sullivan appointed Fire Warden.
May 9, 1898—"Moved and supported that Jerry Sullivan be employed at $40.00 per month to look after dog tax and scavenger work."
July 1, 1898—"A petition was read from the residents along south Carrie Ave. asking an extension of the water mains. It was agreed that if the parties signing the petition would sign a contract and pay for water for one year in advance that the village would put in the mains as prayed."
Aug. 1, 1898—J. C. McGilvery appointed Justice of the Peace.
Sep. 6, 1898—Rubber coats and hats ordered for the fire dept.
Nov. 1, 1898—"Called meeting of the Village Council for the purpose of considering the proposition of F. C. Talboys to construct and maintain a telephone system into the village of Ev.... the said F. C. Talboys [is] hereby granted the privilege for the term of ten years of erecting and maintaining poles on any and all streets of the Vil. of Ev. and of placing and maintaining wires thereon within the limits of the Village necessary to the operating of a telephone system...Vil. of Ev. agrees to hire from Talboys the use of one telephone for the term of five years paying the annual rental of $60 payable each year in advance.
Feb. 6, 1899--$35.25 for sleigh for Fire Dept.
Mar. 20, 1899—"Resolved that the salary of the Engineer of the Water Works shall be the sum of $60 per month. And further be it resolved that he shall not perform any labor for any private person or persons between the hours of 6:30 A.M. & 6:30 P.M. and shall not be absent from the pump house for more than 20 minutes at one time except for the purpose of repairing pipe or hydrants for the village."
Eveleth Star to be paid $100 for the year, to be paid quarterly for official proceedings.
Apr. 3, 1899—"The recorder instructed to order one 36 ft extension ladder for Fire Department."
"Resolved that the Recorder be and are hereby directed to correspond with some attorney firm in regard to moving the Village and procure a written opinion and place same before the Village Council as soon is practicable."
Apr. 17, 1899—John Finley repairing Fire Alarm Wires $6.00.
"The Recorder instructed to have motion printed and posted forbidding riding of bicycles on sidewalks."
May 4, 1899—"David T. Adams appeared in behalf of the Original Owners of the Town site and moving proposition were discussed for some time being."
May 17, 1899—Special Meeting called for the purpose of acting on a proposed ordinance relating to the moving of bldgs.. on and over the streets and alleys of the Village of Eveleth. Ordinance #21 passed May 17, 1899.
July 31, 1899—"Resolved that the Water Works Committee shall have immediate charge of erecting the new water plant and proceed to have same built at once and purchase what ever is necessary for the building of said Water Works."
T. E. Dorr: 3 more bldgs. to move.

Notes: The "next grade school" and the "new domestic science building" were built as one structure, the Benjamin Franklin School, which early blueprints called the Grade and Girls' Vocational School. Domestic science is an older term for home economics.
At the time this article was written, domestic science classes were held in the former John Gleason home at 804 Jones Street. The school board purchased the house in September 1915 and turned it into the superintendent's residence when the Franklin School was completed. The house was destroyed by fire in 2013.
When the Senior High was completed in early 1918, it did not include later additions such as the boys' gym and the Junior College wing. A greenhouse once extended out from the building's south side to the left of the main entrance. The gymnasium mentioned in the above article later became the girls' gym and is now the Senior High media center. The auditorium (also called the assembly hall) was converted into the Boardman Auditorium in 1942, at which time an inclined floor was built, new seats were installed, and theater storage and dressing rooms were added on either side of the stage. Many spaces in the Senior High have changed considerably since 1917, but it has been well modernized and continues to serve Eveleth-Gilbert students in grades nine through twelve.