Local Historian Larry Peterson Gives Demo Downtown Tour

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, July 03, 2008 - Local Historian Larry Peterson conducted a special Historical Walking Tour designed to show members of the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA) and other interested people a sampling of his talents as a tour guide and history specialist. Oddly, the only member of the DIDA in attendance was Jackie Powers. Other City staff, board and committee members showed up, however. City Commissioner Tom Laabs; Planning Commissioner Sam Davies; Civic Center Board Member Scott Stephens; Community Development Director Dan Petersen; and City Clerk Karen Gullan joined in. Representing the press for the tour were: Eric Sharp, photo-journalist for the Ironwood Daily Globe; Lou Bonagura, writer and webmaster for IronwoodInfo.com; and yours truly.

The tour began on the front steps of the Memorial Building, and the first topic of discussion was Ironwood's City Hall. Peterson took the crowd of roughly 30-40 people through the Memorial Building while he explained the significance of the War Memorials and the stained-glass.

Peterson's tour continued throughout the downtown, and featured interesting factoids about various buildings and the people who once lived in Ironwood. Soon, historical plaques will be placed throughout the downtown explaining the significance of various landmarks that dot the landscape. DIDA member Steve Frank is spearheading an effort to created the plaques and to develop a tour system to encourage tourism in Downtown Ironwood.

Peterson's snippets of history can be heard twice a week on WJMS Radio. He is featured on two different programs: Pages of the Past (8:30 AM Wednesdays) and Real History 101 (8:30 AM Fridays). The programs are both co-hosted by Sam Erspamer, and sponsored by KeenAgers, Wilder Fine Arts, and Attorney Paul Sturgul. The programs can also be heard right here on the Chronicle.

Peterson plans on giving regular historic tours throughout the summer. More information on these tours can be obtained by contacting Community Development Director Dan Petersen at (906) 932-5050. The Chronicle plans of posting "podcast tours" presented by Larry Peterson in the very near future as well.