TODAY
IN HISTORY
According to research conducted by Tony Dierckins, publisher of the Duluth history website Zenith City Press, the building at the southeast corner of Superior Street and 19th Avenue West was likely constructed in 1893. It became known as the US Block in 1897. West end furniture store operators Bert Enger and Emil Olson leased space in the US Block in 1909 and purchased the building in 1919. Enger & Olson Furniture operated at the location until 1971.
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In 1920, Enger pledged $50,000 to help the city purchase property for a park, golf course and other recreational facilities above Skyline Drive and west of Twin Ponds. The property is now known as Enger Park, with its iconic 80-foot stone tower.​
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According to Dierckins, after Enger & Olson closed, Beck’s Furniture operated in the building from 1972 to 1991, followed by Johnson Brothers Furniture through 2012. Furniture and Mattresses 4 Less used the site for about six years, closing in 2018.