TimManBlog

Ashland’s March Thaw

March 31, 2024
(photos and memories from March 2009)
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This is Ashland County, Wisconsin, on the shores of Lake Superior at the northernmost point of a northern state. Up here, winter always overstays its welcome, and when it leaves, everyone notices.

The sidewalks are still icy and slush-covered, but walkers quickly reduce the wintry mix to puddles of water. Storm drains flow briskly, washing the wintry stuff down toward Lake Superior. March is a special time of year for Wisconsinites—you can see the glee on their faces as the snow disappears.

I realize it’s warm enough to trade my quilted parka for a Pittsburgh Steelers hoodie while others forego their coats altogether.

Starting in the 1970s with the widespread availability of air conditioning, populations shifted from northern states to sunbelt states. The movement continued for several decades as whole industries were relocated. Assisted by the decline of iron ore mining here, the population of Ashland dropped from 9,615 in 1970 to 7,918 in 2020.

One thing to remember, though, is that the folks who remain in northern Wisconsin have stayed because they absolutely love it here. And I find it an absolute joy to be around people who love where they live.

Below: Some of Ashland’s faces can be found painted on its downtown streets. The image at the bottom right shows the view down Main Street.

Even during the March thaw, Lake Superior remains frozen at Ashland’s harbor. Lake Superior can be seen in the background in the photo below left and in the upper photo below right. The image at the bottom right shows a lakefront hotel next to the Ashland town park and amphitheater.

Railroads were the hub of Ashland’s commerce. Trains brought timber and iron ore from the surrounding countryside to be loaded for transport on Lake Superior freighters.

An old Soo Line locomotive on display near the station brings back memories of early 20th-century railroads.

These last two photos were taken in downtown Ashland’s Black Cat Coffeehouse. I did not ask the little girl to pose for this photo — she’s just naturally photogenic.

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A list of all photo posts from the American County Seats series in TimManBlog can be found here.

All photos were taken by the author on March 14, 2009.

My lifetime hobby is traveling to all of America’s county courthouses, and each month, I post about a visit to a scenic or exciting county seat. It’s a hobby, and donations are greatly appreciated to help cover my costs.
Thanks,
Tim