The History of Esko and Thomson Township

We are nearly finished with the first modern history of Esko and Thomson Township, but we could still use some help.

Specifically:

• Esko School Board minutes are missing from 1950 through 1963. A state law (later rescinded) authorized school districts to dispose of old minutes for space-saving purposes and as an apparent consequence, said records were destroyed. If you happen to have copies for any of those years, we’d like to see them.
• “The Spotlight,” Esko’s student newspaper for several generations, was a fountain of interesting information and colorful stories about school life. Although we have most of them, we’re missing several from 1929 through 1935.
• One would think it would be easy to find basic information about the old Town Hall near the intersection of Canosia and Harney Roads, but it isn't. If you know the year it was built and the year it closed, please let us know.
• We have first-person anecdotes about the Maunu Garage fire in the winter of 1947-48 along with some snapshots (see Photo page), but haven’t been able to find mention of it in Cloquet or Carlton Fire Department records, insurance company files or area newspapers. Given that it led directly to formation of the Esko Volunteer Fire Department, it was a significant event. If you have details, we'd like to hear from you.
• We know of about a half-dozen logging camps operating in the township from the 1870s through the 1890s (see Photo page). Record-keeping, however, was evidently a secondary consideration and most of our information has been handed down through descendants of early settlers. If anyone has factual information—especially regarding exact camp locations—kindly contact us. 
• Photos:  Although the Esko Historical Society has an excellent collection of photos, many lack names, dates or description. We’re convinced there are many more wonderful photos languishing in albums or boxes in various attics, basements and garages. Our needs change as new material emerges, but at the moment we’re interested in scenes involving the 1918 Fire, Esko’s old town center, Harney, Forbay, farm life, horse-drawn buses, operations inside the Arrowhead Creamery and Esko Cannery, and former business places. We’re also looking for photos of memorable teams, games or individuals engaged in sports. Do you have some old photos? Do you know of someone who does? Please let us know.
• If you see errors in texts or photo captions of this website, please let us know.

Finally, we’re also soliciting your financial help to ensure this project’s success. None of us likes to ask for money, but this is a one-time request for a once-in-a-lifetime project. It's also a nice way to honor someone special with a memorial gift. All donors' names, or their designees, will appear in a special section. And for good measure, donations are tax-deductible. For more information, see the Donations and the Donor Form pages. Thank you.