I think I’ve got it figured out about the origin of efforts in Duluth to honor Bob Dylan, born Robert Zimmerman, who hereafter I’ll refer to as “DnZ.”
Are sewer-hole covers in Duluth with DnZ’s name on them really an honor? Or is it a put-down or evidence of obscure underground humor? a15 manhole cover
It’s truly not only that DnZ was born in Duluth, a baby of Jewish descent born in the Catholic St. Mary’s Hospital, it’s that he was likely conceived in Duluth. So, Duluth repeatedly makes an effort to celebrate his conception, which probably happened in August 1940.
It’s likely the same with Judy Garland — born Frances Ethel Gumm, who hereafter I will refer to “GnG” — assuming she was conceived in Grand Rapids in November 1921 and continues to get a lot of attention there.
Since the News Tribune has again given attention to DnZ (“ Will Duluth ever have a Bob Dylan museum? ” Jan. 21), I feel compelled to suggest here that the manhole covers were a coverup of the real reason behind the repeated efforts to pay more attention to a guy who was conceived in Duluth and who then became prominent as an entertainer by leaving Duluth and Hibbing to make a lot of money.
I can’t think of red slippers as a coverup for the departure of GnG, but there may be a connection.
Some of the above makes me wonder why Essentia is now tearing down St. Mary’s Hospital. Could it be the dismay that DnZ may have been conceived in that location as well as delivered there?
Now, next subject, suggested by the first: There must be thousands of manhole covers in Duluth. It could be suggested that custom covers be inscribed with names, dates, events, short statements, honorifics, or whatever could be a source of revenue for the city. Duluth could routinely auction locations for personal manhole covers — once a manhole cover designer is found; there must be a place to have custom covers made since several were made to commemorate DnZ’s conception in Duluth.
I can’t think of a better conceptionday, birthday, deathday, or anniversary-day gift for someone you want to honor or make fun of than a custom manhole cover. I can imagine everyone moving about on foot through Duluth looking down to see who or what has been given the ultimate honor or spoof.
Bottom line, per my progressive concerns: Duluth and DnZ promoters need to change the reference from manhole covers to personhole covers.
cast iron chamber Lance G. Reasor of Duluth is a real estate developer.