David Coleman, a resident of Clearwater Lake in Cook County, has ended his term as President of the Gunflint Trail Historical Society Executive Committee. The society honored him with a framed letter of thanks that included a hand-carved canoe paddle.
The carved paddle is the work of George Plummer, a Chippewa Indian who lived most of his life on the shores of Gunflint Lake. He carved the paddle from a cedar tree he harvested 50 years ago using an axe and a knife and finished sanding it under the light of a lantern in his remote cabin.
Coleman remains on the Executive Committee.
Richard (Dick) Allyn succeeds him as President. “He is the Real Deal and will do an outstanding job,” Coleman said.
Coleman is originally from Duluth. After achieving his PhD, he went on to a distinguished career of four decades as a professor in the Chemistry Department of Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.
Coleman and his wife of 33 years, Patsy, acquired a small cabin years ago on Clearwater Lake. “It was a tiny primitive cabin. We have expanded several times and upgraded systems to make it an all-season liveable home,” Coleman said. They retired to the home eight years ago and jumped headlong into life in Cook County.
The couple has four children and six grandchildren.
Known by many as Dr. Scotch, Coleman has been instrumental in holding Scotch-tasting events as a fundraiser for the Cook County Community Fund, which enhances the quality of life in the community by empowering local nonprofits through philanthropy, education, and collaboration. Having just finished the third annual event, Coleman said, “We raise almost $10,000 at each tasting.”
Chik Wauk Museum and Nature Center is closely affiliated with the Historical Society. Coleman, a scientist interested in Physics, was instrumental in establishing the Dark Sky Cam on the museum’s roof. According to the Chik Wauk website, “The Dark Sky Cam captures images of auroral and Milky Way activity from the SkyCam mounted on the roof of the Chik- Wauk Museum. This site has remarkably dark skies which leads to amazing night sky viewing. Its northern latitude also means higher chances of seeing aurora. Images are captured from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise.”
For years, Coleman would wake up during the night and venture outside to see if the Aurora was showing off. Now, he accesses the Sky Cam on his cell phone so he only needs to brave the cold if the Northern Lights are active.
Coleman has nothing but praise for the staff and volunteers who make Chik Wauk a powerful attraction for Gunflint Trail Visitors. “We all work very well with each other,” he said.
The Chik Wauk website lists the events happening every day of its season. Its educational programs attract 25-30 people for each topic. There are hiking and nature trails. The main building, with a museum and classroom, is the original lodge from its days as a fishing resort. A Watercraft Museum building hosts a comprehensive canoes, boats, and paddles display.
“It’s sheer magic up here,” he said. “It’s indescribable.”
In addition to his volunteer work with the Historical Society, Coleman serves as Vice President of Cook County Higher Education. He volunteers with the Spirit of the Wilderness Episcopal Church in Grand Marais, also known as the Maple Hill Church.
He serves on the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway committee. That group includes many of the resorts and outfitters on the Trail. Coleman is impressed by the new-generation owners. “They bend over backward to talk with and help each other,” he said.
If all that isn’t enough, Coleman plays trombone in the North Shore Swing Band. With a long history in Cook County, the band has 18 members and two singers. They can be found performing at events around the country.
Further information about Chik Wauk and the Gunflint Trail Historical Society is at gunflinthistory.org/.
To everyone out there, Coleman said, “Come and experience the magic.”
