For this month's episode of the "Archive Dive" podcast, we learn about a Superior journalist's voyage of discovery and take a closer look at his form of transportation. In 1891, Edward Huntington "Ned" Dwight, a journalist with the Superior Leader, decided to launch an in-depth report on whaleback ships. To do so, Dwight took a job on one and sailed across the ocean, sending back letters to newspapers around the country as he went. Telegram reporter Maria Lockwood is joined by local historian and retired librarian Teddie Meronek as they dive into the life of the young reporter and discuss the history behind the whaleback ships. Meronek was once asked to research the namesake of Dwight's Point in Superior. She learned Ned Dwight is not the point's namesake. "It was actually named after a New York businessman who also had interests in North Dakota," Meronek said about Dwight's Point. "I think he farmed out there too, but he had money and he was here in the 1890s — and if you had money and you came to Superior in 1890, you could buy yourself some property and have it named after you, right? "I was very disappointed when I found that out because by that time I had learned a lot about the other Dwight — Ned — Edward Huntington Dwight — and I kind of fell in love with him and I just thought, well, it's a darn shame that it's not named after Ned instead of this other guy, because the man it's named after or the family it's named after, they didn't spend any time in Superior." According to Meronek, Ned Dwight loved to travel, was a colorful character and was considered "the life of the party." He was also a passionate writer, even starting his own newspaper. He made his way to Superior in 1890, landing a job with the Superior Leader as an editor. Dwight made himself right at home, making many friends, including the famous photographer David Barry, and making an impact. "I think he must have had some talent, obvious talent that people saw," Meronek said. "Before you know it, he's elected vice president of the local press club." The SS Charles W. Wetmore was built in 1891, and Ned was on board when it launched for England that June. His plan was to document the journey, though there might have been an additional reason to leave town for a bit. "He wrote an article that said he had inadvertently misspelled the name of a very prominent person in Superior, and he left town because this guy was looking for him," Meronek said. Was that true? Meronek doesn't know for sure. "You never know with Ned. That's the thing, you never know if it's true or not." Dwight's work appeared in Harper's Weekly and, after his time on the Wetmore, he spent time in Seattle. Upon returning to Superior in 1892, he took a position with the Superior Call newspaper. Dwight died April 16, 1893, from typhoid pneumonia. He was just 36 years old. "The outpouring from the people in Superior is pretty amazing," Meronek said. "He had apparently made a lot of good friends. He did have a love for Superior." Other topics discussed include another reason for Dwight's voyage on the Wetmore, Dwight's job on the Wetmore, a four-legged passenger that he wasn't thrilled with, the Wetmore's connection with the Rockefellers, Dwight's well-connected family, where in Superior Dwight resided and some of his unique neighbors, and Barry's tribute to Dwight at his funeral and his role in securing a tombstone. Also learn about Superior's history with whalebacks. The last whaleback ship, the SS Meteor, can be found in Superior. Episodes of "Archive Dive" are published monthly. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Episodes are edited and produced by Duluth Media Group digital producer Dan Williamson. Email Maria Lockwood at mlockwood@superiortelegram.com with ideas for future episodes.
