For this month’s episode of the Archive Dive podcast, we dive into the story of an immigrant from Belgium who changed the landscape of Superior.

Rene Lagae came to Superior in 1907 to make some quick money and return to the old country. Instead, he brought his family to Superior, started Allouez Lumber Company and built more than 700 homes throughout the city, some with unique styles and amenities.

Telegram reporter Maria Lockwood and local historian Teddie Meronek discuss Lagae’s life and his contributions to the community.

“The thing that makes a Lagae home stand out is that it's so well built,” said Meronek. “Most of those houses are 100 years old or more, a lot of them, and they're still standing.“

One of the lasting legacies Lagae left behind was the Hayes Court development where he constructed 36 houses.

New 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. If you have an idea for a topic you’d like to see covered, email Maria Lockwood at mlockwood@superiortelegram.com.

In this month’s episode of Archive Dive, we trace the history of Clough Island in Superior - from timber baron's manor to a protected habitat.

Telegram reporter Maria Lockwood is joined by local historian and retired librarian Teddie Meronek as they discuss the piece of land, which is also known as Whiteside Island and is the largest island in the St. Louis River.

The 358-acre island is now a protected wildlife area in the heart of the river’s estuary, but did you know Clough Island once served as a summer home, complete with a creamery, blacksmith, and race track? At one point, there were plans for the site that included an 18- hole golf course, hotel, marina, and 700 homes. It even has a connection to Watergate.

New 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. If you have an idea for a topic you’d like to see covered, email Maria Lockwood at mlockwood@superiortelegram.com.

Barker's Island is a focal point for celebrations, boating, and recreation in the city of Superior. The man-made island created in the 1890s out of dredged material is a popular spot, but there was a time when it nearly disappeared.

For this month’s episode of the Archive Dive podcast, Telegram reporter Maria Lockwood and local historian and retired librarian Teddie Meronek dive into the history of the island. Why was it built? What brought Barker's Island back? How has it been used over the years? Who was Captain Barker, the man for whom it was named? Plus, much more.

New 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. If you have an idea for a topic you’d like to see covered, email Maria Lockwood at mlockwood@superiortelegram.com.