A discussion on Superior's historic buildings isn't complete without Carl Wirth. The architect put his stamp on Superior, creating structures that were grand, beautiful, and well loved. Many of his buildings have stood the test of time and remain part of the city's landscape.

In this month's episode of the Archive Dive podcast, Telegram reporter Maria Lockwood and local historian and retired librarian Teddie Meronek discuss Wirth, his art and the significance his buildings have in Superior.

"In 1880, there were 633 people in Superior, " said Meronek. "By 1890, it had grown to over 11,000 and by 1900, there were 30,000 people here, so it was booming and a great place if you were a young architect. He's only probably in his early thirties when he came here and he got a job."

The intersection of Belknap Street and Tower Avenue became the site of many of Wirth's memorable buildings. The New Jersey block, which we know as Globe News, the Grand Opera House, Hotel Superior, West Superior Hotel and the Watkins block.

"He had three of the four corners," said Meronek.

Other Wirth-designs include the Franklin School, two churches for Holy Assumption, Sacred Heart, the city's first Carnegie Library and even some houses. He was well known in the area. Besides having a consistent advertisement featured, Wirth and his projects were mentioned in the Telegram a lot.

"He was a busy man," said Meronek.

During his life, Wirth lived in both Superior and Duluth. He died on November 19, 1928 at the age of 74.

Other topics include Wirth's first job in Superior, where else did Wirth design buildings, what materials were consistently used, His involvement with the Land and River Improvement Company, how he'd find inspiration, other local buildings he may have designed and why we don't know, two significant buildings he didn't get hired for, where else he lived, why he'd return to Superior, family members, how some of the houses he designed have been utilized, where did Wirth himself live in Superior, what happened to some of his buildings, his other interests and talents, did have signature style or design for his buildings, and much more.

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 [email protected] with ideas for future episodes.