TOWER- Explore the rich heritage of the Tower-Soudan-Lake Vermilion area through the stories, places, and people who shaped it. The Tower-Soudan Historical Society’s History Talks on Main Street series highlights families of eras gone by, and this time, the spotlight is on the Burgess family.
TSHS is hosting a special History Talk featuring Steve Burgess on Friday, Aug. 29, at 2 p.m., at the Lamppa Civic Center in Tower, next to the train depot. Admission is $5, which supports the Tower-Soudan Historical Society programming and videography of the event.
Burgess is a lifelong resident of Tower and Soudan, who served 42 years with the Breitung Fire Department, including 30 years as chief, and had a 30-year career in fire and mine safety. Steve will take attendees on a journey through generations of the Burgess family’s legacy.
The Burgess family story begins with Steve’s great-grandfather’s arrival in Tower and continues through to 1980. Over these decades, the family shared countless adventures — not only with each other but also fueled by their passion for boats, planes, and automobiles.
Their impact extends beyond family life into the heart of the community. The Burgess family owned and operated beloved local businesses such as Burgess Chevrolet and Burgess Marine, and several generations served in civic leadership roles that helped shape the area.
Researching family history is a blend of detective work, attentive listening, and careful preservation. Many of us regret not asking more questions before losing our elders; every passing is like a library burning down. The sooner you start, the more stories and memories you can save.
For the past two years, Steve Burgess has taken on the role as family historian. Through deep dives into archives, photographs, and personal stories dating back to 1894, he has pieced together a vivid portrait of nearly ninety years of family life, adventure, and community service.
The Burgess family will host coffee and treats at the conclusion of the program.
The Burgess Family History Talk video will be posted later this year on the Tower-Soudan Historical Society website: www.towersoudanhistory.com.