Turn of last century postcard finds its way back to Ironwood

IRONWOOD - Ironwood Mayor Kim Corcoran doesn't know Lowell Joerg, a retired insurance salesman from California.

It seems he knows a little bit about Ironwood, however.

Corcoran was opening her city mail a few months ago when she received a "redistribution of happiness" letter from Joerg that contained a postcard of an 1899 blizzard in Ironwood.

"He has a hobby of returning bits of history back to the cities of origin," Corcoran said. She researched social media and found numerous examples of acts of kindness from Joerg, who resides in Stockton.

In his May 30 correspondence to the mayor, Joerg joked that he hoped it still wasn't snowing in Ironwood, and wasn't far from the truth.

Corcoran sent a letter back to Joerg assuring him it was not snowing, "at least for now," and told him the postcard will find a home in the Ironwood Historical Society's museum.

She thanked him for his gift and sent a few dollars to cover the postage and for a cup of coffee.

In his letter, Joerg, now 86 "and still going strong," said, "I hope this brightens your day."

He found the card at a Stockton area antique shop, then thought, "By golly, I'll send it back home where it can be appreciated."

He added, "Our heritage is important to all of us," then wrote, "I like to call my little hobby a redistribution of happiness. The world sure needs it."

The card, postmarked on Sept. 11, 1906, was sent with a one-cent stamp with Ben Franklin's likeness. It was mailed to R. Heildemann, of Belle Plains, Wis., from Schwano (possibly Shawano) County.

It refers to watermelons and corn and contains the curious statement, "Had some freezing hot weather here; almost melted," signed by Aelna.

"This gesture was so unique and a nice gift for the community," Corcoran said.