DULUTH PIONEER GEORGE G. BARNUM'S HOME NOW THE FIRELIGHT INN DULUTH BED AND BREAKFAST INN CELEBRATES 2010 AND 100 YEARS OF HISTORY ALL YEAR LONG WITH MONTHLY OFFERS, SPECIAL EVENTS AND OPEN HOUSE.

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(Free-Press-Release.com) January 13, 2010 -- Duluth Pioneer Grain man, Civil War veteran, long-distant relative of P.T. Barnum of the circus, “Grand Old Man of the Duluth Board of Trade” and philanthropist George G. Barnum hired architects to build him a mansion that would showcase his wealth and possessions in 1910.

George G. Barnum made his first trip to Duluth in 1863 participating in the surveying for the Lake Superior & Mississippi railroad. Upon completion of the road, Mr. Barnum was named paymaster and made the trip on the first passenger train from St. Paul to Duluth on August 1, 1870. In 1877, Mr. Barnum became associated with the Washburn-Crosby Company as a four salesman in the East. Returning to Duluth, he organized the Barnum Grain Company in 1894, and was one of the incorporators of the Duluth Board of Trade. Mr. Barnum won fame for his benefactions to charity and welfare institutions, especially for the benefit of orphaned children. South of Duluth, the town of Barnum, Minnesota was named after George G. Barnum, and he gave the town its library building complete with books. For years, each graduation Barnum High School Senior was given a $5 gold piece from Mr. Barnum. He always gave to the unfortunate and his monthly Civil War pension went directly to a Duluth Children’s home.

Renovated in 1998 as an elegant and luxury lodging experience, The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast is celebrating the home’s 100 years of history all year long in Duluth Minnesota. Owners and Innkeepers Jim and Joy Fischer have planned monthly offers to include a “Suite of the Month” special in honor of Mr. Barnum. An April “Weekend with the Masters” event includes an artist workshop at the Northern Prints Gallery and fine dining from The New Scenic Café. The specialized art and lodging weekend experience offers the opportunity to spend time in the studio of award winning Master Printmaker, Cecilia Lieder, learning about and creating prints, along with the unsurpassed hospitality and luxurious accommodations of The Firelight Inn, and delicious food and wine from Master Chef Scott Graden of the New Scenic Cafe. The weekend includes a welcome reception to meet the artist, with appetizers and wine from the New Scenic Café on Friday night at The Firelight Inn. On Saturday after a full breakfast, spend the day at the Northern Prints Gallery for professional instruction in printmaking. Enjoy a delicious box lunch from the New Scenic Café at the artist's studio and gallery. On Saturday evening, Master Chef Scott Graden will prepare dinner at The Firelight Inn to be served in the Firelight dining room. On Sunday after breakfast, returning to The Northern Prints Gallery to finish a project and/or experience a gallery tour.

George G. Barnum’s birthday on October 10, 2010 will be celebrated with a historic home tour, birthday cake and refreshments at The Firelight Inn from 1-3 p.m.

We hope to see you on your next trip to Duluth!

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