The Kabetogama area woodlands provide substance and spiritual motivation for artists and craftsmen. 

Carl and Linda Muggli’s unique totem poles can be found in many local homes and businesses.   The giant totems at the entrance to Jim’s Ash Trail Service Station and at the side entrance to the Gateway Store are examples of their specialized and thoughtful design and exquisite carving.     These artists, using mostly local pine and cedar, have distinguished themselves as” keepers of the flame”, carrying on the tradition and spirit of this Native American art form. Anyone visiting their workshop can easily note the passion that drives the skill and artistry of this couple.   It is their life’s work.   

They began their enterprise in 1990 and have since been commissioned to design and carve totem poles for special purposes throughout the world.   Their totem poles can be found in England, Russia, France, Spain, and Canada and throughout the USA.   They were chosen to carve a totem pole for the Princess Diana Memorial Children’s Park in London, and recently for the Veteran’s Hospital outside of Boston honoring Native Americans who served in US wars.   They proudly shared this special honor with the community before personally delivering their totem pole to the site last July.  The Muggli’s are never idle.  They just finished delivering a 20 foot totem to Seebrook , Texas to be housed next to the Nasa Space Center and nine totem poles commissioned by Target Corp. to honor athletes sponsored by Target in the Winter games in Aspen.

Anyone who observes them in their workshop can sense that Carl and Linda share a special bond that is transcendent in their completed works of art.   Their workshop and surrounding property demonstrate respect and reverence for the earth and what it offers to those who seek fulfillment through creativity and love.

More information on the Muggli’s and their work can be found on the website:  www.totempoles.net

To tour their workplace, email:  muggli@totempoles.net  or call (218) 875-2906.

  Herman Melheim, a local master woodcarver and devoted area citizen made his mark in the area by creating carved masterpieces from the pine and cedar forests.   Mr. Melheim retired in this area in 1933 and built the charming and unique log structure that stands today in the peaceful forest area.   His log craftsmanship demonstrates a unique form of hand-fitted and grooved log construction that resulted in a weatherproofed house with no need for chinking as most modern log home require.   He built all of the furniture using simple tools and the white pine and aspen available in the surrounding forest.   His furniture design included ornate carvings with utilitarian features. 

As one of his many contributions to the Kabetogama community, he carved the pulpit, baptismal font and other elaborate pieces for the Kabetogama United Methodist Church.  These ornate and precious creations   continue to be of use in the church.  One of Herman Melheim’s specialties was exquisitely carved grandfather clocks.   An 8 foot 10 inch clock carved from a single pine log with a pocket knife was featured in Ripley’s  “Believe It Or Not”,   circulated  throughout the country in the 30’s,40’s and 50’s.  

Herman Melheim continued to carve until he passed away in 1980 at the age of 98 at an area nursing home.    His family contributed much of his work to the Minnesota Historical Society at Duluth.  It is on permanent display at the Depot in Duluth.  One of his clocks is on display the Norwegian American Museum in Decorah, IA. 

Barb Corvera and her family own the original Melheim log home and proudly honor its history and artistry by maintaining the property with its original spirit.  For more information about this unique citizen and his passion for carving, contact:

 Jean Reichow (218) 875-2804            or Carol Bryant (218) 875-2510

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