This post, also looking for resources and connections for my fall 2025 course in Minnesota Writers, has two asks.
The first is about this literary journal or ‘zine — do you recognize any of the authors in the Table of Contents as Duluthians?
I recognize, I think, one — wasn’t Patrick McKinnon a major figure in Poetry Harbor? If so, there is a chance there are more Duluthians in this.
Second, of course, I am always looking for people with stories, papers, and even audio recordings (from public readings or from the radio from Poetry Harbor. I see this SoundCloud. I don’t really know what it is.
Help is always welcome.
1 thought on “Rag Mag: More Duluth Literary History Hunting”
David, Patrick McKinnon was definitely a Duluthian and was friends with Todd Moore who is listed in the Table of Contents. Rag Mag I believe was published out of Wabasha, Minnesota, and when I remember it, Bev Ahlers was the editor and publisher of this literary ‘zine. Bev also published Patrick McKinnon’s book of poetry Cherry Ferris Wheels with her Black Hat Press.
I recognize as well the names of poets Lyn Lifshin, Shelia Murphy, Karen Herseth Wee and Will Fisher. I believe McKinnon published Moore and Murphy in the lit ‘zine Poetry Motel.