Hardhat Diving

Greetings! In our work and research we have met many wonderful people. One such couple is Jerry and Marie Norick. Marie's grandfather began his diving career in 1898. His son, who was Marie's father, took over in the 1920's. In 1957 Marie became her father's tender. Marie and her father were assigned to a job in Ashland, Wisconsin, where they met J erry Norick who was on site as a Marine Inspection Engineer. Marie and Jerry later married and Jerry eventually took over as diver with Marie as is tender. Today Jerry and Marie's sons help out with the diving.

Why is this so interesting? Well, this family's diving history begins in the late 1800's and continues today. They have been involved in many commercial diving operations which helped to build facilities for both Superior, Wisconsin and Duluth, Minnesota. They have kept an extensive collection of photos and newspaper articles over the years. This archive is a wealth of fascinating information on the underwater work that occured in Wisconsin, Minnesota and several other states.

It is our intention to use the Norick's family history as the base time line for a documentary that will cover the evolution of commercial diving and the industrial development of Lake Superior.

Check in from time to time and we'll keep you updated on the progress we are making.