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Welcome to Pengilly |
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of Northern Minnesota's Iron Range
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| "Welcome to Pengilly" Entrance Signs Unveiled Hibbing Daily Tribune Thursday, January 10th, 2008 by Melissa Cox, Staff Writer PENGILLY — The payoff of hard work and perseverance by many community members of Pengilly was unveiled Thursday morning. Signs welcoming visitors to Pengilly have been placed at the north and south entrances to the community. Dave Stensrude, Marion Barta and Jean Blaine lifted off a tarp to reveal the colorful sign with the words: “Welcome to Pengilly. On Beautiful Swan Lake.”  The
entrance sign, designed by Stensrude, features a swan gliding on
sparkling blue waters with an orange sunset as backdrop. As the
sign was revealed, the crowd who gathered for the occasion
expressed their delight with oohs and ahhs followed by
applause. “It was a nice ending to a long project,” said Barta.The timing of completion of the project is significant because 2008 marks the Pengilly Centennial. Members of the Pengilly Centennial Committee and the Pengilly Booster Club have put in many hours to make a sign possible. “The Committee has done things that are just phenomenal,” said Stensrude, while complimenting the dedicated committee members on their work in preparation for the upcoming centennial celebration. “The group is diligent to get the job done.” Besides their efforts in getting a sign in Pengilly, they have been planning and promoting the centennial celebration, set for Aug. 29-31. Area residents also helped make the sign possible by attending fundraisers and showing their support, noted Barta. Itasca County Sheriff Pat Medure was the chef who made the spaghetti and meatball fundraisers a success, Barta added. Pengilly residents Gary and Denise Shofner and Mike and Barb Shipka graciously donated land for the signs to be placed on, said Barta. Stensrude, who grew up in Pengilly, felt honored to be asked to design the sign. “To be included in this is a big deal,” said Stensrude, who is trying a new business venture in printing called Color Junction in Cherry. Stensrude said Barta’s former sign for the Swan Lake Lodge was a source of inspiration as he created this sign. Hearing positive reactions about the sign is a great feeling for Stensrude. “I feel that I accomplished what I wanted to,” he said. “I wanted to create a sign the people in the town would like.” His intent is to capture the attention of those passing through the community and also incorporate features of Pengilly. “I want people to remember it,” he said. “I wanted it to stand above some of the other city signs.” Dick Johnson, president of the Pengilly Booster Club, feels the sign is going to make the community stand out. He thinks it is a good representation of Pengilly, which he called a great place to live. Barta voiced similar sentiments. He said a lot of traffic passes through Pengilly on Highway 65. “Seeing that sign is going to have people take a second look at Pengilly. They may stop in and have a cup of coffee or just take a ride around Swan Lake,” said Barta. “And for the residents of Pengilly, I think it will give them a feeling of pride about where they live.” |