“The great privilege is given to all to develop strength of character, to lead clean and honest lives, to render diligent and worthy service, to help others and to be loyal citizens of the republic and obedient to its laws.”

The front side of the old jail featured the above granite engraved inscription which ran across the entire 114 foot frieze near the top of the building.

The county jail built on 2nd Street in Duluth in 1923.  It was designed by the Duluth firm of Abraham Holstead and William J. Sullivan, and is in the Classical style of gray granite with lions' head motifs.  The jail held prisoners until 1995 when a new jail located at 4334 Haines Road opened.  The jail building on 2nd street is still in use by the St. Louis County Sheriff's Records Division, Investigations Division, Photo Lab and ID Bureau.

March 4, 1927  -  Mrs. R. N. Marble appeared, and spoke relative to the appointment of a woman deputy sheriff, and the need for a full time matron at the county jail.
     Source:  Official Proceedings of the Board of County Commissioners – St. Louis County 1927

The Duluth Herald newspaper reported the sheriff's fund in 1941 at $73,545.00.  The sheriff was quoted about how it used to cost 6 1/2 cents per meal for prisoners, but by 1941 it had increased to 9 cents a meal.

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