From Historic Cook County - January 9, 2024 

Historic Cook County is pleased to announce the release of the new book titled Chasing the North Wind, a Memoir of One Woman’s Lifelong Love Affair Flying a Vintage 1941 Piper J-3 Cub Aircraft and Growing up in Minnesota’s Famed Arrowhead Region, by Kathryn Krotz-Finn, with Richard C. Struck, forward by Wolfgang Greiner, and edited by Rose Arrowsmith.

In the book, Krotz-Finn shares her own personal story of growing up as one of the daughters of Clarence Krotz, a WWII bomber pilot, who was largely responsible for introducing aviation to Cook County. The family ran the seaplane base and resort on Devil Track Lake in Grand Marais, Minnesota, now known as Skyport Lodge. Krotz-Finn also provides insight into her experience as a female pilot during a time when it was unusual for women to fly planes. 

Through Kathryn’s text and historical images embedded throughout the book, she shares how the Krotz legacy lives on today in the historic Skyport Lodge, as well as the Cook County airport - which serves as a gateway to the tip of the Arrowhead. 

A book launch event will be held on January 27, from 5 - 7 pm at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery in Grand Marais, MN (115 Wisconsin Street). Excerpts from the book will be read, and Kathryn Krotz-Finn will be available to sign copies. 

Chasing the North Wind was produced by Northern Wilds Media, Inc., with support from the Wolfgang Charitable Trust, and partnership with the Grand Marais State Bank, and Cook County Historical Society. All proceeds from the sale of the book support the Cook County Historical Society. 

Copies of the book can be purchased in person during winter business hours at the Johnson Heritage Post (Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm), the Cook County History Museum (Friday - Saturday, 11am -3pm), or online at cookcountyhistory.org. They are also available at Drury Lane Bookstore in Grand Marais.

Media contact:

Katie Clark
[email protected]
218-387-2883

Cook County Historical Society
115 Wisconsin Street
Grand Marais, MN 55604
Cookcountyhistory.org