2/17/2026 History in a Pint
- Wayne Gannaway Posted by Julie Bolos
- 4 days ago
- 1 min read
Pictured: Wayne Gannaway, Executive Director of the St. Louis County Historical Society and Event Speaker
History-in-a-Pint
The Art of Soldiering: Servicemembers, Satire, and Cartoons
February 17, 2026, 5:30 PM
St. Louis County Depot
506 W Michigan St
Duluth, MN 55802
Soldiers and Marines have long used art to process the chaos of military life. Whether fueled by boredom, anxiety, or camaraderie, service members have channeled their experiences into poetry, portraits, and—most prolifically—cartoons.
Classic characters like "Willie and Joe" and "Sad Sack" flourished because they were easy to draw in the field and delivered quick, sharp jabs at military authority.
Join Wayne Gannaway, Executive Director of the St. Louis County Historical Society, as he explores the history of soldier-cartoonists. From professional illustrators to those who doodled in letters home, you’ll discover how art captured the universal trials of enlisted life: the "mail call blues," the struggle to stay dry, and the timeless friction with the MPs. Come see the presentation of historical cartoons Wayne discovered in his research at area archives, including those of two service members from Virginia.
Highlights include:
The Power of Satire: Why cartoons are the perfect medium for life in the trenches.
Local Legends: A look at two "Iron Rangers" who turned their artistic talent into specialized duty in the Army Air Corps.
History with a Pint: Enjoy a drink at the Duluth Depot while discovering the creative side of the soldiering.
