About 'Minnesota Memories'

Paul Slayback, known throughout childhood by his middle name, Clarence, has spent most of his adult years practicing law in Newport Beach, Calif.

But he started out in Finland, Minn., in 1937, and he did most of his growing up in Duluth. His mother was killed in a traffic accident on the North Shore when he was 2, and his father frequently sent him off to live with relatives or family friends — even to a Duluth orphanage — for periods of time.

Those experiences form the basis of Slayback’s unpublished memoir, “Minnesota Memories.” He offered to share his stories with the Duluth News Tribune, and we present the first of a 10-part series today, with “Finland, Minn.: My birth was a big surprise.”

As with most memories, some of the details might be off a bit. If you notice inaccuracies, or can add some background about people, places and events, add your comments.

Tags: minnesota memories, news, family