For 79 years, the Ordean Foundation has been helping Duluth residents and institutions through charitable giving. It began in 1933 through the estate of pioneer merchant and banker Albert Ordean and helped Depression-era families with food, clothing and shelter.
Through the years, the foundation, with up to $40 million in assets, has branched its giving to the organizations that specialize in caring for the needy and for educational scholarships. The foundation is housed in the Ordean Building on Superior Street, home to many other charitable organizations.
The former middle school in eastern Duluth, now Duluth East High School, was named in Ordean's honor. He had purchased the land it sat on and then donated it for use as a city park. The new Ordean East middle school, the former Duluth East High School, retains the family name.
