Jim and Sharon Polzin

Jim Polzin

Baumgart, Diane. (1993, June 25). Algoma’s Growth focused on its marinas. Northeastern Wisconsin Business Review, pp. 9.

Working on the design, build, and portions of funding of the boardwalk project, Jim Polzin was no stranger to being involved in some of the city’s legacy projects along the shoreline. He had also worked on the Algoma Chamber/Visitor Center and Marina as an engineer. As the boardwalk project gained steam, Polzin was brought in to plan and work on the boardwalk. He split his time between Algoma and his home in Juneau, WI. Much of his time in Algoma was devoted to these large projects, all three of which remain Algoma icons to this day. Jim remarked he personally was involved with the boardwalk and Visitor Center because they “should have been done” and there was “not much there” beforehand.

He and wife Linda recalled the many hours spent on these extensive projects that brought a new face to the community. Some time later Jim and Linda moved to Idaho where Jim continue to be involved in community projects through their church. To their surprise, a young engineer in their church knew of Algoma and told them how the beauty of the boardwalk and Visitor Center had impacted him. Linda felt it “had touched his heart” and she was “proud [Jim] was a part of it”.  Linda also recalled the people who worked on the board often have “families and busy lives and made time for the project…they pushed through and just got the job done.”

Will Postma and Jim Polzin

Satran, Dan. (1995, June 01). Volunteers begin work, more are needed, as Algoma walkway project is underway. Algoma Record-Herald, pp. 1.

Jim and Linda Polzin, interviewed by Sara Krouse, on 2/4/21.