The rock piles in the historic lower photo resemble the one with the gulls in the first shot. Dan Urbanski sent the current day picture, while the Autumn colored mining postcard comes from SuperiorCraftsInc.com, where they have just updated a page of history about their building. Follow that link to see some fascinating Shoebox Memories, courtesy of Kraig up at Patrick's in Mohawk.

Can you see the image of Old Man Winter just to the left of the center of the rock pile picture? Yup, it's really him! We'd better alert the Enquirer! Nah, we don't want "those types" invading our Keweenaw. I'll be in Aura enjoying the color (I hope) in the Huron Mountains this weekend and also coming to the Keweenaw. Keep sending in those tips about where to see peak or near-peak colors!

whoa I see him... CRAZY

Great photo Charlie. We hope the seagulls are doing their duty on "Old Man Winter's" head. We're not ready for him yet!! I was wondering if you were ok today since we didn't get a new photo bright and early this morning. You are getting to the point where you are better than that first cup of coffee in the morning. Now that's GOOD!!

In one of the pictures he notes "No trees". I've noticed that in a lot of places-Calumet, Laurium. Was everything clear cut all over? It seems over the years people would have planted trees. Any info will help my curiosity.(I can understand trees not being close to the road for the plows etc)

Becky,
Just about every area near the mines was totally cut over. In the early days, wood was used for everything, building material, mine timbers, domestic heating and cooking, and as fuel for the mines and mills. Since these were industrial sites, no one seemed too concerned about leaving a few trees for ambiance. Might as well use what is close, heh? In fact, in the very early days, it was considered a puplic service to burn off any extra trees! After several decades of this, the wood, for fuel in particular, was some distance from the mines and was getting expensive to cut and transport. At that point, coal became the fuel of choice. Folks did start planting trees at the mining locations. At some of the old, long gone homes, the only clue that anyone lived there are practical apple trees or the decorative Lombardy Poplar - poke around and sure enough, you will find a foundation, a well, or maybe an outhouse pit close to the trees.

Nice ol' pic of Ahmeek 3&4. What year was it?

The pictures from SuperiorCraftsinc are really great' Its like watching a mini history of copper mining.It reminds me of a rise and fall of a great empire.

My goodness what a fabulous collection of photos....thanks to Superior Crafts and Pasty for sharing them. The ambient guitar music while scrolling through the photos actually brought a tear drop to my eyes...as I remember some of the activity of the area though it was on the way out in my youth. It truly is the rise and fall of an empire. Though I do appreciate the beauty of the Keweenaw now, it is great to see some of those photos. Way to go! Oh and as a side note..to promote that wonderful rustic furniture....My rearend is sitting on a wonderful chair of a kitchen set made at that very plant....it is on its second generation! Keep up the good work, Superior Crafts and Pasty Central!!!!! Love it!

Great picture, it makes me homesick, I have a question that is bugging me and I hope somone can answer this. Did thy move McLAIN STATE PARK because I remember the enterance to the park is still where it is today but you did not have to drive 2 miles in, it was more like 100 yards to get to it and where i remember the park being up to 1972 is now all reidental homes and where it is now has a very ugly beach that you couldent pay me to stay at?. What Happened? state land as far as I knew, what did they get in return.?

To Paul in Illinois: I couldn't have replied to the bare cut tree question better myself. Another sign of a possible homesite is a lilac bush.

I was recently watching some old films my uncle took in the late 50's and early 60's. The Mohawk mine was in those films and I barely recognized this stretch of 41. It's great to see the same topic and pictures just a few days later.

To all the tree lovers,
If one investigates the old mining sites, you will find that trees are very plentiful. There are trees growing within the old walls of the old hoist buildings etc.. Many of the old cleared sites are now flourihing young forests again.

In so many of the old mining sites you think you are on big hills and if you dig you will find they are the old piles just overgrown and being used to show the way Mother Nature reclaims her territory.

I love this site and these pics...but you have "its" misspelled!! aargh!!

An English Teacher and Future Yooper