Bob Gilreath was recently in Iron Mountain to visit his daughter and found this interesting Michigan Historic site right behind the hotel they stayed in. So they decided to check out the history of the Ardis Furnace.

According to the sign in Bob's second photo, Inventor John T. Jones knew the economic potential of processing low-grade iron ore, so he invented a process and built an experimental furnace in 1908, naming it after his daughter Ardis. The experiment was plagued with problems and by the end of World War I, the furnace was dismantled and Jones moved on to other mining endeavors.

The photos show what remains of that project and has been preserved as it is, to keep the history of furnace alive. Check out the link in the first paragraph to read more about the Ardis Furnace and to see photos of the actual furnace during operation in the early 1900's.

Bob's last photo is the home of the Ardis Furnace Inventor, John T. Jones, which is located on Grand Avenue in Iron Mountain.

The history of the UP is always interesting! Thanks Bob!

What a glorious home! I wonder if folks live
there, or is it something to tour....fabulous
pics!

belated congratulations to the district 10
big league softball team (centered in
escanaba) who won the michigan state tournament
and advanced to the midwest regional in
illinois. district 10 went undefeated in
the regional and advanced to the world series
where they unfortunately missed the
semifinal round.

I was not aware of this place. That is quite an ornate house he lived in. We certainly have been treated to a fine tour of interesting places in the UP these past few days

Another place in the U.P. I need to see.

Proof the U.P. is as rich in history as the L.P.

Proof the U.P. is as rich in history as the L.P.