With copper mining so prevalent in the history of the Keweenaw, it's no wonder that old mine locations and remains are popular landmarks photographed and shared here throughout the past 19 years. On this day in 2007, E. Neil Harri was flying over Gay, MI and zoomed in on the Gay smokestack. This 265' mining relic still stands as a reminder of the Mohawk Mine stamp mill that was built here in 1898 and remains useful to boaters as a navigational aid, since it can be seen for miles. The mill was located on Lake Superior's shore because water was needed for the flotation method of separating copper from ore, plus the Big Lake was the perfect dumping ground for the residual stamp sand. After 30 years plus of mining in this location, the stamp sand extended out a mile past the original shoreline in this area, thus creating the Gay sands.

Another local mine that has remained as a tourist attraction after having a number of its buildings restored and the shafts kept open for touring, is the Quincy Mine, a visible landmark for miles around as it still stands atop Quincy Hill. Barb Bouwkamp photographed it back in 2013, actually showcasing the beautifully, blooming lilac bushes surrounding Shaft Hoist House #2. So much history here and at other mining locations in the area, telling the story of what built the Copper Country and in some cases like the Quincy Mine, still helps to sustain the area now as a stop for tourists to learn of the mining history.

While researching information on the Gay Smokestack and the Quincy Mine location, my curiosity was piqued as to whether there was a smokestack for the latter mine and where it was, if so. My Google search came up with today's video and although it was taken on December 19, 2008, with snow on the ground, I thought it worth sharing the day the Quincy smokestack came down. I don't have factual information about that day or what led up to it coming down, but I assume it was unstable and needed to be removed. Check out this Country mining history event.

...but I assume it was unstable and needed to be removed.

That's exactly why it was brought down. The base was crumbling to the point it had to be removed for safety purposes. Still proud to this day to be able to call myself a "Quincy Mine Guide". Even today I tell folks it was the best job I've ever had....

Sad..."A mine is a terrible thing to waste."

Love the Gay smokestack. Love the Freda one also.
Such great reminders of home!

Great photos, thanks to all! The video is great
fun, though it is sad that these fascinating relics
have to part company with us sometimes. And Alex,
your mind is a wonderful place; I hope you realize
how much joy your humor brings to us all.

Glad to be of service, Dunerat. Like I always say; "A day without a chuckle is a sad day."

And it's not even an April Fool's joke this time.

Mary says: I wondered if anyone would remember that "joke" when they saw this "smokestack" posting. Good job Marsha!

Indeed, Alex has a very fertile mine.

I am pretty sure there is a chunk of loose concrete perched atop the Gay smokestack. Fortunately, it looks to be balanced such that it would probably fall inside rather than outside.

The Gay stamp sands are a magnificent man made spectacle. After all these years, I finally made it there to walk on them. They are huge but they used to be many times larger. The rest of them is all on the bottom of the Lake now.

It is in changing that things find repose.
.........HERACLITUS

I thought the same thing, Marsha!