• Sunday-What'sUP November 7 - 08:38 am

Last night on the way back from Baraga to Eagle River, Edie and I passed the Quincy just before sunset. There was barely enough light to get a shot, finding just the right spot on the grassy shoulder with the perspective to match the older photo. Shivering in the breeze, I could almost here the sound of the Cadets' boots on the road as they marched past this point in 1918, troops attending the military mining course at the Michigan College of Mines.

Today we know it as Michigan Technological University, and this week's Shoebox Memory is a fine example of Michigan Tech Archives handiwork in caring for the rich history of the Copper Country. The Archives staff just completed a two-year project updating this treasure, and will celebrate with an open house tomorrow (Monday) evening at 6pm. For an invitation see the Archives Blog.

As you may know, a good friend who enjoyed exploring the history of the Keweenaw passed away this week. George Hite, longtime editor of EagleHarborWeb.net, will be dearly missed by thousands of folks who shared the same passion that flowed from his writings about life in God' Country. Today his website has been updated with details of his life.

Our thanks to Erik Nordberg and the Staff at the MTU Archives for today's glimpse of life in the U.P. from 93 years ago. If you're in the Copper Country tomorrow evening, why not stop by the open house and say hello.

Have a good week :o)

A very nice tribute to George, a man and his musings who will be greatly missed!

In total agreement, Janie T.

Yes, the tribute is lovely indeed....I'm with Janie and Shirley.

Never met George, but I bet we could have had a grand ole' time talking history.

Great views today, and great work done by the staff of the MTU Copper Country Archives for preserving our little corner of the world in photos!!

The thing that I notice that is most different between the two pictures...The American flag is missing from the latest picture. That's the picture that needs it the most in these times.

Great job of creating the 2011 photo to match the 1918 photo, Charlie. You nailed it! I think you left your footprints on top of the 1918 photographer's prints. Great effort, thanks!

Thanks, Ken. By the way, Jimwood, if you'll notice the 1918 picture, there is an observation deck on top of the shafthouse by the flagpole. There is not one there today, and it would be extremely difficult to thread a cable up to the rusty old pulley at the top of the pole (which would have to be replaced).

I have spent a lot of time in the very top of the shaft building, which houses our wireless network relay for the Keweenaw. While I agree it would be great to have a big American flag flying there, it would be a real challenge to get it up and maintain it. That is a huge pole.

The dog is not in the current picture either.

Thanks for posting the accolade to George. He was a "class act;" the Keweenaw---and the Keweenaw County Historical Society---has lost a true friend and an ardent supporter. Paul LaVanway

And to think many years ago as a boy, every day we would sit at our kitchen table, look out the back kitchen window and view this shaft building which was very close by--just 5 or 6 houses away! The steam hoist building was even closer!

Great Post

Is it an optical illusion or does the newer picture
show the warehouse/gift shop shorter in the old
picture?