If you're driving up US 41 today in the Keweenaw, take a look at the top of the Quincy shafthouse. For years, several large cell phone antennas sat right in the middle of the roof. This morning they are gone.

Someone recently asked me if those antennas were part of the Pasty.NET wireless Internet system in Houghton-Hancock, which they were not. While it is true our signal comes from Quincy, the small segment antennas are barely visible, even up close. Local viewers interested in knowing more about the broadband wireless project can click here.

Our Flower Power final week of Spring is providing a closer look at June bustin' out all over. Thanks to Dennis Kemper for today's greenery.

Aah, I always thought it quite incongruous that the Keweenaw National Historical Park would impede every attempt by the city of Hancock to improve their community citing "taking away from the historical look" of the area. Examples include the street lights illuminating Campus Drive and the flashing light at the hospital entrance. Despite this posture, they consented to the installation of towers on the mine shaft building itself, the icon of the entire park if you will. Seems the past overrules the present unless there is a fiscal reason to contravene one's own ideals.

Wheatman

Question: what is that greenery called?

So eloquently said, Mr. Wheatman.

Found this site a couple of months ago and have been enjoying the photos everyday. My mother was raised in the Quincy Mine area and my grandfather Matthew Shabal gave his life to the Quincy Mine so this area means a lot to me. Glad to see many improvements since the last time I was up there.

People over here have protests about having mobile phone masts near their homes and places of work because of the health worries - maybe someone objected to these antenna on this building? Also they spoil the view. The mobile phone companies sometimes disguise the masts as pine trees so that nobody knows it is a mast!!!

I have noticed in my travels to England, Jean, is that the reception for mobile phones is exceptional, and in order for this the number of towers must coincide. There are not near the "dead spots" as we contend with in this area on a daily basis.

Perhaps they can use those missing antennae to help hold up the Historic Train Depot in Calumet in the "National Park" district.

Indeed what is missing on the peak of "Old Quincy" is a historically sized "Old Glory" to wave majestically and proclaim far and wide the Keweenaw's love of country. After all, is it not a "National" Park? Or would those in the know complain that it is being too patriotic in these PC times?

There is always another side to every story.

While some people protest about a cell tower or radio tower being an eye sore and suggest it be painted green to blend into the background, not a day goes by that I don't wish every tower out there was MORE visible...why...because as a helicopter pilot those towers present a very real danger. Trying to get our job done we fly low level all day and believe me those towers are a flight hazard.

Frank,

I don't know all the history, but there had been several public comments - in the Gazette and some local meetings - about how the large antennas detracted from the historical appearance of the building. Over a year ago when we approached the board at Quincy Mine Hoist Association about mounting our small wireless Internet antenna, it was a sensitive issue. Eventually the company which owned the equipment was asked to relocate the tower, which, as you can see, happened this week.

Rivera,

We would love to see a large flag atop that massive pole. However, I stood at the base of that pole yesterday, or at least about 15 feet below it, inside the top of the shafthouse. It would be extremely difficult to hang a flag up there, as there is currently no safe access to it. Perhaps we could get a class at Michigan Tech to design a robotic flag raiser, which could climb the pole. Love to have a web cam up there, too.

Can you hear me now?

I think old Quincy needs a bright stark white lighting
system to give it a shuttle launch glow in the evening.

There wasn't an old saw mill in Quincy, was there? I am trying to figure out where my Uncle "butch" Marvin worked in about 1961, RIDING a sawing device. It looked like a building like Quincy, but I suppose it isn't. It was near Mohawk though... Anyone know what/where I'm talking about?

The Quincy doesn’t need a light, or a flag atop of her, she needs to be left alone in her solitary glory as she has since that Rock House was built. Once you start modifying property it takes away the historical significance. Another wise thing would be to keep MTU as far away from it as possible, the current administration is doing a good enough job ruining the school, we shouldn’t let them ruin anymore of our states historical sites.

BRAVO! BRAVO! to Joseph! I couldn't have said it better! If man would leave certain things alone, it would be a very good thing. I suppose everywhere, but somehow, especially in the UP! I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who feels that way!

I'm still bothered over the thought of the lake water being piped to the southwest :(
I mentioned it to someone, and they said it's already being taken.... somewhere "south"....

Kinda hard to have a sense of humor when you go to
Tech these days, eh? I would think that the flag pole
was on top of Quincy for a reason. Probably a flag.
When I grew up long ago Quincy used to be a rusting
brown color. So, I am sure it isn't exactly in the same
pristine deteriorated condition that you would prefer it to
be in. Be flexible. And Smile A Little!

Dave
The truth about the "greenery" is that it is a weed but it looked so neat that I had to take a pic just because it was green and looked so fresh after such a long white winter. It was taken at Sandy Bottom In Dollar Bay. If anyone out there knows what it is called, would love to know. Thanks for asking. Dennis

they say...... a weed is just a plant...
"misplaced"... hahah just thought Id share that
with you ...:) trying to get back to Michigan
in July sometime... hope you all have a great
summer ... Julie B.....

The mine shaft SHOULD stay as it is. Structure wise. Can see why it might need occasional painting to keep Mother Nature from reclaiming it too quickly.
I think the "weed" is pretty. I'm interested to learn what it is also. (If deer don't eat them, maybe I could plant those in my garden!!)
It's so cool how those of you who own digital cameras with zoom are seeing and photographing the details in our world and sharing it with the rest of us. Thanks!

No question, the ol' hoist. Rumor has it an old friend's advances were parried by a certain tour guide.

Was wondering just how many jobs this Historical park has created for the area, if any.

That "greenery" somehow reminds me of some "wolfsmilch"-kind - but don't nail me on that one. And don't ask what these might be in english.
And while I'm still rather young, I still remember people doing great without cellphones - though I must admit they have their advantages. Except in theaters, that is.

Old pictures of the shafthouse show an observation coupola on the roof near the flag pole. It was probably much easier to get to the pole and run up a flag back then. Safety rules were also nearly non-existant back then so I am sure some poor guy had to make the climb to run up or take down the flag with orders not to fall off the roof. The thought of doing something like that today would send a safety officer into cardiac arrest.

It seems to me that there was a flag flying from the top of the shafthouse when the Ventures Group was in charge of the property. There were problems with the winds tearing it from its moorings and tearing the flag itself.

Paul,

The observation deck on the back near the flag pole is still there - but it is still 15-20 feet below the base of the pole. I was on that deck recently installing our wireless antenna which covers from Point Mills to South Range and all points between (Houghton, MTU, Paradise Rd, etc.) The view from there is magnificent. But just the thought of running up a flag from there makes me dizzy.

By the way, when the shafthouse was restored, it was not "painted". It was a whole new layer of galvanized materials. Maybe we could get Ed Yarbrough to give us a little history about the whole projec

Can you imagine the view we'd get from a web cam up there? WOW!

Hei, Alex, GA, I think the mill you're thinking of was the Goodman mill past Mohawk. My step-dad worked there as laborer and later as a night watchman. When he was there all they cut was 8 quarter pine, long stuff. 2 x 6, 2 x 8, 2 x 10 etc. There may have been sawmills in the Hancock area. There were/are mills in Donken.
Kiitos, Charlie, I sure love to see Quincy # 2. Does anyone remember where Quincy # 8 was? My dad worked there for a while, a long time ago. As a young man he also washed dishes at the Kaleva Cafe. Early 30s, I think.

Ken from da up says his dad washed dishes at the Kaleva Cafe, early 30's. HOW LONG has the Kaleva been in business?? My mother and father met at the Kaleva when she was a waitress there. I think that was in the late 40's.

I found this site doing a "search" for Quincy Mine Shaft...a number of years ago. I still look in every day.

Bravo, Joseph, MTU student. I agree that the mineshaft needs to be left alone in her solitary glory! How about a flagpole installed on the ground? That might be safer for the flag-raiser.

My dad, since passed on, was born in Quincy in 1903. He used to take us to see the mine shaft and surrounding area when we were kids. I also remember there being railroad cars from which we had our pictures taken.

GW in Indiana: Yes as a boy growing up in the 40s, besides living in Dollar Bay and Woodside, we lived for a time 2 houses from the Quincy! The house is gone now. (Old C&H "company" duplex, $7.50 per month! One faucet with running water till only about noon every day. "Outhouse" in the back!) It was on the corner of the road that comes down from 41 and turned in to the powerhouse. I remember the rusted brown. Most of the descending cable transom towers were still there but they went down 1 x 1 over the years til what is left now. As kids we were always scared to go in the shaft house, but we played in and explored every other building there especially the big steam/powerhouse. I remember finding and seeing the miners old lunch buckets and rubber coats just as they had left them years ago in what must have been the miners/workers lockeroom down in the lower level or basement.-(?)Often was flooded with water too down there. I remember well walking along and on top of all the old rail hopper cars that were left there then. Dozs. of them. I could go on and on about this. I remember pigeons hanging around up in the shaft but now I realize there could have been, or maybe are now, bats, owls, Hawks etc. up there? I'm surprised what I do remember!
From A book we have appears the plant above is maybe Joepyeweed or maybe a Yarrow?? Need to see the leaves. How tall is it?

Hello to all from my area of woods.Mina olen suomilainen and grow up and work for Calumet Hecla mine for 40 year.I to put work out at Mohawk timbering in late 50 for Jarvi et oja down to Lake Linden for Gregori lumbering.I am now living in Swedetown location with son who helpe with me for i go to assistance live in care.I learned to type write on computor mail from grandson Matti who traveled to Puuri Suomi for work with Michigan Tech this spring.To all of you folks interested in way of life in and around mine town in the U.P you must be up here to see and not just read about.I will turn 96 god to help me perhap reach 100.I do have two child time friend who i grew up and worked with who alos live in the 90 and 92 age.Thank you people who i have talked with every summer time at Wisti and Wisti corner.Please stop by and come to say hey.And thank you Mikka for the help on the typerriter computer a wonderful thing eh! John "Yalmer" Koskiniemi.

a little weed can make you happy :)

Hello Mr.John "Yalmer" Koskiniemi.......were you born in the Copper Country? We can learn a lot from you.....Thanks for the message.......it is wonderful that you have 2 friends from your childhood...and a thoughtful son and grandson.....Keep well

For those of us that grew up in Scandanavian households, can't you just hear John's words in the text of his message?
John I'd love to buy you a pasty dinner and hear some of your stories.

A person doesnt have to be scandanavian to hear hear Johns words in his text. A person just has to have lived in or spent alot of time in the Copper Country. I think no matter what our ancestry, we can hear that accent in our minds. I love to listen to the oldtimers relate their lifes tales in that voice that tells you "he's from the Copper Counrty".

As a fellow Soumilainan, I was raised on a farm 3 miles from Dollar Bay, near Woodside in the late 50's, early 60's. You can see the farm from the road as you travel between Dollar Bay and Mason. It was my great grandparents farm and now has other houses surrounding it. I haven't been up there in 8 years so I'm assuming the farm buildings are no longer there. Love the U.P., wish I was there.

I admire Mr. Koshiniemi using a computer since I can't get my "city boy" husband to even turning our computer on!

Welcome!, Calumet John...so nice to read your note. We pray we'll see many more. Thanks to your Son and Grandson for their special support.

This got me to wondering if anyone's doing/done any living history audio recordings of the thoughts and rememberances of those who live or lived in the Keweenaw...it'd be a truly grand project!

SDC,What farm did you grow up on? Was it anywhere near that big concrete thing near the old railroad tracks between Woodside and the Bay? I am older than you but we used to go with my Dad when he cut hay on the farm(Chechaks) near that concrete thing.

Mr John, could you tell us some things about your life as you grew up in the U.P. I know we would all love to hear your stories.
A lady was going to record stories of my Dad's life when he was in his late 80's but he passed away at 89 before she could do it. He had many stories to tell--including his trip from Croatia at 13 and how he worked and ended up in the Copper Country.
I Hope we hear from you again and stay healthy!!

Fran:
Yes, that was our farm. It was called the Alcenius farm (my great grandparents farm in the 40's). Mr. and Mrs. Mattson lived in the smaller farm along side of the dirt road going toward the Alcenius farm. My grandparents, John and Allie Seppala lived there after my great grandparents passed away then they lived in Dollar Bay behind the Baptist church near Wenberg's house. I remember my grandmother telling me about the Chechaks and the farm burnt down. My father's name was Stuart and his brothers were Ken, Bob, Raymond and sister Joyce. We moved to that farm in the late 50's and my dad worked at Copper Country Dairy in Dollar Bay all the time we lived there. Sure miss the environment. I'm sick of being a troll and so is my Italian/Danish husband!

SDC, I remember Alcenius's farm and remember seeing the house back there.I didn't know the Seppalas lived there tho or that they were related to the Alcenius's. Did you know that my Dad helped to build that concrete thing when he was 13 or so. I think it was a support for a RR trestle(?) He said he had to wear lots of clothes to make his skinny body look like a man so they would hire him.He pushed wheelbarrows full of
concrete and his hands would bleed doing it all day.
I knew the Seppala's. I think your Dad and the other boys and Joyce all went to school with my older brothers and sisters- Margaret,John, Norbert, and Lorraine. Norbert passed away in 99.
My brother- in- law Ken Anderson(Margaret) worked at the C.C. Dairy sometime in those years so your Dad probably remembers him too.He also grew up in Dollar Bay.
We miss the good old C.C. too.I always will!!

My grandmother Allie was an Alcenius girl. Her sisters were Hilda, Elenore(Pat), (there was another one but I never met her) and brother Bill who still lives in the U.P. What was your maiden name?

My sisters, brother and I went to Dollar Bay school in the early 60's and I went to school with Susan Anderson. Sadly, my dad passed away in '97 and my mother Martha (nee, Moilanen) passed away January '02.

As kids we played on that trestle your dad helped to build. We moved to Hubbell from the farm then down to the Detroit area in mid-60's. Was not a happy time trying to adjust from leaving Gods Country down to all the traffic, hustle and bustle. We enjoy getting up to the U.P. whenever it is possible.

SDC,My maiden name was Spellich. Sue is my niece.She lives in Sheboygan,Wi.I have her e-mail address if you want it. You probably also remember my nephew Bob Richards. He is a little younger than Sue. He lives in Houghton.
I know what you mean about moving from that area to a large city. When I married I moved to Memphis.I left there in a snowstorm and arrived in Memphis wearing a big heavy coat and boots and it was HOT there.I guess they thought I came from Siberia or somewhere.It took me a while before I was brave enough to drive on those narrow streets with all that traffic. I couldn't understand them either!! Went in a store and they asked me if I wanted a "poke"(bag) I looked at them like they were crazy!! Ha Ha. You can e-mail me if you want.

1) A web cam somewhere on the Quincy Mine would be great. Is there a safe place one can be located? One that pans would be too cool!
2) I was a dishwasher and waitress at the Kaleva too (in 1979).
3)Yes, John should write more and we can't wait to see it, but remember he's gotta get Mikka to help him so let's give him some time!! (worth the wait, though). Someone SHOULD buy that man a pasty!
4) 27 days since I drove crying out of Houghton, the UP and back to Denver. Wish I could have spent the summer there.

I worked at the Kaleva Cafe as a waitress during the late 70's early 80's. Met my husband while working there. He became my best customer. :)

Ken, #8 was the last shafthouse as you went up 41 to Calumet. That was the gabled steel covered shafthouse that looked similar to #6. The Homestake headframe is at the collar now. The shafthouse was torn down because when there were big winds, pieces of siding blew out onto the highway. This was also known as the Mesnard shaft since the property was originaly owned by the Mesnard Mining Co, that Quincy purchased. The Pewabic Lode carried commercial values at depth and they worked it until the end in 1945.
There was one more, #9, beyond that. It was in developement, but was abandoned after the 1913 strike. The engine foundation for 9 is still visable east of 41, the shaft was just to the west of 41.

sdc- I remember going to a pond I think, near Woodside. Used to be good trout fishing. Used to ride my bike from Houghton with a friend to fish there. Small trout, but easy to catch. This was the late 50's and early 60'.


i reme

The Number 8 shaft is going down as of now you should see the subsidence around the collar, Paul could you add any more as to the Homestake head frame, I always thought it had been one of the Pewabic Shafts.

Dave Janke,Yes there used to be a pond there for kids to fish but I don't remember seeing it when I was home last summmer. Maybe someone from town can tell us?

Joe,
I don't recall the exact dates without spending alot of time digging them out. Homestake came to the Copper Country in the '70's when inflation and a boom made copper attractive. They started exploration and testing on the Calumet Conglomerate through Centennial 3 and 6, which was their main thrust since more was known about it and there was a surface plant. Their second operation was on the Pewaubic Lode through the Mesnard shaft (Quincy 8). The headframe was new construction but the hoist was a small steam-converted-to-electric one from C&H, who last used it at an old Kearsarge Lode shaft north of Laurium. Homestake tried for awhile, they had to develop a means of processing at the collar so all poor rock and mill tailings were returned underground due to new Michigan laws. The operation at Quincy 8 was no more than a means to verify what was down there. It was "back-burnered" and died. The copper market was so volatile that I doubt they could justify committing capital at either operation.

I wonder if some one might have a picture of the ore cars sitting on the rails east of the Quincy mine back in the 60s. A view from Houghton showed them silouheted against the skyline.

Good Morning, Mr John"Yalmer" Koskiniemi... if my figures are correct you must have been born in 1907.....Do you have any stories regarding the "Italian Hall Fire"...how about the strike in 1913? ......When did you work in the mine for C&H?...Do you know Mike Medved from Calumet, he is 93 years old and also worked in the mines with his father.....thank you.....also Mikka

Dave Janke, CO:
Yes, that was called Gooseneck Pond. My brother Gary use to fish in there all the time. I believe it dried up sometime in the late 60's for some reason or other.

Mary Lou- my grandmother was in the "Italian Hall Fire". Heard of it several times as a youngster. She lived into her ninties and passed several years ago. Her uncle found her and carried her home afterwards. She lived in Calumet-Laurium area all her life. Sorry I never recorded her stories.

SDC and Dave Janke
I believe that might have been a man made pond as it wasn't always there.It seems like I remember hearing something about the reason for it being gone was liability. RCW do you know?

anon...these "stories" are precious for future generations to hear and will soon be lost as time passes...I read once that when someone dies "we lose a library".......never more true than in the Copper Country where just about everyone has a story...Thank you!!

Fran:
I think you are right about Gooseneck being man-made. If only I asked more questions when I was a kid and adult. Also, behind our farm I mentioned the other day, if you walked about 1 mile through the woods there was part of Torch Lake (or would have it been part of Portage??) I believe the land across the lake was Point Mills.
My dad had once said there was a "speak easy" or Inn where they held dances, back in the late 30's,40's in Point Mills, long,long gone now.. I may have my stories mixed up so if anyone can clarify this, I'd like to know.

As kids, we could swim in that lake but that was only after the water cleared after C&H closed.

As Mary Lou said, I guess I should start writing this stuff down for future generations.

Hello to all of you and kiitos for all the wonderful response to my first try at typer on computer.Yes i would be very much helpful to any persons who listen to any story i may have to tell.Very much to tell and and as you may see i have hard time and long time to typer as we say easy way to talk to then write.My grandson has many of my life in recording to then put in paper on tablet form.He has show me interest in his family doings .He is to come to do my typer in good fashion with some of my tellings.Very good and type as fast as one talk.I must tell all that i am very happy to see all interst in way of lfe but yes many elder storie to be lost the story you not find in book for traveler to this part of country.I have never left this area not to down state Detroit at any time.Many folks who never went south of the old lift bridge to split portage.Not a need to leave many from the old country who i grew up with and keep the same way of life till the passing day.Never to speek in english.many many of those folks from not too long ago and still a few around in my age who have just as much to tell.I will have grandson to typer in the next week with a few good storie of my beginning in Paavola loc .I overwelm with modern typer that all can see at instant.all new and wonderful tings.Kiitos and Hey Hey for time. John K.

Hello John K..... I guess you know we will look forward to your stories and hope that your grandson knows how interested we are here at Pasty.com......It is wonderful that he is taking down your family history...it will be a treasure for his children and for us too..Thank you

Keep the stories coming "John", I am certain there a just "hundreds" of people out there who are interested in the life and way of life of those who came here and helped to build this country of ours. I am originally from the UP, have been away since 1959, and I can still hear the accent that you speak with in your writtings.

God Bless !

Dave- that accent probably would sound like music to an displaced Yooper. Eh?

Keep it coming John! Our new Life Styles reporter imbedded in Calumet! Cant wait to hear your stories!

Hello Mr John K,
You are doing just great! We look forward to hearing about your life. You have lived many years and have seen many changes thru the years. There are not many people your age who would be able to learn to use a computer!! Be proud!! Stay well.

To all the folks above! I have a picture from 1958 I took standing on the little Woodside Road bridge looking down at that little pond I think you are all talking about! My sisters and cousins are fishing in it. I think there were 2 ponds,(?)- Gooseneck and another closer to town near the bend by Boatmans. I think they were manmade. RCW or Jim L. should remember! If any one is really interested I could try to "scan" the photo to you eh!

SDC,Back in the 30's and 40's alot of my Mom and Dad 's friends from Dollar Bay used to go to a lake for "BOOYAWS" I think they would all pitch in and make some kind of stew or something.I'll have to check with my oldest sister. Anyway thislake was reached by turning off of M-26(after your farm) to the right onto this dirt road and somewhere down that road was a lake or beach area. I wonder if it could have gone to the same place as you talked about.It was near the farms. If I remember right the one they went to was part of Torch Lake. I'll try and e-mail my sister tonight and see what she remembers.
Bernie or Buddy Gestel do you remember anything about this? I know your family went.

connie colo where do you live now and what is your connection with the uppers? My address is janke555@msn.com.
I live in Pueblo West now but used to live in Elizabeth Co untill moving in March. I've lived in Colo since 1963 but spent my first 16 years
in the up and Isle Royale. Please contact me if you would like.

Fran:
I remember a road behind our farm called Mosquito Road..... I was only 6 years old when my dad told me if we took that road, it would take us to Point Mills. I remember walking on it to get to that beach about a mile from our farm. Is this the road you took?

A Very cool picture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!