Taken around 1950 or so, not sure of the exact date. The tractor is (was) a Caterpillar Model D8 crawler tractor, the largest built at that time. It was owned by my uncle, Ray Aldridge who is the man standing on the ground. The man at the controls of the machine (the far side) is my dad, Harry Aldridge and the man on the near side is my uncle James Aldridge. They were all part of my uncle's sawmill and logging operation based in the Fulton Location. The machine was brand new when the photo was taken. They then built a large, heavy duty cab guard over the top of it to protect the operators from falling trees, etc when working in the woods. There also was a large bulldozer blade which was mounted on the front of it. The machine was used to build woods roads for the logging operation in Keweenaw County. I remember riding on the machine while my dad was building roads. I also remember a man named Sickler who operated the D8, I think they called him "Peanuts". I'm sure that Wayne Sickler could add some detail to that story. When my uncle sold his operation and left the Keweenaw (along about 1954 or so), I think he sold the tractor to a man named Winquist, who also bought the Fulton sawmills. I often wonder what ever happened to such a beautiful piece of machinery.

4TH of July on "the" peninsula from Brockway to Covered Road and Rabbit Bay to Bete Gris. We only had three days and loved the Laurium Manor, but it was nice to be "home". Lots of changes and lots of "No Trespassing" signs, which would have insulted the neighbors in years past. I hope the Yuppies fail to find the Keweenaw. I have one acquaintaince, not a friend, who bought land at Copper Harbor to build a home on his first visit. I think you folks call it "Fake Lake". At least folks like him will keep the local fellows and gals working even if he never spent a winter in the U.P. yet, and has a lot to learn. Had a great 4th....

I lived about a block from Ray Aldridge and went to school with his children, Donnie and Rosalie. I admired his entreprenarial (sp) efforts and was saddened when he sold the sawmill. They were wonderful neighbors and an exceptional family. After the passing of Mrs. Aldridge, the family sold the house and Ray moved out of the area. I also moved from Lake Linden and no longer have immediate family living there, so do not keep up with happenings as much. Thank you for this board as it has made it much easier to keep in touch with the past and also the present. Would enjoy hearing from Donnie or Rosalie if they should read this message.

I wonder if that's the same Ned Aldridge I went to school with.

To Steve the Troll-- its too late--they already found it. It will be changed forever. Look at Traverse,Petoskey, Mackinaw, Manistee etc. in the Lower if you want to see the future. The "No Trespassing" signs are just the beginning. Once they come, that magical "up north" flavor will disappear. Money and arrogance don't mix well with Copper Country charm.

Being a transplanted "troll", I cringe at the thought of the arrogant Yuppies ruining our beautiful Copper Country and you are correct Rob, its going to happen sooner or later. Take it from one who works with them!

probably Clara,,,if you went to C Briggs.

Back around 35 years ago there was a story going around Keweenaw Co. about a certain party from "down below", not a Troll, but a resident of the Evil Empire (Chicago). Said party built a cabin and was quite ignorant of Copper Country tradition and quite proud of the cabin and the beach. The person put up "No Trespassing" signs and was very belligerant towards his neighbors and the local residents. That Fall, the cabin was struck by lightning and burnt to the ground. (Fire protection wasn't very advanced back then.) He rebuilt the next year but did not change his ways; the new cabin was struck by lightning, and again the fire department didn't get there in time. He decided the lot was cursed by Mother Nature, dropped the lease, and built a new cabin in Door County, Wis.
This may well be an "Urban Legend" Eagle River style. And it is certainly illegal and immoral to help "Mother Nature" by directing lightning towards the cabins of the antisocial. But things did happen back then.
That was then, and now the area is being built up and supposedly civilized. I fear it will someday become like the Canadian side of Lake Huron - "camps" three deep along the shore with some very territorial owners.

Just how much development is going on up
there? You folks are making me really sad. I
hate to think of such a beautiful place with
such great people turning into another
blighted snob enclave.

Lily,,enough of it is happening that it breaks my heart to drive through the Copper Country especially Keeweenaw. The signs and the clearing are starting to pop up everywhere. When we were young, you could walk onto Superiors shores just about anywhere. Seems these yuppy types have a need to display their wealth and its power. Buying up nature building a monument and restricting access is just another way of doing it. They just dont get it. they ruin the very thing they seek. Their mindset is 180 degrees from most Copper Country folk.

Yes the real estate speculation is completely
out of control in many places and not just in
the U.P. I suspect it will all end in tears when
the interest rates go up.

Beach walkers, remember you can walk or ride your 4-wheelers on any beach as long as you stay within the waters edge and the high water line mark. That is not owned by any yuppies. Tell the land owners to look at there deeds.

I recently read that Dave Letterman and other investors bought a huge tract on the eastern seaboard in the name of Conservation posted it in order to preserve it, then cut out 10 or 20 acre pieces for themslves to build their estates. The sam is happening in CA all beaches are public but the elite Hollywooders are trying to get the law changed, because surfers are ruining their view. LOOK OUT!

Yooper in Indiana, yes, I did go to C. Briggs. Thanks for answering.

Sorry to hear about what is going on up there. I live in central Florida near Tampa. We moved here from New Jersey back in 1972 and by 1978 you could only get to the beach through the public acess. Now you can't even see the beach from the road. So I know what your all saying about losing a wonderful way of enjoyment without it costing a bunch of money. The developers down here got most of the peoperty but running up the values so the owners couldn't afford it anymore. But there is a happy note to all this much like the lightning story the first hurricane that hits will correct this. It's kind of funny how nature corrects an injustice that was commited against it. Take heart as long as you keep the memiry alive of what was and pass it down to the next generation it may come to pass again. Good luck.