With the blizzard and winter storm warnings this week, I didn't venture far from home. Spent some time looking through the Guest Gallery. With over 5500 photos, that kept me busy for sure. This one was in our Around the U.P. - Houghton album submitted by Donn de Yampert. Now, it's got me wondering, thinking, scratchin' my noggin - - Donn titled it Jack's Crossing. I can't figure out where it is or what the story behind it could be. Any ideas?

How about Jack Stevens place on the Houghton canal!!!

Looks familiar, but can't pinpoint exactly where on the Canal Road where it's at. That's what happens to us transplanted yoopers when we leave for greener pastures. We sort of forget where things are and memories fade.
All I know is that I would like one of those railroad crossing signals in my basement, next to my scale train layout. Wonder where he got that from? Could it be from the Soo Line crossing south of Chassell on US 41?

RCW hits the nail on the head, yes, Jack Steven's camp on the Portage Canal is right!

Pennies? We used to make a 41 cent piece by placing a quarter,nickel,penny,and dime on the track all in one stack and wait for the locomotive. Rather expensive when allowance was a quarter.

Lets go sleding!! But always watch out for the train.

Thought for a minute Pasty.net had moved south of the bridge to my new hometown of Durand. Many a train crossing here but nary a train whistle as they are banned from blowing them while in town here. Sure do miss that lovely sound. As a Yopper wanna-be I wish I was there instead of here..

A little Durand history...Around the turn of the century, as many as thirty-five passenger trains, one hundred freight trains and three thousand passengers used the depot each day. Its yard facilities once included the only full-circle roundhouse on the Grand Trunk Western. In 1911 fifty percent of Durand's population was employed by the Grand Trunk Western Railway Company. TODAY JUST LIKE IN HOUGHTON THE POWERS TO BE DO NOT WANT TRAINS IN THEIR CITY...

Well if anyone visits Durand stop by the historic depot. It has been restored to it's former glory over that last 10 to 15 years and is in great shape. Also a good train watching spot.

Both the GTW and Ann Arbor historical associations have museum rooms in the depot that are open on Saturday afternoons. There is also an HO scale model railroad being built by a club located on the first floor that's open to the public Saturday afternoons as well.

Very nice picture as usual "Donn" sir!! Keep up the great work. Hope you and your family had the greatest of Holidays!! Talk to you soon!!

Toivo, this private crossing is at the Houghton Canal home of Jack Stevens aka: Mr. Ski-Doo. When the Copper Range shut down he got a "great deal" on a railroad inspector's car, $25.00 you haul it away. What his wife didn't know was the going rate of steel necessary for the 500' run that it goes on and other associated costs, railroad ties, spikes, plates etc... It was installed by family and friends and the car still runs up and down the tracks in the summer. The Jack Track railroad can be seen by those cruising the Houghton canal via the waterway. In 1976 the car was painted in red/white and blue patriotic colors and at that time earned it's name the "Jack track". Mr. Ski-Doo is doing well and greets those who know him or bought a snowmobile, lawnmower, chainsaw, boat motor or whatever during the 50+ years that he was in business at 200 West 5th Street in Houghton. The DeYamperts are friends and have frequented his home, both summer and winter. Choo-choo!! Daughter of Jack Stevens

Pasty Cam Archives, November 28, 2002
Grandpa Jack and Liisa

Anyone with a story about Jack and/or Superior Service Garage who is willing to share it can feel free to drop a line. He loves to hear the stories and tell the stories. At one time in the Copper Country just about everyone owned something from the garage, or if they didn't buy it there they would bring it there to be fixed. Sure do miss that kind of service in the area, pick up and delivery, day or night weekday or weekend.

nice snow picture miss the snow however not the cold

I used to deliver the Milwaukee paper in the morning to Jack and Jack sr at their shop in Houghton at 7 in the am. Always used the place as a get warm feet place in the winter-Always warm! That was in the area of 1955 or so. Was facinated by boats and working on them. Since Ive been in the auto repair business 40 years and own 2 boats and wish I lived there again in the summer, but live now in Colo.