What a shame to have torn that building down!!
My mother-in-law was in that building and survived the disaster by going out of the back door.

I heard at night you can hear the cries of the children that died. I have never heard them has anyone else?

Where is this monument located?

I believe it's located a block south and just to the west of the theater. Maybe someone local can pin it down closer.

Absolutely nothing to do with today's pic, but in looking over mail I've missed (due to being out of town), I was idly perusing "January" and discovered that both David and Kathleen had posted. "HI" to both of you! Kathleen, have you gotten through your parents 50th yet?! Beth & I are counting the days 'til Isle Royale!

It is located at the site of the old Italian Hall. Pictured is the old Archway from the front of the building. It is a shame the KNP didn't go through sooner. Perhaps funding to save the original building could have been aquired through them as the village was not interested in funding the purchase/stabilization/restoration.

It is just a building .... let it go

This is just another scene from the X-Filles. Mulder passed through this doorway and disappeared; that's the UFO on the right glowing behind the trees.

Look! Is dat Eino in da arch?

The crumbling Italian Hall building at the NW corner of 7th and Elm across from Morrison School was impossible to save and a real danger due to its proximity to a middle school playground. I think the free standing arch is a poignant and well-thought out historical tribute to what occurred there on Christmas Eve, 1913.

There really IS some kind of face in the archway above! Just above the 1908 stone, to the right of the plaque. Can you blow up this shot a little bigger?

Looks like Jonathan was up to his old tricks. Here's an enlargement, in which you can see the bearded photographer himself, leaning around the corner.

I remember that building when I was a child. I used to come up and visit my Great Aunt who lived in the little brick ranch house across the street on 7th St. That was when there was still a Ford dealership in town. I used to get yelled at for riding my bike next the Italian Hall because it was "going to fall over at any minute." Maybe people forget how hard it was to get that building to come down. Everyone "genius" thought that one tap with a hammer and it would just crumble. Do you remember that a wrecking ball could not get it down? They whacked away over and over and over and over and it would not just fall down?? What genius's we had decide that one.!!

My father survived that fire because of an unknown man who took him outside. My grandfather was in there with my father. When I go to Ahmeek to see it, I feel sad for those who lost family and very greatful for my father, Peter Ostermann Does anyone remember him?

Yes!!!! I have heard of Peter Ostermann. He is my husband's father. Hi Marge. Don talks about his trips to the UP as if they were yesterday. It is his dream to someday buy a cabin up there someday. A dream, but we all need them. This is so neat. I will be sure Don see this. Thanks for telling us abbout it. My whole life has changed a little because of Michigan's Lighthouses. It is now the theme of my kitchen.
Margaret Ostermann

Can anyone tell me why I, a Southern California girl, am so drawn to this event in history-the Italian Hall disaster. I have traveled to Calumet to sit in this park, I read what I can and tell others about this when ever it comes up?

Anna,

I know the feeling. Yesterday I drove past this spot. The memorial was visible above mountains of snow, piled by the village crews. It grabs my thoughts and attention every time I pass it.

Im doing a research paper on it.....

Hi, Dan Here. I recorded a song on CD about the Italian Hall called "EVE OF CHRISTMAS 1913". Was sent to all the local radio stations.

I did a presentation this year (2003) in a public speaking class at Broome Community College in Binghamton, NY. I have been fascinated about this event for about four years, and have researched it as much as I can. What a tragedy!

1913 Massacre pt. II
by Tom Flannery
copyright 2002



Woody chronicled the tragedy in one of his greatest songs, "1913 Massacre". This is my
imagined end to the story, in which nobody was ever brought to justice. It's still a sore subject
in Calumet even today.

Back in 1913 I was just 22
and I done what them boss men told me to do
had my nose in the air and a fine suit of clothes
warm in the winter when that great lake wind blows

copper was gold back here in them days
and money can put a man's mind in a haze
so keep them mines open the man said and with glee
said "you know where they on this christmas eve"

they said them strikers ain't like us you see
they come to this country to replace you and me
so give 'em a scare so they will know
when they can come and where they can go

Now I'm an old man and to •••• will I go
for the blood of children taken so long ago
my grandson says, "papa, I don't want you to die"
I swear that little boy always makes me cry

Folks come to say that I've led a good life
with many fine children and a wonderful wife
but the secrets you keep bring a man to his knees
so listen dear Lord to my last earthly plea

Have them children waiting for me when I go
so I can hear them playing in that soft Christmas snow
I'll come once more as a temp for hire
because I am the one who yelled "there's a fire"

and something that got lost in them days
when the newspaper fellers they all went away
them children were buried close to Italian Hall
and then we crushed the strike once and for all

Shame can't be seen by the eyes of a child
or a man turned by money into something more wild
you can hide from the Lord but soon He'll see
and now fire is just what's waiting for me

wow, what lyrics to follow Woody Guthrie's original "1913
Massacre".
all the 'scabs' must have been haunted forever after that
night.

http://www.songaweek.com/woody/songs/1913.html

you can also hear 1913 Massacre part 2 here...