Is there any doubt what's in those lunch pails? Mmmm... one of Mama's lovely pasties, a little saffron, and a spot of tea.

Deanna's colorful sunset and this shot from the Quincy Mine archives epitomize the reasons we began Pasty Central almost 6 years ago. The beauty of this special Great Lakes region... the history of its people and culture... and the desire for a "taste of home" in those meat and vegetable pies like Mama used to make.

Over the years, the sale of the pasties throughout North America has enabled us to continue these daily features, and in turn the pictures give people a reason to tune in every day... to have a brief virtual visit to the U.P. (and be reminded of pasties, of course :o)

If you have just discovered this website, we invite you to find out more about the assisted living home in Calumet which makes it possible. By the way, we are now scheduling pasty deliveries for the new year in case you were wondering.

My Dad worked in the White Pine Mines for many years. Of course, by then the pictures were in color and the lunch pails a different shape. Oh, and it was coffee, not tea.

Living in Askel on the South shore of Otter Lake, he had to leave around 3:00-4:00 a.m. each day and didn't get home until going on 5:00 p.m.

My father also worked in White Pine. He also worked in the Quincy mine before I was born. I graduated from White Pine High school. Today you will find me living in Florida with the windows open and the sun shining. I have taken to check the Pasty Cam most everyday. I spend all my vacations in the UP on Bumbletown Hill where my parents live today. Most people want to retire to Florida. I however want to retire to the UP...

First of all, thanks for the history of Big Mac.
My uncle and another guy I knew worked in Quincy mine. They both had said how much pure copper is still down there. Pillars and walls of solid copper. Is Quincy mine about, or close to 2 miles deep?

An absolutely beautiful and poignant shot of Old Reliable, Deanna. This is surely the Keweenaw's most famous tourist icon. Around 2 miles down is the depth that sticks in my memory for Quincy as well. Must have made for some fierce air blasts from time to time.
Thanks for the extra shoebox shot as well, Charlie, and Merry Christmas to all. Hope the snow we just got here eventually makes it up to Delaware and beyond.

Does anyone know how old the picture of the men is and who is in the picture? My great-grandfather worked and died in a copper mine in Michigan. I believe it was the Quincy Mine, but I'm not sure. It would be really neat if he was in this photo!

Fantastic picture of Quincy! The mine shaft house dominated every day of my life while I was growing up in Houghton, but that view tops anything I ever saw up there. Maybe I had to go to bed too early!!!

Quincy Mine was actually how I found Pasty.com over a year and a half ago. I was looking for a picture of the mine shaft to use to make a quilted wall-hanging! I was amazed that my search turned up both the Quincy site, and the Pasty.com site. Thanks!

What a beautimous shot of Quincy #2! I remember going past here every day on the school bus. Black smoke coming from those tall stacks and white steam coming from the air vent down towards the hill. I remember, too, the ground shaking and the loud noise that came from the air blasts. I think my great-grandpa worked here for a while but he didn't like being underground. He ended up on his farm in Paavola. It is so good to see these shots from up there. Thank you, Deanna. Thank you, Charlie.

We visited the UP for the first time last summer, on our way to the west coast. My Dad was born in Laurium, so it was interesting to visit the area where there are so many family roots. Love the photography, I visit your site every week.

The man in the upper left corner is my grandfather, Charles Matson (nee Kallatsa). When he began workin in the mine the Cornish mining captain could not spell Kallatsa. He asked "what was your father's name?" "Mat," was the reply. "Then your name is Matson." My mother, Helen Matson, was the oldest of his six daughters. (1896-1988).
The picture must be late 1890s or early 1900s. He died in 1937 at the age of 70. His brother, who kept the Kallatsa name, was killed in the Quincy mine.

Ernie,
Yes, Quincy mine was nearly 2 miles deep. It was either about 9800 or 9200 feet, can't remember which. If you try the mine website, I'm sure it gives the depth on there, somewhere. I think Pasty.com has a link on the main page.

Happpy Holidays, all!!

Does anyone have any history on the Copper Country Dairy in Dollar Bay? My grampa was one of the founders but I don't know too much else. Wish I had some early pictures

What a great shot of the Quincy Mine. My dad and all his brothers worked for the Quincy Mining Company. When I was a child I used to play and pick up copper at that very shaft house and try to sell it to the tourists at the Clift View senic turnout overlooking Hancock and Houghton. Sure brings back the memories.

I love the picture of #2 mine shaft too. Does anyone remember the big hoax the college pulled over with the devil on the size of the shaft? I was very little but remember my Dad having me on his shoulders when the whole neighborhood went to the mine to see if any one could see the devil. Maybe one of the "dare devils" will own up now. We were never aloud to go near the shaft itself
our folks were always afraid of a cave-in in the the pile of rock.

Beautiful Shots...I was born in Marquette and lived in Escanaba until 1968...now live in Los Angeles....where there are no Pasties!!!!.....

Pat Dwyer

My father and grandfather both worked for a time in the Empire mine in Grass Valley, CA. I'm trying to track down an authentic Cornish lunch pail. Should anyone want to part with theirs, or know where I can buy one, please let me know.