Fourth Thursday in History: Company Buildings for Company Workers

C&H-Public-Library
NPS Photo, Adolf LaMuth Collection
The former Calumet & Hecla Pulbic Library in Calumet, Michigan.

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Date: May 18, 2010
Contact: Brian Hoduski, (906) 337-3168

How do the libraries, schools, and hospitals built in the Copper Country more than a century ago differ from those elsewhere? Here, they were built by mining companies, not governments or civic organizations. Representing the strength of the companies, with powerful Calumet & Hecla leading the way, these buildings were also vivid examples of the reach of the companies into their employees' lives. Like the thousands of houses built by the companies and rented to their workers, the civic buildings are a complex statement of benevolence and obligation.

In this illustrated presentation, Kim Hoagland will explore the implications of the libraries, schools, hospitals, and other buildings constructed by mining companies in their communities. Professor Emerita at Michigan Technological University, Ms. Hoagland is the author of the recently published Mine Towns: Buildings for Workers in Michigan’s Copper Country. The Isle Royale-Keweenaw Parks Association will have copies of this work for sale at the event.

This program will take place on Thursday May 27, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. It will be held in the study hall at the Calumet High School, located at 57070 Mine Street in Calumet.

The Fourth Thursday in History series arranges public presentations on important aspects of Copper Country and regional history, including techniques for historic preservation. Presentations are scheduled in venues throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula, particularly at historic sites associated with specific topics. They are free and open to the public. Additional support for this program is being provided by CLK Schools.

For further information, including specific directions to this event, contact Keweenaw National Historical Park at 906/337-3168.

Did You Know?

The Nordberg Steam Hoist, the largest steam hoist in the world, once lowered miners 9,260 feet down into the shafts of the Quincy Mine.

To reach 9,260 feet down into the shafts of the Quincy copper mine, the world's largest steam-driven hoist was built in 1918. The Nordberg Steam Hoist and its reinforced concrete building, with brick veneer and Italian-tiled walls, cost over $370,000 but was used for only eleven years.