Keweenaw icon
By JANE NORDBERG, DMG Writer
POSTED: June 23, 2008
QUINCY TOWNSHIP — The next event in the Quincy Anniversary Special Events Series takes place Wednesday, with a focus on the structure that has become synonymous with the site itself.
Quincy Mine Hoist Association member Scott See will present “Icon of the Keweenaw: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Quincy’s No. 2 Shaft-Rockhouse” at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Quincy Mine Site.
See, also a PhD candidate in Michigan Technological University’s industrial heritage and archeology program, will discuss the evolution and operation of Keweenaw shaft-rockhouses with particular attention to the Quincy No. 2 structure.
“Even though it’s no longer used in its original capacity, it’s become a symbol of identity for the local community,” See said, citing local examples of Copper Country Ford, Keweenaw Gem and Gift and the Mine Shaft Bowling Center and Rockhouse Hardwood Grille using the structure as inspirations for their businesses.
“It’s part of the history of the area that makes us unique,” See said.
“When you see it, you think of the Keweenaw, you think of the Copper Country.”
See said although it’s not the oldest standing shaft rock-house around, its location has helped its notoriety.
“The one in Painesdale is older than the Quincy structure, but the fact that Quincy sits on the hill in Hancock allows it to have a presence that the others don’t have,” he said.
See said his presentation will cover the history of the Quincy No. 2 and why shaft rock-houses have their unique shape.
“That building didn’t just jump out of the ground; it was an evolution in structures used at the mine that came before,” See said. “I’ll talk about what went on inside those buildings that gave them their shape.”
The event is the second in the Quincy Anniversary series, which began June 18 with a walk-through of the Quincy site in conjunction with Keweenaw National Historical Park.
Featuring seven monthly events through Nov. 13, the Quincy Anniversary Special Events Series commemorates the 160th anniversary of the Quincy Mining Company (incorporated in 1848); the 100th anniversary of the Quincy No. 2 Shaft-Rockhouse (built in 1908) and the 50th anniversary of the Quincy Mine Hoist Association (formed in 1958).
Wednesday’s event is co-sponsored by the QMHA, the Michigan Tech Alumni Association and the Keweenaw Chapter of Alumni and Friends.
The public is invited to participate in the last Quincy Mine tour of the day beginning at 4 p.m. which includes the the steam hoist, tram and underground portions of the mine site. Regular mine tour prices apply.
A pasty meal will be available from 5:30 to 6 p.m. in the 1894 hoist house. The suggested donation is $5 each with beverage, while supplies last. Proceeds will go towards the Keweenaw Chapter Local Scholarship fund.
The presentation and site tour is free to all. The Quincy Mine gift shop will be open late to accommodate event guests.
Upcoming events in the series include a presentation on company housing July 10; the history of the Quincy & Torch Lake Railroad on Aug. 9; a tour of Mesnard Location Sept. 11; a “Mining in the Movies” film compendium Oct. 16 and an anniversary banquet detailing the legacy of the Quincy Mine on Nov. 13.
For more information on the Quincy Anniversary Special Events Series, go to www.quincymine.com or call 482-3101.
Jane Nordberg can be reached at jnordberg@mininggazette.com
