Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette Tom Poynter of Delaware Mine Tours is hosting a free hobby show at the mine site this Sunday, that will include everything from tiny, operational steam-powered engines that fit in a person’s hand, to a giant marine engine weighing 5,000 pounds. Also at the mine is this giant Ingersoll-Rand air compressor, once used to power pneumatic drills underground.

DELAWARE, Mich. — Tom Poynter, owner of Delaware Mine Tours, is inviting the public to a hobby show at the Delaware Mine this Sunday, Aug. 9, from noon to 4 p.m.

Poynter is offering a free showing of the unique items has collected over the years for a planned maritime museum at the mine, located at the Delaware Mine off of U.S. 41 in Grant Township, 12 miles south of Copper Harbor.

He has been collecting items for the museum for several years now, and has much to show to interested parties, in a number of categories.

First there are items in the maritime category. These include ship models, remote control (RC) motor boats, sail boats, and even submarines. There is also a giant scale amphibious RC airplane. Poynter also has engines in his collection. These range from tiny, operational steam engines that can be held in one’s hand, antique outboard boat motors, and large marine engines that weigh up to 5,000 pounds.

“If you like things of this nature,” said Poynter, “don’t miss this show. And please, bring your own unique model or models to show me, too.”

The project of creating the museum has been years in the making, Poynter said. On the grounds near the mine gift shop is a large house he has constructed to house the museum, which he has been organizing throughout the summer, as he finds time.

Behind the museum is a shallow pond that once held water for sailing the RC boats, and outside, the railroad tracks yet need to be assembled for the ride-on train.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there have been fewer visitors to the mine, and he is currently seeking volunteers to assist him with completing the museum displays.

For hobby show, or while in the mine gift shop, masks are required, said Poynter, though they are not required once in the mine, for those who would like to go underground.

For more information on the hobby show, or on volunteering, please call 906-289-4688.