×

Columns

Invention and innovation bring changes to society

By the beginning of the second decade of the 20th century, the Copper Country, like the rest of the United States, was rapidly transitioning into modernity. The region began to have more in common with 1950 than 1880. Between 1870 and 1900, the United States experienced, as the Smithsonian ...

Advent of automobile overlooked by mining officials

During the first decade of the 20th century, though few people noticed, changes began to occur in the Lake Superior copper region. Because the region’s economy was based on mining, mining was the main focus of the residents and businesses of the region, which is probably why so few people ...

The Lake Superior Copper district enters its decline

At the beginning of the Civil War, in 1861, the outbreak of the conflict upset the copper market and the Lake Superior copper mines cut production, cut wages by 10% and cut working hours. The market recovered and companies enjoyed record profits, paid high wages and bonuses and struggled ...

Column: Poor initial planning led to costly mistakes

When Charles Lawton replaced John Harris as the Quincy Mining Company’s superintendent in December 1905, he had already managed several managed several mines and had brought with him years of experience. A graduate of the Michigan College of Mines, Lawton was thoroughly educated and ...

Column: Shut the lights out. I don’t need them.

“Hello darkness my old friend, I’ve come to talk with you again.” – Paul Simon To look at the scene here now, there’s a quiet, almost pastel Impressionist feeling to everything. About the only thing that could make the setting softer would be a gentle rain, sifting down from the ...

Column: Being grateful to God for gift of grace

We often talk about Grace, but how many know what grace is? Grace is a gift, an undeserved gift from God. God loves us unconditionally and regardless if we are a believer or not. Grace is a present to us, no strings attached. Grace prompts us to do good. It gives us the energy to send a meal to ...