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TEXT DOWNTOWN
• Intro
Saloons, Billiard Halls, Drugstores, Hotels, Banks, Breweries, … Commercial core of the local copper industry, Houghton had 854 residents when he became a village in 1857. By 1861 residents were 2.000. By 1890 the downtown was lively, busy, and dusty. Today, Shelden Avenue keeps red Sandstone edifices, diverse architectural styles, diverse activities, and its original name.
• The Masonic Temple/City Hall
Picture #1)
Worldwide spread, the Freemasonry is a fraternal organization of obscure origins… exists in various forms - all promoting ethical and metaphysical ideals among members. The complex order’s hierarchy is based on the division between Grand Lodge and Lodges. The typical emblem represents square and a set of compass, architect’s tools that teach a moral lesson. The G letter is optional.
Picture #2)
In 1910, the local Masonic order constructed its own, important building. The secret rites and ceremonies happened in the core of downtown … at the third floor of the edifice. Offices on the second floor were rented to provide an income, as retail space was at the ground level.
Picture 3&4)
When the City moved into the building in 1989, it signed the fortune of the Temple’s preservation and integrity.
Monitor up and down the building: you will notice familiar stonework on the red Sandstone.
• Fire Hall
- Picture #1)
Built in 1883 for $9400, the Fire Hall was one of the most important municipal building in town. The early tower marked the landscape with its four-faced-clock … and served as hanging space to dry hoses! The Hall’s service stopped in 1974… modern technologies and security reasons called for a different location.
- Picture #2)
In this picture dated 1985, the tower is gone, and the facade looses its symmetry…
In reality, earlier proportions didn’t reflect real functions: two big fire equipment storage areas (right) and stairway to offices (left) were on the ground floor; fireman’s hall, council chamber, and offices on the second. Third new detail … the back addition (1916).
- Picture 3 & 4)
From 1886 to 1889, the very first 23 students of the Michigan Mining School (now MTU) had lesson on the second floor of the Fire Hall. Didactic mining machinery was in the basement. Michigan Tech bought the property in 1978; still using it in the 90s as storage space.
Fanlight and bronze plaque tells you the story…
TEXT GENERAL INTRO - STARTING POINT
The intersection of Houghton Avenue and Isle Royale Street where you are standing, is the only created stop of your walking tour: it is the starting point. In fact, it gives you a visual overview on understanding what Houghton was, what still is.
From here, your eye can widen among the city’s historic significance:
Multiculturalism and Ethnic diversity:
- Grace Methodist Church (right, downhill)
- Loyola Catholic Church (Bell Tower visible on the right)
- Trinity Episcopal Church (left, uphill).
Economic, social, and commercial activities:
- City Hall & Police Department (downtown)
- County Sheriff (left, uphill)
- County Court House (left, uphill)
- First home of the Michigan Mining School/Fire Hall (left)
- Downtown (downhill)
Industrial activity and transportation system on the Portage Lake
- Quincy Mine Shaft #2 (above the city of Hancock)
- Elevation Bridge
- Local red sandstone (from Jacobsville) structures
Mining Landscape
- Workers houses’ architecture
- Hills of waste mining production (slag piles)
- Reforestation
From here, we will discover Houghton’s changes over time, observe the clues left by the past into the present, and read them. However, FEEL FREE to create your own path within the eight suggested stops… create your own trip along History. Just go where your interest bring you …
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Submitted by steve.stockdale on January 24, 2008 - 11:02am.TEXT WATERFRONT
• Intro
As gateway to the Copper Country, Houghton and its waterfront had a busy and active transportation system. By train, you could either stop at the commercial downtown or… nose around the west side of the bridge – where the Copper Range rounded-depot was located”. But the community was also called to the waterfront to gather in the ice rink, the armory, the opera house, or the Amphidrome.
Industry and society shared a logistic key-point.
• Train Station Stop
- Picture #1)
Located at the intersection of Lake Shore Drive and Huron Street, the Soo Line’s train station was right on the shore of the Portage Lake. On summer time, copper and wood could reach the Atlantic Ocean just by water… thanks to the immense Great Lakes transportation system.
- Picture #2)
Built in 1890, the DSS & A Railroad passengers station served the core of the city.
The structure had a large waiting room on its West side, and a holding-baggage room on the East one… waiting space also available outside.
- Picture # 3 & 4)
Today, you are probably standing where the train once stopped… or you may are waiting under the shelter. The distinctive, unchanged roof line reveals its past function.
• Amphidrome stop
- Picture #1)
The Houghton’s Amphidrome showed its social importance in a majestic facade. Resembling a palace, it functioned as landmark within its highly industrial, mining surroundings. Notice the railroad on the south side of the structure… right on the left is the train station.
- Picture #2)
Alternative to saloons and billiard rooms, the facilities offered sportive and social recreation: families could enjoy both the ballroom and the ice arena ... Professional hockey was most likely born here.
- Picture 3 & 4)
Destroyed by fire in 1927, the body of the Amphidrome survives as Dee Stadium today. You can still skating, playing, or taste international cultures/foods in the Parade of Nations each September (by MTU). Historic facade and community are welcoming you at the entrance …
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Submitted by steve.stockdale on January 24, 2008 - 11:02am.