Indians of early copper culture occupied the Bays de Noc over 5,000 years ago. We know when French explorers came to this area, they were greeted by members of the Noke tribe. The Nokes territory extended from north Green Bay and the Bays de Noc . . . — — Map (db m137243) HM
Charles Brotherton
In 1852 Charles Brotherton came to the Upper Peninsula with a survey team organized by William Burt. Two years later, Peter White hired him to survey the land between the Menominee River and Marquette. His work in the . . . — — Map (db m139050) HM
Escanaba: The Port
It was the abundant timber that first lured settlers to the area to start sawmill communities along rivers flowing into the bay. Although Escanaba itself was not heavily wooded, as a port it became a commercial hub for . . . — — Map (db m137157) HM
At your immediate left, the first dock you see is the decaying Chicago and Northwestern Railway Dock, locally called the Merchant's Dock. Most of Escanaba's freight and passengers to and from the South and East came and went over this dock before . . . — — Map (db m137161) HM
This tablet marks
the site of the first
public schoolhouse
erected in Escanaba.
1867
Placed by Lewis Cass Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution
1934 — — Map (db m139082) HM
Beginning with the Native Americans to present day, people have found food, fortune and failure fishing the Bays de Noc. In 1866, commercial fishing at Escanaba began with catching fish for visiting trade vessels and local logging camps. In the . . . — — Map (db m137306) HM
From this port, beginning in 1864
and ending with the Ore Centennial
Year 1964, more than 340,000,000
tons of iron ore were shipped.
The Chicago and North Western
Railway Company, iron ore-handlers
for 100 years, built the big dock . . . — — Map (db m137259) HM
The Noquet (or Noc) Indians, who once lived along these shores, gave this bay its name. Here at Sand Point, in 1844, Douglass Houghton came with his party of government surveyors to chart the land to the north. In 1864 the first ore dock was built . . . — — Map (db m137285) HM
In 1864, E. Gaynor built the Gaynor House hotel, which he renamed Ludington House in 1871. after lumberman Nelson Ludington. In the late 1800s proprietor John Christie enlarged the hotel and renamed the establishment the New Ludington Hotel. An . . . — — Map (db m135301) HM
Sand Point Lighthouse
From 1868 to 1939 the Sand Point Lighthouse warned mariners of the spit of land extending into Little Bay de Noc at the entrance to Escanaba Harbor. The U.S. Congress authorized construction of the lighthouse in 1864, . . . — — Map (db m137333) HM
Escanaba has a long history in timber and fishing, but it is the perfect natural harbor and closeness to the iron range that have given Escanaba prominence in Michigan history. During the 1800's through the 1950's, large chunks of low grade ore . . . — — Map (db m137260) HM
Starting in 1861, the Civil War tore apart the nation and resulted in the immediate need of iron ore to provide weapons for the North. William B. Ogden, an owner of the Chicago & Northwest Railroad Co., knew of the plentiful iron mines of the . . . — — Map (db m137258) HM
Possessed of both a deep channel and protection by the natural break waters of Sand Point, Escanaba has a top rated natural harbor. Since Escanaba's beginning, the timber trade shipped from this harbor, and the Lake Schooners Fleet dominated the . . . — — Map (db m137290) HM
The growth of Escanaba from a small town into a growing city in such a brief time can be traced directly to the expansion of lake shipping in this port. Over the years, Escanaba harbor has seen times of boom and bust in the fishing, lumber and . . . — — Map (db m137286) HM
Escanaba River: The Legend
This is the land of the Chippewa Indians and the legendary Hiawatha. Indian villages existed along the banks of the river, and Indians were living here when the first white men came to this region in the 1600's. . . . — — Map (db m139220) HM
The main street, Stewart Avenue, is located through a beautiful little grove and the houses so encircled by trees as to be invisible until one is close beside them. Escanaba Tribune 1870
The middle class families of Fayette's foremen, . . . — — Map (db m128861) HM
Single employees found room and board at the hotel or in boarding houses like the one located here. In 1880, almost half the men at Fayette were boarders.
Many residents, like Annette and John DeVet, took in boarders to supplement their income. . . . — — Map (db m128862) HM
A carpenter crew maintained Fayette's buildings. The carpenters also built and repaired wagons, carts and railroad cars and made doors, window sashes and coffins. Milled lumber was stocked in adjacent sheds.
A large woodshop, built here in . . . — — Map (db m128866) HM
Fears were entertained that the supply of charcoal would fall short, but with extraordinary exertions, they now have another set of kilns ready, and the supply will be kept up. Escanaba Tribune 1870
Colliers manufactured charcoal to fuel . . . — — Map (db m128860) HM
The location has two streets circling around the little bay, upon which have been erected some ten or twelve neat frame buildings. There are also some twenty-five or thirty log shanties, all occupied, but they are on the opposite slope from the . . . — — Map (db m128853) HM
Our five o'clock whistle [is] the most tedious noise ever made. Escanaba Tribune 1872
The furnace complex was the heart of industrial Fayette. Here, the heat, roar and odors of the smelting operation merged with the shouts of men, whir of . . . — — Map (db m128852) HM
The rooms on this upper level of the furnace complex housed the machinery which powered the foundry's hot blast. Boilers supplied steam to blowing engines which forced air through the hot blast ovens and into the furnaces.
The furnace stacks . . . — — Map (db m128856) HM
Machinists like Louis Follo maintained Fayettes industrial equipment from this shop.
Power machinery, used to manufacture equipment parts, was driven by steam piped from the furnace boilers.
Master mechanics were paid $75 per month. . . . — — Map (db m128867) HM
Loaded at the top with thirty-five cords of hardwood, each kiln produced some 1,750 bushels of charcoal per burning.
The charring process lasted six to eight days. When cool, the charcoal was removed by hand at the lower door.
Source: . . . — — Map (db m128857) HM
A couple of cars loaded with lumber broke loose at the top of the Mud Lake grade and ran into some coal cars at its foot with sad results to all. Escanaba Iron Port 1882
By 1872, the Jackson Iron Company had built a six-mile railroad . . . — — Map (db m128855) HM
The sawmill is again "in blast," and is doing good work as it always does. Escanaba Tribune 1870
Fayettes sawmill burned in 1871 and was rebuilt the following year. In its basement shops carpenters assembled wagons and . . . — — Map (db m128865) HM
Iron ore was crushed, mixed with measured amounts of charcoal and limestone, and lifted by a steam-powered hoist to the top of the furnace where it was dropped into the stack.
Inside the furnace the charcoal burned, fed by forced air heated in . . . — — Map (db m128859) HM
Fayette looks like a little Chicago this week; the harbor is full of boats and business is brisk. Schoolcraft County Pioneer 1881
Four warehouses stood on a wharf off this point of land. Vessels like the steam barge Fayette . . . — — Map (db m128864) HM
There has been a water pipe laid from the furnace through the streets as far as the barn, so that water can be had in case of fire at a hydrant near the store. Escanaba Tribune 1871
This underground pipeline supplied potable water to the . . . — — Map (db m128858) HM
This building has always been teeming with life and energy. Built in 1923 by the Northwestern Cooperage and Lumber Company as a Community Center. The excavation was done by Robert Nebal and foundation by Ole Peterson. The Grand Opening was held . . . — — Map (db m288015) HM
This beautiful building was built in 1888 at the corner of 6th St. and Delta Avenue. It was called the Hassell Inn. The Exchange Bank was located on the lower left side of the building until it was moved to 810 Delta Avenue and became the . . . — — Map (db m288022) HM
In 1934 the U.S. Government purchased this property to build the New Gladstone Post Office. The Architect was Louis Simon, the Engineer was George O Van Nerta. The General Contractors were Victor and John Jacobson from Duluth Minnesota. There were . . . — — Map (db m285744) HM
Established in the early 1940's, this building housed the first full service medical clinic in the County. Built by Dr. Otto Hult who practiced medicine for 46 years. Otto Hult was born in Gladstone on Sept. 4th, 1901. He grew up in the Buckeye . . . — — Map (db m288020) HM
This building is quaint and small with a big heart. Rev. George C. Empson came to Gladstone in 1890 from England, to establish the First Congregational Church. He purchased this site and built this church in 1900. The parsonage was located at . . . — — Map (db m298239) HM
The Pacific House was built by James J Miller in 1888. Mr. Miller was the first President of the Village and the first Mayor of the new City of Gladstone. Mr. Miller also built the first grocery store and meat market in the city. When James . . . — — Map (db m288019) HM
Kjellander and Sons Blacksmith Shop
The blacksmith shop was always one of the first businesses established in a community.
Swan Kjellander arrived in Gladstone in 1896 and went to work at the Soo Line Dock as a blacksmith. Four years . . . — — Map (db m288058) HM
This beautiful Neo-Classical Art Deco building was part of the Public Works Project #232, initiated during the Great Depression of the 1930's. Groundbreaking took place on May 5th, 1935. It was called the New Fireproof City Hall. It included a . . . — — Map (db m286288) HM
This beautiful home was built in 1894 by local contractor, Nels Gormsen, for Samuel Goldstein who came to Gladstone in 1889. Goldstein established a Dry Goods store at 801 Delta Avenue and operated the store for 24 years. Mr. Goldstein was born . . . — — Map (db m298240) HM
The Finest Bath House on the Finest Beach"
During the Great Depression, the Gladstone City Club saw an opportunity for funding through President Roosevelt's New Deal and made the recommendation to the City Council and Mayor Alfred Raddent, to . . . — — Map (db m285737) HM
This beautiful Colonial Revival single family home was built in 1900. The design was simple, symmetrical and practical. This style home is one of the more enduring examples of American Architecture.
J Paul Bushong owned this home. Paul came . . . — — Map (db m298292) HM
This traditional family home brings style and comfort to the neighborhood. Built in 1927 for one of the city's oldest residents. William L. Marble. He came to Gladstone at the age of seven the first son of Webster Marble, founder of Marble . . . — — Map (db m298319) HM
This magnificent church was formally dedicated June 12th, 1922. The former All Saints Catholic Church burned to the ground on March 5th, 1920. From that devastation, this beautiful edifice was constructed.
The community gathered to rebuild . . . — — Map (db m285705) HM
Thomas O'Connell was born December 21st, 1844, in Dungarvan, County Waterford Ireland. He married Mary Flynn and they immigrated to New York in the early 1860's. Thomas then traveled to Green Bay to work for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. . . . — — Map (db m288035) HM
Known as one of the most prosperous businesses in the city, Goldstein's Dry Goods. Samual Goldstein was born in Russia in August of 1854. He married Dorothy Jacobson, and they had four children. Sam arrived in Gladstone in 1889 and established . . . — — Map (db m288034) HM
This beautiful Georgian Style home was built in 1927 for James T. Jones. Jones arrived in Gladstone in 1905 at the age of 20 to work specifically for Webster L. Marble and the Marble Axe Company. By 1910 he was the assistant manager and within . . . — — Map (db m298337) HM
This beautiful home style was very popular when built in 1905 for one of the City's wealthiest industrialists. Issac [sic] N. Bushong was born in Ohio in 1855. He came from a very humble beginning to developing holdings in Ohio, . . . — — Map (db m298283) HM
The first bank to be established in Gladstone was in the Hotel Delta located at the corner of 6th street and Delta Ave. The year was 1887 and it was called the Marble & Foss Bank. By 1890 the name was changed to The Exchange Bank of Gladstone.
. . . — — Map (db m288050) HM
Erick Segersten immigrated from Sweden in 1890 and settled in Gladstone in 1895. He purchased property on Dakota Avenue and built a home where he and his wife Ida (Benson) raised six children. Mr. Segersten worked as a blacksmith in the Buckeye . . . — — Map (db m288054) HM
Star Grocery was the longest serving grocery store in Gladstone. Swan Nelson built Star Grocery as one of the first grocery stores in the city. Mr. Nelson came to Gladstone in 1895. He and his family lived above the store until he built a . . . — — Map (db m288048) HM
This charming family home is functional and practical and suited the personality of Webster L. Marble in 1900. Webster Marble was one of the greatest inventors and entrepreneurs of his time. He designed and developed practical, useful outdoor . . . — — Map (db m298343) HM
One of the most trusted and respected early merchants in Gladstone was Henry Rosenblum. Mr. Rosenblum immigrated from Kiev Russia-Poland and settled in Gladstone in 1891. He and his wife Rose opened their first store in the 900 block on Delta . . . — — Map (db m288044) HM
The unassuming two-story garage behind this charming home is the original 640 sq ft building, "Where it all Began." Webster Marble made 19 Folding Safety Axes for friends in this location and designed the first of many Gun Sites.
"Webster . . . — — Map (db m298346) HM
This location housed the Gladstone Grocery Company established by Peter Lindblad. Mr. Lindblad was born in Soderham Sweden in 1869. He was 22 years old when he arrived in Gladstone. He married Christina Hagland from Escanaba in 1891 and they had . . . — — Map (db m285740) HM
This quaint family home once belonged to the Floyd Marble family. Floyd was the youngest son of Webster Marble. Born on June 20th, 1891, in Gladstone. His first job was as cashier of the Gladstone State Savings Bank, but he was also deeply . . . — — Map (db m298349) HM
One of the most popular stores in Gladstone that operated for almost 55 years was Rouman's Candy Kitchen.
Brothers Leo and Jim Rouman immigrated from Katavothra Greece to Gladstone in 1903. They came from a family of eleven children and . . . — — Map (db m288032) HM
Gustof Edward Dehlin was born in 1889 in Vastergotland Sweden and immigrated to the America in 1893. He graduated from Pharmaceutical School in 1913 and lived in Manistique and worked for a local druggist.
He married Joan (Josie) Barrett from . . . — — Map (db m286301) HM
August 14th, 1916, The First National Bank was organized and received its charter from FDIC. Original officers were President H.B. Laing, Vice Pres. Frederick Huber, directors Michael Gleason, A.E. Neff, Adam Schaible, J.J. Cleary and E.J. . . . — — Map (db m288030) HM
This great building was built in 1909, but it wasn't the first structure to sit in this location. Richard Mason and Charles Scott built the first building in the city, and it was called the Minnewaska Hotel. It was located at the corner of 3rd. . . . — — Map (db m288055) HM
The Trinity Episcopal Church is a diverse, all-inclusive community of Faith and everyone is welcome.
The Little Brown Church" is one of the oldest church buildings still in use in Gladstone.
Designed by Thomas Nobel, it was built in 1900. . . . — — Map (db m285699) HM
One of the older buildings in the city was one of the first Saloons. Soren Johnson born in Nordland Norway in 1867, made his way to Gladstone in 1890. He opened a "Sample Room" at 729 Delta Ave, then moved to this location. As one of the first . . . — — Map (db m285794) HM
Built in the early 1900's this building has been home to a variety of businesses. Samual Rosenblum had immigrated from Russia/Poland in the late 1800's and settled in Gladstone. He opened The Boot Shop in the building on the corner. He later . . . — — Map (db m287978) HM
This beautiful single-family home in its traditional style, has met the needs of prominent families in the City of Gladstone. Built in 1917 under the direction of the Northwestern Cooperage and Lumber Company for their General Manager George C. . . . — — Map (db m298241) HM
Dr. Albert H. Miller owned this beautiful home for over 50 years. Built in 1911, the home still features the original leaded glass windows and hardwood floors.
Dr. Miller came to Gladstone in 1906 from Canada. He married Gertrude Adams from . . . — — Map (db m298238) HM
This building is a true testament of longevity and commitment to the community. Hupy Insurance served the people of Gladstone and the surrounding area for 104 years.
Philip Hupy was born in Spalding Michigan in 1881. He came to Gladstone in . . . — — Map (db m287981) HM
The Delmonico Cafe occupied this building from 1914 to 1920. Formerly located on the corner of Delta and Central Ave. E.W. Perkins was the proprietor.
The Cafe was moved to this location and operated by Mary McCauley and her sister Emily. . . . — — Map (db m288002) HM
This building suffered a great deal of damage due to the historic downtown fire in 1966 that destroyed Swenson Brothers Furniture Store and Wally's Bar.
Built in 1901 by Charles Erickson who came to Gladstone when he was 31 years old. Born . . . — — Map (db m288029) HM
This amazing building has seen a diverse number of businesses since 1905. The first occupants were Clarence McLaurin and W H Needham who opened the first electrical supply company in the city. Their partnership also owned the Gem Theatre at 904 . . . — — Map (db m288003) HM
This beautiful building is the survivor of a disastrous fire in 1966 that took the buildings on both sides. Built in 1925 by P.G. Erickson who owned Star Grocery. Mr. Erickson came to Gladstone in 1898 with his young family. His son Ewald (E.A.) was . . . — — Map (db m285795) HM
This amazing building served the community in various ways. It was one of the first buildings to be built in the new city to house the government offices. Completed in May of 1888, the new City Hall and Police Station were formally dedicated. The . . . — — Map (db m288059) HM
The Swenson Brothers Furniture and Undertaking Business was first established at the corner of 9th Street and Superior Avenue. The Swenson's arrived in Gladstone prior to the layout of the town. In 1900 they built this new store on Delta Avenue. . . . — — Map (db m288025) HM
William John Micks arrived in Gladstone from Sudbury Canada in 1897 in a horse drawn wagon with a cow tied behind. He was one of the most flourishing pioneers in the new city. He immediately built this beautiful building and established a Feed . . . — — Map (db m288010) HM
It was called "Island House" built in 1890 by Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company for their foundryman. He needed to be on call night and day.
The home was heated by underground pipes direct from the smelter. Several modern conveniences were . . . — — Map (db m287970) HM
This memorial stone is dedicated to the memory of Frank H. Van Cleve, one of the men of influence in Gladstones early beginnings, who gave to the community this storefront area named after him. Frank H. Van Cleve was born June 12, 1848 in . . . — — Map (db m285711) HM
Constructed in 1865 with Cream City Brick from the Milwaukee area, this tower is all that remains of the Peninsula Point Light Station. The site once included numerous outbuildings and sidewalks: traces of these are still visible. After building a . . . — — Map (db m290808) HM
The trail that begins here
was one of the most important
in the Upper Peninsula. The
Noquets, an Algonquian tribe,
lived in this area and used
the trail in their frequent
travels between Lake Michigan
and Lake Superior. In places
the trail . . . — — Map (db m254484) HM
The Peninsula Railroad finished construction of their rail line from the Jackson Mine, Negaunee to Escanaba in 1865. When Bill Bonifas arrived from Luxembourg in 1885, Escanaba was already a thriving mill town and iron ore shipping port. His first . . . — — Map (db m139275) HM
Michigan's pine, which proved more valuable than all California's gold, was gone by the early 1900's. The original hardwoods were cut by 1935. Today, due to fire protection and increasing management, more timber is grown than ever before. Within one . . . — — Map (db m139258) HM
In 1846, the Smith Brothers sold the lower mill on the Escanaba River to Jefferson Sinclair, a Maine lumberman, and Daniel Wells, Jr., a Milwaukee lumberman, after whom the Village of Wells was named. In 1847, Isaac Stephenson of New Brunswick, . . . — — Map (db m139259) HM
The first white settler in Delta County was Louis A. Roberts, a fur trader who settled just upstream from here at Flat Rock in 1830 and later operated a waterpowered sawmill on the Whitefish River. The first buildings in Escanaba were log structures . . . — — Map (db m139261) HM
The Upper Peninsula forest was more than half pine, most of it white pine. White pine was the greatest of our forest trees, growing to great size in its 400 years of life expectancy. This softwood, easily sawed with the poor saws of the time and . . . — — Map (db m139265) HM
Donald McLeod of Green Bay purchased Alden Chandler's water-powered mill, the first sawmill built on the Escanaba River, and in 1844 sold it to John and Joseph Smith. Chandler was again "first" when he became the first postmaster serving . . . — — Map (db m139246) HM
