The Keweenaw Peninsula is the northernmost part of the U.P. of Michigan. From 1964-1971 NASA and the University of Michigan conducted rocket launches from this isolated location at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The site is a little tricky to get to but once you get there you can see what remains of the…
Tag: Michigan
The Eagle’s Nest
This majestic bald eagle was captured by aspiring photographer, 11 year old, Nadja. She is the daughter of Dr. Kemmy Taylor and Dr. Mischa Doman of Baraga County. He is enjoying the sights from his perch on the shore of Lake Superior. The natural beauty up here is unparalleled to anything else….Come up for a…
Who Brought Halloween to Michigan?
A few years ago historian Bill Loomis did an interview with Detroit News in which he discussed how Halloween came to be celebrated in Michigan—who brought it here? What did they do to celebrate Halloween? Halloween came to Michigan in the 1840s when a large population of Scottish and Irish immigrants came over. It of…
Good Morning, Keweenaw!
This stunning photograph was taken by Justin Marier of South Range, Michigan while on his way to work…. Has the Portage Canal ever look more beautiful?!
Elephant Hide Wallpaper
At the turn-of-the-century as Queen Victoria’s reign ended with her death in 1901 and King Edward VII took over the monarchy. The Edwardian-era (“Gilded Age”) began. In Europe it was slightly different than in the United States. In Europe, lighter paint schemes and cleaner aesthetics were rapidly growing in popularity–more pastels, wicker furniture, etc. Americans…
Teddy Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt’s Campaign Stop in Laurium Stays Overnight in Thomas Hoatson’s Home When President Teddy Roosevelt was campaigning in October of 1912 (he had started the Progressive Party or “Bull Moose” campaign due to dissatisfaction with Pres. Taft and a desire to re-enter politics again ), he stayed with Capt. and Mrs. Hoatson. He gave…
The Original Gate Posts
When the Hoatson’s built their mansion in 1908 it had it had decorative iron gates and posts at the front driveway and the also the back entrance to the alley. At some point , probably the 1950’s) they were removed.
Exterior Paint Color Scheme
In 2007, we purchased a gem of a fixer-upper located at 320 Iroquois Street (only 2 blocks from Laurium Manor Inn). It’s still very much a work in-progress but the exterior painting has been completed with the exception of the back of the house. We painted it in nearly an identical color scheme as the original Manor colors.
The First Telephones in Michigan
Cornelia Chynoweth Hoatson, the wife of Capt. Thomas Hoatson, was born in a little town called Rockford, Michigan. Her father, Benjamin Chynoweth, made a name for himself in 1879 with four friends and a new invention by Alexander Graham Bell called the telephone. From the Detroit News, September 14th, 1930 “Four Men Laugh Last”.. The…
The History of the Pasty
“When the Cornish came to the copper mines of the Upper Peninsula, they brought with them a lot of mining knowledge which the other ethnic groups did not have. The other ethnic groups looked up to the Cornish and wanted to emulate their mining successes.”
The Story of the Calumet & Arizona Mining Co.
The men who discovered, financed, and developed the Calumet and Arizona mine took part of the earth and everything in it and proved themselves men at all stages of the game. Many of their operations were looked upon as sheer madness by experienced mining men of the district but Captain Hoatson and his associates; Gordon R Campbell, T F Cole, Geo Tener, and a half dozen others possessed the courage of their convictions and once they started to operate the jibes charges and croakings of the skeptics simply spurred them on to greater endeavor.
Curly Birch Ornate Fireplace
Quite possibly my favorite fireplace in Laurium Manor and Victorian Hall combined is this stunning fireplace made out of curly birch. It’s located in the parlor of Victorian Hall. The rose carvings and intricate designs are breathtaking. I often find myself staring at this masterpiece in awe and wonder.How did they carve the wood? Where…
Laurium Manor Inn 