Ishpeming Timeline
10,000 Years Ago - The last of the great continental ice sheets recedes from the Upper Peninsula.
8,000 Years Ago - Paleo-Indians at Deer Lake, Ishpeming.
1671 - Father Jacques Marquette explores the Lake Superior shoreline near present city of Marquette.
1845 - Dr. Douglass Houghton made a geological survey of the Ishpeming area and predicted that someday the minerals lying here would furnish employment to thousands of people.
1846 - Philo M. Everett came to Jasper Knob to investigate the story the Indians told of “shining mountains” in this area.
1849 –John Outhwaite arrived with a party to locate on Jasper Knob under the pre-emption laws of that period, arriving just an hour ahead of another group headed by Peter White. When White’s party arrived, they found Outhwaite busy planting potatoes to protect the claim to the property.
1850 – The Cleveland Iron Mining Co. was formed. The Incorporators were: Morgan L. Hewitt, Samuel L. Mather, John Outhwaite, O. Chamberlain, Isaac L. Hewitt, Henry L. Brayton, and E. M.Clark. S. M. Ely was granted a charter to build a plank from Marquette to the Lake Superior Mines.
1853 – The Lake Superior Iron Co. was organized.
1854 – The Cleveland Iron Mining Co. first began mining at what is known as the Saw Mill Pit, and later at the School House Pit, and that year shipped 3000 tons of ore.
This date – 1854 – which marked the beginning of mining here, has been agreed to be the beginning of Ishpeming.
A plank road was completed from Marquette to the Lake Superior Mines.
1855 – The Soo Canal was completed, and the Lake Superior region brought out of its isolation.
1857 – A railroad from Marquette was ready for business. At first it was known as the Iron Mountain R.R. Later the name was changed to the Bay de Noc & Marquette R.R. 5000 tons of iron ore were shipped by train that year.
Wages for common labor were 75 cents per day of 11 hours.
1858 – The first child was born in the Lake Superior location, a son to Mr. and Mrs. Henry MaComber on October 10th.
1859 – Robert Nelson opened the first store.
1862 – Until 1862, the new settlement was known as the Lake Superior Location, when the name Ishpeming was chosen.
1864 – The New York Mine began operations. Samuel Tilden, of political fame, was a large shareholder in this mine.
The Peninsula R.R. was completed from Escanaba to Negaunee where it connected with the M.H.&O. This later became part of the C.&N.W.Ry.
1865 – The Barnum Mine (now Cliffs Shaft) was started.
1867 – Dr. B. S. Bigelow, Ishpeming’s first doctor, arrived from Marquette.
Julius Ropes opened the first drug store.
1869 – Ishpeming was organized as a village at a meeting held in the first town hall, which was part of the Lake Superior Location. Capt. Gilbert Johnson was the first president and Matt Ryan the first marshal.
Peter White organized the first bank, under the name of the Skandinavian Bank.
Robert Nelson laid out the town site on land he bought from the Iron Cliffs Co.
1870 – The new village built the first school on the S.W. of Main and Division Streets.
James Torner organized the first fire department. They met in a hall situated on the site of the present City Hall.
1871 – The Lake Superior Company decided to move their buildings to “Lower Ishpeming”.
1872 – The C.&N.W. Ry. completed the railroad from Escanaba to Fort Howard (Green Bay), and it was at last possible to travel by train from Ishpeming to Chicago.
The first hospital, located at 314-316 Canda St. was opened under the direction of Dr. B. S. Bigelow.
A system of water mains supplied the business section of the town with water from Lake Angeline.
1873 – Ishpeming organized as a city. Capt. F. P. Mills was the first Mayor, W. F. Swift, the first recorder, and “Honest” John Mills the first marshal.
The population of the new city had increased to 6,800. To provide school rooms for the growing number of children, a new graded three-story school of 12 rooms and basement was erected on the site of the present High School, at a cost of $50,000.
The Commercial House, a 50 room hotel, was built on the site of the first school by William Newett.
The Pierce Stage Line ran 4 buses daily between here and Negaunee.
The Anderson Jewelry commenced business in the Anderson Block.
1874 – On April 19th a disastrous fire destroyed much of the business section of the city.
Ishpeming’s first newspaper – The Iron Home – published its first issue just 9 days previously on April 10.
The young city got its first theater when Austin’s Hall was built on the site of the present Armory.
The Fire Department was reorganized and new equipment was bought – John Outhwaite was chosen as chief.
The Ishpeming Mutuals won in baseball over the Negaunee team in a “well played” game by a score of 37 to 15.
E. A. Johnson opened a general store at the corner of First and Bank Streets.
1876 – A city library was begun by H. O. Young and B. W. Wright with 200 volumes. During its first years, it shared a room much of the time with the City Council until 1891. The Fire Hall was built on the corner of 1st and Bank Streets.
1877 – F. P. Tillson engaged in the drug business.
1879 – Brainard F. Childs began the Child's Art Gallery photo studio which remained in business until 1978.
The “magnificent” Barnum House, the city’s leading hotel, was destroyed by fire.
Frederick Braastad engaged in business as Frederick Braastad & Co.
1880 – The population of Ishpeming was 6,039.
The city had a new hotel, The Nelson House, which attained fine reputation throughout the district, and which was to serve the city until it burned in 1929.
With the increased population in and around Ishpeming, there was a great shortage of houses.The assessed valuation of the city increased to $8,000,000. The Iron Home reported that the only place a stranger could find a place to sleep was under the bridges.
1881 – Julius Ropes, after a persistent search for gold in the hills about Ishpeming, was finally rewarded with success on May 17, 1881, by discovery of the first gold bearing quartz found in Michigan, which showed silver $96 and gold $24 per ton.
1882 – The Ishpeming Driving Park Ass’n held a race meeting.
The Iron Agitator, which had been a weekly paper, began publication of a daily. The Swedish paper, Svenska Posten, became the Superior Posten whichwas published by Andrew A. Lind for 30 years until 1918.
On May 20, the morning train brought 150 Norwegian immigrants to the city. Commenting on the lack of housing, the Iron Agitator offered as an example a building called Castle Garden, wherein lived 40 families, totaling 240 people.
1883 – There was a gold rush and much activity to the north of the city, following the gold find at the Ropes property. A nugget worth $7 was picked up from the rock pile at this last property.
1884 – D. T. Wadsworth & Co., the bankers, failed.
The Peninsula Record began a publication.
The Parochial School was erected on its present site.
F. J. Eggan Hardware opened for business.
Mrs. E. J. Lamson opened a school in etiquette.
J. H. Malloy began duties as station master of the C.&N.W.Ry.
A railroad had been extended to Deer Lake.
The Blaine & Logan Marching Club held a torch light parade, with 700 men in attendance.
A roller rink costing $5000 was erected on the S.W. corner of Main and Division Streets.
1885 – George Mennie operated an ice rink on the corner of Fourth and Bank Streets, which was well patronized.
The Skandinavian & Lake Angeline Band was active.
Ishpeming was mentioned as one of the first cities to be given the benefits of free delivery.
The Upper Peninsula Business Men’s Association was organized in Ishpeming.
A bad fire destroyed the Sellwood Block.
1886 – Ishpeming built its first High School – located at High and Third Streets ( currently Phelps Square apartment building).
The old cemetery was abandoned and the present burying ground dedicated.
The first City Directory was published.
In a newspaper story in the Oshkosh Times, the Editor reported “Ishpeming is a very pleasant place in which to live. Its people are un affected, and soon make a stranger feel at home. The city has turned out some of the best mining captains in America. People who have been there always like to return. It is a quiet and orderly place.”
1887 – The population of the city had reached 10,000 and the school enrollment was 2006.
C. H. Hall presented the drinking fountain, that is situated on the square, to the city.
The Nordeen Ski Club was organized by a group of Norwegian immigrants.
The Ishpeming Hospital was opened on South Pine Street. This hospital served the community until 1917.
1888 – A franchise was granted to H. C. Higgins and others to erect and operate a gas and electric light works.
Ishpeming held its first ski tournament on a hill near Lake Angeline. The winning jump was 35 feet.
1890 – The population of Ishpeming was 11,197.
The Ridge Street School was opened, and the children from the southern end of the city were housed in the new Salisbury School.
1891 – Free delivery of mail began on October 5th under direction of George Tucker, postmaster.
The City Hall was erected at a cost of $35,000.
Authority was granted to Fred Braastad, and others, to build and operate a street car system.
1892 – The draining of Lake Angeline began this year – a major engineering feat – to get at the ore that lay underneath. The task was finished in 1893. Lake Sally and adjoining lakes became the city’s water supply.
1893 – The city, with the rest of the country, suffered in the Panic of 1893. Wages retreated to $1.25 per day, and there was much unemployment.
The Cleveland School was opened this year.
1895 – There was a miners strike that began on July 10 and continued for 10 weeks. The State Militia was called and occupied the grounds on top of the Burt Hill.
T. J. Mudge opened his furniture store.
A franchise was granted to construct and maintain a telephone system.
1896 – A new High School was erected on First Street. This building served as the High School until 1908, and was subsequently called the Grammar School.
1898 – President McKinley issued a call for volunteers for the war being fought against Spain. Charles Young, Peter Gingrass, Ole Husby, and Gust Schmeltz became members of Co. L, 34th Michigan Volunteers.
1900 – The population of Ishpeming was 13,255.
Work was begun on the new manual training school. W. G. Mather presented the school with the first equipment.
Corrigan-McKinney & Co. began working over the tailings of the Ropes Gold Mine and recovered $30,000 from the old plates in the mill and the dust about the mortars.
The Ishpeming High School football team won the state championship in a game played against the Michigan Military Academy.
The street car system opened in Pierce’s Grove.
Turkeys for the holidays sold for 10 cents per pound.
The Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. celebrated its Semi-Centennial with a huge picnic for it employees and families. Peter White was the speaker of the day.
The St. Rocco-St. Anthony Society of Ishpeming hosts its 1st annual Italian Festival.
1901 – The Ishpeming High School team won the state football championship against Kalamazoo. Dr. Sweetland was the coach.
1902 – The Consolidated Fuel & Lumber Co. was organized by R. P. Bronson, Fred Braastad, and others.
The High School football team won its third state championship against Benton Harbor.
1903 – The Elks sponsored a drive that resulted in the building of a new opera house for a cost of $25,000. The building was opened December 15th with Walker Whiteside playing in “If I Were King”. Tickets for the opening performance cost $10 each.
Fred Braastad erected his three story building (now known as the Gossard building). The building housed a complete department store, and on the third floor was a large hall used by the community for dances and other social gatherings.
The Lake Superior Iron Co. celebrated its semi-centennial with a barbeque and a general city wide celebration.
The Finnish Mutual Fire Insurance Co. was organized.
The Carnegie Library was dedicated.
The Methodist Congregation built a new church.
1904 – Ishpeming was conceded to be the best kept mining town in the United States – due in much part to the encouragement to improve their properties and the prizes awarded for the same, by W. G. Mather.
The National Ski Association was formed.
The first cement walks were laid.
Otto A. Rundman started in the decorating business.
1905 – The D.S.S.&A. Ry. and Detroit & Cleveland Steamship Company offered excursion tickets to Detroit and return for $7.50.
Madam Modjeska appeared at the local opera house.
On Sunday morning, November 5th, the city was shaken by an explosion which wrecked the Miners National Bank building. Three children were killed and several people injured.
Ishpeming again won the state high school football championship by defeating Grand Rapids.
1906 – Elson’s bottling business was started.
A contract was let for the construction of a new C.&N.W. Ry. station.
1907 – The cornerstone of the YMCA was laid. Sen. Wm. Alden Smith was the speaker.
1908 – The Hercules Powder Co. began operations on its 1000 acre plot of land near the National Mine.
The old Division Street School was torn down, and a new High School and Grade School erected on the site.
1909 – The YMCA was dedicated in June.
An Old Settlers picnic was held on August 19th at Cleveland Park. Membership included only people who settled before 1874. The membership was over 200.
1910 – The population of Ishpeming was 12,448.
The Cleveland Cliffs Co. began the development of the North Lake area. George Maas reports his explorations had disclosed a big find of ore in the American Mine district around Diorite. The L.S.&I. Ry. extended its line to North Lake.
A disastrous fire caused heavy property damage to the business places of Thos. Mudge, Gust Saari, and Peter Koski & Co.
24 new residences were erected in the city.
1911 – The old Catholic cemetery was plotted into lots for residence purposes. Empire and Michigan Streets were extended and additional lots offered for sale.
Trebilcock Brothers purchased the lot and foundations formerly owned by the Methodist church for a greenhouse.
By a vote of 208 to 128 the voters decided to bond the city for $40,000 to build a new fire hall.
1912 – Jos. Sellwood predicted that there were 500,000,000 tons of ore in the Ishpeming district.
Fred Braastad offered $100 in prizes to the four children who killed the most flies during the season.
Ornamental lighting posts were erected on Main and Front Streets.
Frank Zoberline, the city’s oldest resident, died. He had lived here since 1853.
Main and Division Streets were the first to be asphalt paved.
1913 – Under the auspices of the Ishpeming Advancement Association, there was a home coming celebration, attended by over 700 former residents. There was a large parade, calithumpians, fireworks, races, etc.
The Michigan Bell Telephone Co. took over the properties of the Marquette Telephone Co.
The present fire hall was erected.
Maud Adams appeared in Peter Pan.
The concrete shaft houses at the Cliffs Shafts were erected – the first in the country at any mine.
1914 – The Ishpeming Advancement Association sponsored a Chautauqua for the entertainment of the people of Ishpeming.
Gately Wiggins erected the present building on the corner of Main and Pearl.
1915 – Wm. St. John was elected to the office of Municipal Judge for the first time.
Carter Brothers began development of the Ishpeming marbles that lie north of the city – which were first brought into prominence through the efforts of Julius Ropes.
H.O. Young had the distinction of owning the first sedan car brought to Ishpeming.
The corner stone of the Pythian Building was laid October 17th.
Ed Butler began construction of the Butler Theatre.
1916 – The Ishpeming Creamer began operations.
The Post Office moved from the Sellwood Block to its present location.
Wages were $2.25 per day.
John Penglase built the Penglase Block.
Sam Cohodas began as a dealer in fruits and vegetables, which was to grow to be the third largest fruit and produce business in the United States.
Otis Skinner and Maude Adams appeared on the local stage.
1917 – The Ishpeming Co-operative Store was the second largest buyer of saffron in the United States, being exceeded only by the Tamarack Co-op Store of Calumet.
Ishpeming men registered under the Selective Service act.
1918 – Meatless Mondays were in effect.
Fred Braastad announced that the lands owned by him north of the city, and called North Ishpeming, had been plotted and were available to the residents of Ishpeming for building purposes.
1919 – The city joined in a welcome home celebration July 4th and 5th. A huge parade, led by Stephen h. Collick, marched under the Welcome Arch which had been erected by the city at the instance of Mayor C.J. Shaddick.
The Green Bay Packers played their first ever road game in Ishpeming on October 19. The Packers won 33-0.
1920 – The population of Ishpeming was 10,500.
The Ishpeming Industrial Assn. came into being. Through the association’s efforts, the Gossard Company decided to locate in Ishpeming. Ishpeming business men purchased the Braastad building for $40,000 and turned it over to the Gossard Co. when the payroll totaled 20 times the purchase price.
The Lions club was organized.
A historical pageant was held July 5th at Teal Lake with 20,000 spectators gathered.
1922 – J.C. Penney opened a store in the Penglase Building.
Michigan Gas & Electric Co. requests to discontinue street cars during summer months.
1923 – Concrete road to Marquette began.
The High School gymnasium was erected.
1924 – Ishpeming entertained the Older Boys Conference.
The old hospital was given to American Legion for a club house.
1925 – A new chapel was presented to the Presbyterian Church by Mrs. H.O. Young, the widow of Hon. H. Olin Young, resident for many years of Ishpeming, and who represented the Upper Peninsula of Michigan District in Congress for several terms.
1926 – On November 3, a disastrous accident occurred when the Barnes Hecker Mine caved in. The cave happened without the slightest previous warning, and within 15 minutes the shaft and mine were filled with water and sand. Fifty one lives were lost. Only ten bodies were recovered due to the hazardous conditions.
1927 – Street car line operations were suspended to Negaunee because of lack of patronage.
1928 - The city experienced its most disastrous fire in years on Saturday August 25th when Nelson House the city’s leading hostelry for 49 years was almost completely destroyed.
The new St. John’s Church was dedicated February 14th.
The Gossard factory was enlarged, leading to more labor employed and steadier working conditions.
Inland Steel began drilling operations in the South Greenwood District, a few miles west of the city.
1929 – Jos. Lessard began broadcasting Sunday afternoon radio concerts, using phonograph records and music contributed by local artists.
1930 – The population of Ishpeming was 9,238.
The Inland Steel Company began operations at the Greenwood Mine.
The Ishpeming High School was badly gutted by flames on Monday, August 25th.
1932 – On January 26th, the stately Mather Inn, an early colonial style hotel, was formally opened to the public. The Inn, built on early Georgian lines, was erected at the cost of $200,000. Approximately $40,000 was raised by public subscription, the remainder came from the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. and from a personal gift from Mr. W.G. Mather, after whom the hotel is named.
1933 – The North Range Mining Company began operations as the Blueberry Mine.
1935 – The Sellwood Block was destroyed by fire January 23rd.
1936 – State Highway Department awarded contract for paving U.S. 41 from point near the cemetery to the North Lake forks at a cost of $144,587.
The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. discarded carbide lamps used by men, in favor of electric lamps.
1937 - Albert Quaal begins development of a winter recreation area adjacent to Teal Lake.
1939 – Ishpeming had a homecoming celebration to mark its 85th anniversary. The celebration was held on July 1-4 and was filled with reunions, parades, band concerts, and circus acts.
1940 - The population of Ishpeming was 9,491
1943 – The first labor agreement between United Steelworkers of America, local Unions, and the mining companies on this range was signed in April.
1944 – The city voted to change from the Mayor-aldermanic form of government to the City Manager-Council plan.
Marion Anderson appeared here in concert.
1946 – A miner’s strike throughout the whole Lake Superior district lasted 104 days, terminating with the granting of an 18 ½ cent an hour wage increase.
1947 – The Robbins Flooring Company located a factory here.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra rendered a concert here.
Radio station WJPD first went on the air.
1948 – The Mather A Shaft wrote its tonnage production at over a million tons of iron ore produced.
The City Council accepted the Palms Book Addition.
1949 – The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. opened its Research Laboratory in July with the objective of developing ways to concentrate the low grade ores that are here in great abundance to make a commercial product.
Arthur Rubenstein appeared on local stage.
The City transferred the YMCA building to the State of Michigan to be used by the National Guard as an Armory.
1950 – The population of Ishpeming was 8,962.
The High School basketball team won the State B Championship from the River Rouge team.
1954 – Ishpeming was host to the National Ski Association as it celebrated its Golden Anniversary with a week long carnival of winter sports, climaxed by the ski jumping competition on Suicide Hill. The American Ski Hall of Fame was dedicated, with representatives of several foreign countries present.
1959 - The movie “Anatomy of a Murder” was filmed in Ishpeming and surrounding areas, based on the novel by Ishpeming native John D. Voelker under the pen name Robert Traver.
1960 - The population of Ishpeming was 8,857
1967 – Cliffs Shaft Mine ceased operation.
1970 - The population of Ishpeming was 8,245
1973 – Cliffs Shaft Mine was designated a state of Michigan historic site
1974 – Westwood High School is founded within the N.I.C.E. Community Schools school district in West Ishpeming.
1975 - Jim "Hoolie" DeCaire and Joe Potila form “Da Yoopers” as a working dance band/musical-comedy act. The popularity of their songs and skits about U.P. life gave rise to Da Yoopers Tourist Trap, a massive souvenir shop along U.S. 41.
The Ishpeming High School football team won the state championship in a game played against Hudson.
1976 – The H.W. Gossard Company ceased operations December 31.
1980 - The population of Ishpeming was 7,538
1988 - Paul R. Argall started PCBM Management Company, establishing the “Country Village” development along U.S. 41. Over subsequent years, Country Village came to include a motel, campground, restaurants, and numerous retail establishments and has served as a significant employer in the area. Argall was honored as the Michigan Small Businessman of the Year in 1996.
1990 - The population of Ishpeming was 7,200
1992 – Cliffs Shaft Mine was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1999 – The Ishpeming Area Historical Society is founded.
2000 - The population of Ishpeming was 6,686
2008 – In September, Bell Hospital moved to its new location on Lakeshore Drive.
2010 – The population of Ishpeming was 6,472.
A 162 foot high wind turbine was erected at the Pioneer Bluff apartment complex.
2013 – The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is established, providing a 47 mile recreational path through the Marquette Iron Range.
2015 – The Ishpeming High School football team wins their 3rd state championship in 4 years.
8,000 Years Ago - Paleo-Indians at Deer Lake, Ishpeming.
1671 - Father Jacques Marquette explores the Lake Superior shoreline near present city of Marquette.
1845 - Dr. Douglass Houghton made a geological survey of the Ishpeming area and predicted that someday the minerals lying here would furnish employment to thousands of people.
1846 - Philo M. Everett came to Jasper Knob to investigate the story the Indians told of “shining mountains” in this area.
1849 –John Outhwaite arrived with a party to locate on Jasper Knob under the pre-emption laws of that period, arriving just an hour ahead of another group headed by Peter White. When White’s party arrived, they found Outhwaite busy planting potatoes to protect the claim to the property.
1850 – The Cleveland Iron Mining Co. was formed. The Incorporators were: Morgan L. Hewitt, Samuel L. Mather, John Outhwaite, O. Chamberlain, Isaac L. Hewitt, Henry L. Brayton, and E. M.Clark. S. M. Ely was granted a charter to build a plank from Marquette to the Lake Superior Mines.
1853 – The Lake Superior Iron Co. was organized.
1854 – The Cleveland Iron Mining Co. first began mining at what is known as the Saw Mill Pit, and later at the School House Pit, and that year shipped 3000 tons of ore.
This date – 1854 – which marked the beginning of mining here, has been agreed to be the beginning of Ishpeming.
A plank road was completed from Marquette to the Lake Superior Mines.
1855 – The Soo Canal was completed, and the Lake Superior region brought out of its isolation.
1857 – A railroad from Marquette was ready for business. At first it was known as the Iron Mountain R.R. Later the name was changed to the Bay de Noc & Marquette R.R. 5000 tons of iron ore were shipped by train that year.
Wages for common labor were 75 cents per day of 11 hours.
1858 – The first child was born in the Lake Superior location, a son to Mr. and Mrs. Henry MaComber on October 10th.
1859 – Robert Nelson opened the first store.
1862 – Until 1862, the new settlement was known as the Lake Superior Location, when the name Ishpeming was chosen.
1864 – The New York Mine began operations. Samuel Tilden, of political fame, was a large shareholder in this mine.
The Peninsula R.R. was completed from Escanaba to Negaunee where it connected with the M.H.&O. This later became part of the C.&N.W.Ry.
1865 – The Barnum Mine (now Cliffs Shaft) was started.
1867 – Dr. B. S. Bigelow, Ishpeming’s first doctor, arrived from Marquette.
Julius Ropes opened the first drug store.
1869 – Ishpeming was organized as a village at a meeting held in the first town hall, which was part of the Lake Superior Location. Capt. Gilbert Johnson was the first president and Matt Ryan the first marshal.
Peter White organized the first bank, under the name of the Skandinavian Bank.
Robert Nelson laid out the town site on land he bought from the Iron Cliffs Co.
1870 – The new village built the first school on the S.W. of Main and Division Streets.
James Torner organized the first fire department. They met in a hall situated on the site of the present City Hall.
1871 – The Lake Superior Company decided to move their buildings to “Lower Ishpeming”.
1872 – The C.&N.W. Ry. completed the railroad from Escanaba to Fort Howard (Green Bay), and it was at last possible to travel by train from Ishpeming to Chicago.
The first hospital, located at 314-316 Canda St. was opened under the direction of Dr. B. S. Bigelow.
A system of water mains supplied the business section of the town with water from Lake Angeline.
1873 – Ishpeming organized as a city. Capt. F. P. Mills was the first Mayor, W. F. Swift, the first recorder, and “Honest” John Mills the first marshal.
The population of the new city had increased to 6,800. To provide school rooms for the growing number of children, a new graded three-story school of 12 rooms and basement was erected on the site of the present High School, at a cost of $50,000.
The Commercial House, a 50 room hotel, was built on the site of the first school by William Newett.
The Pierce Stage Line ran 4 buses daily between here and Negaunee.
The Anderson Jewelry commenced business in the Anderson Block.
1874 – On April 19th a disastrous fire destroyed much of the business section of the city.
Ishpeming’s first newspaper – The Iron Home – published its first issue just 9 days previously on April 10.
The young city got its first theater when Austin’s Hall was built on the site of the present Armory.
The Fire Department was reorganized and new equipment was bought – John Outhwaite was chosen as chief.
The Ishpeming Mutuals won in baseball over the Negaunee team in a “well played” game by a score of 37 to 15.
E. A. Johnson opened a general store at the corner of First and Bank Streets.
1876 – A city library was begun by H. O. Young and B. W. Wright with 200 volumes. During its first years, it shared a room much of the time with the City Council until 1891. The Fire Hall was built on the corner of 1st and Bank Streets.
1877 – F. P. Tillson engaged in the drug business.
1879 – Brainard F. Childs began the Child's Art Gallery photo studio which remained in business until 1978.
The “magnificent” Barnum House, the city’s leading hotel, was destroyed by fire.
Frederick Braastad engaged in business as Frederick Braastad & Co.
1880 – The population of Ishpeming was 6,039.
The city had a new hotel, The Nelson House, which attained fine reputation throughout the district, and which was to serve the city until it burned in 1929.
With the increased population in and around Ishpeming, there was a great shortage of houses.The assessed valuation of the city increased to $8,000,000. The Iron Home reported that the only place a stranger could find a place to sleep was under the bridges.
1881 – Julius Ropes, after a persistent search for gold in the hills about Ishpeming, was finally rewarded with success on May 17, 1881, by discovery of the first gold bearing quartz found in Michigan, which showed silver $96 and gold $24 per ton.
1882 – The Ishpeming Driving Park Ass’n held a race meeting.
The Iron Agitator, which had been a weekly paper, began publication of a daily. The Swedish paper, Svenska Posten, became the Superior Posten whichwas published by Andrew A. Lind for 30 years until 1918.
On May 20, the morning train brought 150 Norwegian immigrants to the city. Commenting on the lack of housing, the Iron Agitator offered as an example a building called Castle Garden, wherein lived 40 families, totaling 240 people.
1883 – There was a gold rush and much activity to the north of the city, following the gold find at the Ropes property. A nugget worth $7 was picked up from the rock pile at this last property.
1884 – D. T. Wadsworth & Co., the bankers, failed.
The Peninsula Record began a publication.
The Parochial School was erected on its present site.
F. J. Eggan Hardware opened for business.
Mrs. E. J. Lamson opened a school in etiquette.
J. H. Malloy began duties as station master of the C.&N.W.Ry.
A railroad had been extended to Deer Lake.
The Blaine & Logan Marching Club held a torch light parade, with 700 men in attendance.
A roller rink costing $5000 was erected on the S.W. corner of Main and Division Streets.
1885 – George Mennie operated an ice rink on the corner of Fourth and Bank Streets, which was well patronized.
The Skandinavian & Lake Angeline Band was active.
Ishpeming was mentioned as one of the first cities to be given the benefits of free delivery.
The Upper Peninsula Business Men’s Association was organized in Ishpeming.
A bad fire destroyed the Sellwood Block.
1886 – Ishpeming built its first High School – located at High and Third Streets ( currently Phelps Square apartment building).
The old cemetery was abandoned and the present burying ground dedicated.
The first City Directory was published.
In a newspaper story in the Oshkosh Times, the Editor reported “Ishpeming is a very pleasant place in which to live. Its people are un affected, and soon make a stranger feel at home. The city has turned out some of the best mining captains in America. People who have been there always like to return. It is a quiet and orderly place.”
1887 – The population of the city had reached 10,000 and the school enrollment was 2006.
C. H. Hall presented the drinking fountain, that is situated on the square, to the city.
The Nordeen Ski Club was organized by a group of Norwegian immigrants.
The Ishpeming Hospital was opened on South Pine Street. This hospital served the community until 1917.
1888 – A franchise was granted to H. C. Higgins and others to erect and operate a gas and electric light works.
Ishpeming held its first ski tournament on a hill near Lake Angeline. The winning jump was 35 feet.
1890 – The population of Ishpeming was 11,197.
The Ridge Street School was opened, and the children from the southern end of the city were housed in the new Salisbury School.
1891 – Free delivery of mail began on October 5th under direction of George Tucker, postmaster.
The City Hall was erected at a cost of $35,000.
Authority was granted to Fred Braastad, and others, to build and operate a street car system.
1892 – The draining of Lake Angeline began this year – a major engineering feat – to get at the ore that lay underneath. The task was finished in 1893. Lake Sally and adjoining lakes became the city’s water supply.
1893 – The city, with the rest of the country, suffered in the Panic of 1893. Wages retreated to $1.25 per day, and there was much unemployment.
The Cleveland School was opened this year.
1895 – There was a miners strike that began on July 10 and continued for 10 weeks. The State Militia was called and occupied the grounds on top of the Burt Hill.
T. J. Mudge opened his furniture store.
A franchise was granted to construct and maintain a telephone system.
1896 – A new High School was erected on First Street. This building served as the High School until 1908, and was subsequently called the Grammar School.
1898 – President McKinley issued a call for volunteers for the war being fought against Spain. Charles Young, Peter Gingrass, Ole Husby, and Gust Schmeltz became members of Co. L, 34th Michigan Volunteers.
1900 – The population of Ishpeming was 13,255.
Work was begun on the new manual training school. W. G. Mather presented the school with the first equipment.
Corrigan-McKinney & Co. began working over the tailings of the Ropes Gold Mine and recovered $30,000 from the old plates in the mill and the dust about the mortars.
The Ishpeming High School football team won the state championship in a game played against the Michigan Military Academy.
The street car system opened in Pierce’s Grove.
Turkeys for the holidays sold for 10 cents per pound.
The Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. celebrated its Semi-Centennial with a huge picnic for it employees and families. Peter White was the speaker of the day.
The St. Rocco-St. Anthony Society of Ishpeming hosts its 1st annual Italian Festival.
1901 – The Ishpeming High School team won the state football championship against Kalamazoo. Dr. Sweetland was the coach.
1902 – The Consolidated Fuel & Lumber Co. was organized by R. P. Bronson, Fred Braastad, and others.
The High School football team won its third state championship against Benton Harbor.
1903 – The Elks sponsored a drive that resulted in the building of a new opera house for a cost of $25,000. The building was opened December 15th with Walker Whiteside playing in “If I Were King”. Tickets for the opening performance cost $10 each.
Fred Braastad erected his three story building (now known as the Gossard building). The building housed a complete department store, and on the third floor was a large hall used by the community for dances and other social gatherings.
The Lake Superior Iron Co. celebrated its semi-centennial with a barbeque and a general city wide celebration.
The Finnish Mutual Fire Insurance Co. was organized.
The Carnegie Library was dedicated.
The Methodist Congregation built a new church.
1904 – Ishpeming was conceded to be the best kept mining town in the United States – due in much part to the encouragement to improve their properties and the prizes awarded for the same, by W. G. Mather.
The National Ski Association was formed.
The first cement walks were laid.
Otto A. Rundman started in the decorating business.
1905 – The D.S.S.&A. Ry. and Detroit & Cleveland Steamship Company offered excursion tickets to Detroit and return for $7.50.
Madam Modjeska appeared at the local opera house.
On Sunday morning, November 5th, the city was shaken by an explosion which wrecked the Miners National Bank building. Three children were killed and several people injured.
Ishpeming again won the state high school football championship by defeating Grand Rapids.
1906 – Elson’s bottling business was started.
A contract was let for the construction of a new C.&N.W. Ry. station.
1907 – The cornerstone of the YMCA was laid. Sen. Wm. Alden Smith was the speaker.
1908 – The Hercules Powder Co. began operations on its 1000 acre plot of land near the National Mine.
The old Division Street School was torn down, and a new High School and Grade School erected on the site.
1909 – The YMCA was dedicated in June.
An Old Settlers picnic was held on August 19th at Cleveland Park. Membership included only people who settled before 1874. The membership was over 200.
1910 – The population of Ishpeming was 12,448.
The Cleveland Cliffs Co. began the development of the North Lake area. George Maas reports his explorations had disclosed a big find of ore in the American Mine district around Diorite. The L.S.&I. Ry. extended its line to North Lake.
A disastrous fire caused heavy property damage to the business places of Thos. Mudge, Gust Saari, and Peter Koski & Co.
24 new residences were erected in the city.
1911 – The old Catholic cemetery was plotted into lots for residence purposes. Empire and Michigan Streets were extended and additional lots offered for sale.
Trebilcock Brothers purchased the lot and foundations formerly owned by the Methodist church for a greenhouse.
By a vote of 208 to 128 the voters decided to bond the city for $40,000 to build a new fire hall.
1912 – Jos. Sellwood predicted that there were 500,000,000 tons of ore in the Ishpeming district.
Fred Braastad offered $100 in prizes to the four children who killed the most flies during the season.
Ornamental lighting posts were erected on Main and Front Streets.
Frank Zoberline, the city’s oldest resident, died. He had lived here since 1853.
Main and Division Streets were the first to be asphalt paved.
1913 – Under the auspices of the Ishpeming Advancement Association, there was a home coming celebration, attended by over 700 former residents. There was a large parade, calithumpians, fireworks, races, etc.
The Michigan Bell Telephone Co. took over the properties of the Marquette Telephone Co.
The present fire hall was erected.
Maud Adams appeared in Peter Pan.
The concrete shaft houses at the Cliffs Shafts were erected – the first in the country at any mine.
1914 – The Ishpeming Advancement Association sponsored a Chautauqua for the entertainment of the people of Ishpeming.
Gately Wiggins erected the present building on the corner of Main and Pearl.
1915 – Wm. St. John was elected to the office of Municipal Judge for the first time.
Carter Brothers began development of the Ishpeming marbles that lie north of the city – which were first brought into prominence through the efforts of Julius Ropes.
H.O. Young had the distinction of owning the first sedan car brought to Ishpeming.
The corner stone of the Pythian Building was laid October 17th.
Ed Butler began construction of the Butler Theatre.
1916 – The Ishpeming Creamer began operations.
The Post Office moved from the Sellwood Block to its present location.
Wages were $2.25 per day.
John Penglase built the Penglase Block.
Sam Cohodas began as a dealer in fruits and vegetables, which was to grow to be the third largest fruit and produce business in the United States.
Otis Skinner and Maude Adams appeared on the local stage.
1917 – The Ishpeming Co-operative Store was the second largest buyer of saffron in the United States, being exceeded only by the Tamarack Co-op Store of Calumet.
Ishpeming men registered under the Selective Service act.
1918 – Meatless Mondays were in effect.
Fred Braastad announced that the lands owned by him north of the city, and called North Ishpeming, had been plotted and were available to the residents of Ishpeming for building purposes.
1919 – The city joined in a welcome home celebration July 4th and 5th. A huge parade, led by Stephen h. Collick, marched under the Welcome Arch which had been erected by the city at the instance of Mayor C.J. Shaddick.
The Green Bay Packers played their first ever road game in Ishpeming on October 19. The Packers won 33-0.
1920 – The population of Ishpeming was 10,500.
The Ishpeming Industrial Assn. came into being. Through the association’s efforts, the Gossard Company decided to locate in Ishpeming. Ishpeming business men purchased the Braastad building for $40,000 and turned it over to the Gossard Co. when the payroll totaled 20 times the purchase price.
The Lions club was organized.
A historical pageant was held July 5th at Teal Lake with 20,000 spectators gathered.
1922 – J.C. Penney opened a store in the Penglase Building.
Michigan Gas & Electric Co. requests to discontinue street cars during summer months.
1923 – Concrete road to Marquette began.
The High School gymnasium was erected.
1924 – Ishpeming entertained the Older Boys Conference.
The old hospital was given to American Legion for a club house.
1925 – A new chapel was presented to the Presbyterian Church by Mrs. H.O. Young, the widow of Hon. H. Olin Young, resident for many years of Ishpeming, and who represented the Upper Peninsula of Michigan District in Congress for several terms.
1926 – On November 3, a disastrous accident occurred when the Barnes Hecker Mine caved in. The cave happened without the slightest previous warning, and within 15 minutes the shaft and mine were filled with water and sand. Fifty one lives were lost. Only ten bodies were recovered due to the hazardous conditions.
1927 – Street car line operations were suspended to Negaunee because of lack of patronage.
1928 - The city experienced its most disastrous fire in years on Saturday August 25th when Nelson House the city’s leading hostelry for 49 years was almost completely destroyed.
The new St. John’s Church was dedicated February 14th.
The Gossard factory was enlarged, leading to more labor employed and steadier working conditions.
Inland Steel began drilling operations in the South Greenwood District, a few miles west of the city.
1929 – Jos. Lessard began broadcasting Sunday afternoon radio concerts, using phonograph records and music contributed by local artists.
1930 – The population of Ishpeming was 9,238.
The Inland Steel Company began operations at the Greenwood Mine.
The Ishpeming High School was badly gutted by flames on Monday, August 25th.
1932 – On January 26th, the stately Mather Inn, an early colonial style hotel, was formally opened to the public. The Inn, built on early Georgian lines, was erected at the cost of $200,000. Approximately $40,000 was raised by public subscription, the remainder came from the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. and from a personal gift from Mr. W.G. Mather, after whom the hotel is named.
1933 – The North Range Mining Company began operations as the Blueberry Mine.
1935 – The Sellwood Block was destroyed by fire January 23rd.
1936 – State Highway Department awarded contract for paving U.S. 41 from point near the cemetery to the North Lake forks at a cost of $144,587.
The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. discarded carbide lamps used by men, in favor of electric lamps.
1937 - Albert Quaal begins development of a winter recreation area adjacent to Teal Lake.
1939 – Ishpeming had a homecoming celebration to mark its 85th anniversary. The celebration was held on July 1-4 and was filled with reunions, parades, band concerts, and circus acts.
1940 - The population of Ishpeming was 9,491
1943 – The first labor agreement between United Steelworkers of America, local Unions, and the mining companies on this range was signed in April.
1944 – The city voted to change from the Mayor-aldermanic form of government to the City Manager-Council plan.
Marion Anderson appeared here in concert.
1946 – A miner’s strike throughout the whole Lake Superior district lasted 104 days, terminating with the granting of an 18 ½ cent an hour wage increase.
1947 – The Robbins Flooring Company located a factory here.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra rendered a concert here.
Radio station WJPD first went on the air.
1948 – The Mather A Shaft wrote its tonnage production at over a million tons of iron ore produced.
The City Council accepted the Palms Book Addition.
1949 – The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. opened its Research Laboratory in July with the objective of developing ways to concentrate the low grade ores that are here in great abundance to make a commercial product.
Arthur Rubenstein appeared on local stage.
The City transferred the YMCA building to the State of Michigan to be used by the National Guard as an Armory.
1950 – The population of Ishpeming was 8,962.
The High School basketball team won the State B Championship from the River Rouge team.
1954 – Ishpeming was host to the National Ski Association as it celebrated its Golden Anniversary with a week long carnival of winter sports, climaxed by the ski jumping competition on Suicide Hill. The American Ski Hall of Fame was dedicated, with representatives of several foreign countries present.
1959 - The movie “Anatomy of a Murder” was filmed in Ishpeming and surrounding areas, based on the novel by Ishpeming native John D. Voelker under the pen name Robert Traver.
1960 - The population of Ishpeming was 8,857
1967 – Cliffs Shaft Mine ceased operation.
1970 - The population of Ishpeming was 8,245
1973 – Cliffs Shaft Mine was designated a state of Michigan historic site
1974 – Westwood High School is founded within the N.I.C.E. Community Schools school district in West Ishpeming.
1975 - Jim "Hoolie" DeCaire and Joe Potila form “Da Yoopers” as a working dance band/musical-comedy act. The popularity of their songs and skits about U.P. life gave rise to Da Yoopers Tourist Trap, a massive souvenir shop along U.S. 41.
The Ishpeming High School football team won the state championship in a game played against Hudson.
1976 – The H.W. Gossard Company ceased operations December 31.
1980 - The population of Ishpeming was 7,538
1988 - Paul R. Argall started PCBM Management Company, establishing the “Country Village” development along U.S. 41. Over subsequent years, Country Village came to include a motel, campground, restaurants, and numerous retail establishments and has served as a significant employer in the area. Argall was honored as the Michigan Small Businessman of the Year in 1996.
1990 - The population of Ishpeming was 7,200
1992 – Cliffs Shaft Mine was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1999 – The Ishpeming Area Historical Society is founded.
2000 - The population of Ishpeming was 6,686
2008 – In September, Bell Hospital moved to its new location on Lakeshore Drive.
2010 – The population of Ishpeming was 6,472.
A 162 foot high wind turbine was erected at the Pioneer Bluff apartment complex.
2013 – The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is established, providing a 47 mile recreational path through the Marquette Iron Range.
2015 – The Ishpeming High School football team wins their 3rd state championship in 4 years.