The Schoolcraft County Poor House

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The new Schoolcraft County Poor House pictured here in 1909. SCHS photo

     Prior to 1891 the poor, who could not care for themselves, were totally dependent upon the kind heartedness of relatives or neighbors. That situation changed in 1892, when Schoolcraft County erected a small one-story frame building on Manistique’s west side for the care of the indigent. The home provided separate quarters for men and women, with tubs for bathing and “a good supply of water.” It lacked sewage and was poorly ventilated. Despite the home’s shortcomings, an inspector from the Michigan State Board of Corrections and Charities reported that “all was in good clean condition.” Hospital services were provided in another smaller building on the poor house grounds, with the sick being cared for by local physicians. Read More...

The Schoolcraft County Jail (1885-1958)

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The Schoolcraft County Jail (right) and Sheriff’s residence (left) are pictured here in the 1950’s. SCHS photo, Marcus Bosanic Collection.

     During the 1870’s Schoolcraft County was much larger than it is today, extending from Lake Michigan all the way to Lake Superior. Onota (in present day Alger County) was the county seat.  But Onota’s days were numbered, as the entire town was destroyed by a great fire in 1879. After that disaster, the county seat of Schoolcraft County was relocated to Manistique.

     John Costello was the first person to hold the office of Sheriff in the new county seat of Manistique, serving from 1879 through 1881.  He was followed in office by John McCanna with his term as sheriff beginning in 1882. Read More...

The Jamestown Ski Tower

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1940’s view of the ski tower located on the sand hills across from Jamestown Slough, Vern Linderoth Photo

     During the 1940’s, in the days before snowmobiles, winter enthusiasts gathered at Jamestown winter sports park on Old-U.S. 2 east of Manistique, to enjoy a variety of winter recreational activities.  Preparatory work began in the fall of 1940 for the construction of a ski jump, ski trails and a toboggan slide on the sand hills opposite Jamestown Slough. The effort was spearheaded by the Manistique Winter Sports Club and relied exclusively on volunteer labor. The poles and lumber used for erecting the ski jump were all donated by local citizens and businesses. By January of 1941 the new winter sports park was ready for use. The new sports park was open to skiers of all ages. The youngest skier to brave going down the new Jamestown tower was nine-year-old John Paul Quick.     Read More...

The John Falk Hardware Store (1899-1939)

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The John Falk hardware and grocery store on Deer Street, located between Weston Avenue and New Delta Avenue. SCHS image circa July 4, 1905.

     John A. Falk was born on a farm in Dalsland, Sweden, on February 6, 1864; the son of Andrew Johnson Falk and Maja Lisa Eriksdotter. John grew up in a family of ten children and attended school in his home village of Grinstad.  A family crisis occurred when John was 15 years old which changed his life forever. His father encountered severe financial reverses including the loss of the family farm. John and his siblings, who were old enough to work, were forced to fend for themselves.

     Though a mere youth, he was lucky enough to find a job on a neighboring farm watching cattle. John must have impressed the farmer as a hardworking and reliable employee. The following year he was hired on as a regular farm hand.  He earned 48 kroners per month which amounted to about $12.00 in American money. Read More...