Timberworkers Strike of 1920

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White Marble Lime Company shingle mill workers

      In April of 1920, the vast majority of men employed in the timber industry in Manistique were required to work ten hours per day, six days per week. The International Timberworkers Union District No. 2, headquartered in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, warned industry executives of a strike by its members if certain demands were not met. These included: an eight hour work day; minimum wage of $100.00 per month; board for men in the woods; no overtime, Sunday or holiday work; a wage of $5.00 per day for men driving logs on the rivers; pay dates twice per month; abolition of contracts, piece work and bonus systems; and recognition of the union. Read More...

St. Francis de Sales Church Fire – April 29, 1953

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Smoke billows out the doors and windows of the church. Vern Linderoth Photo

          Plans were already underway for a new church building when the fire broke out in the basement of the St. Francis de Sales church on April 29, 1953. The fire was discovered at 9:00 a.m. near a wood furnace by church custodian Dencil Young. A day dreaming student looking out the window of the parish elementary school next door also sounded an alarm when he noticed smoke coming from a basement window of the church. Both the Manistique Fire Department and the Volunteer Fire Department responded quickly to the blaze and the fire was brought under control by noon. The flames were extinguished before they could reach the sanctuary, but the building was extensively damaged. All of Manistique’s fire fighting equipment was engaged in fighting the fire, including the 1883 Dodge Brothers hook and ladder truck and the American LaFrance.  A fire truck from the Gladstone fire department was called out and stood by as a precaution in case fire broke out elsewhere in the city. It was feared for a time that the rectory of the church was in peril and Rev. Fr. Frances Scheringer and Rev. George Pernaski were advised to remove personal belongings and furnishings as a precaution. Read More...

Manistique’s National Blueberry Festival – 1941

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Blueberry queen Ruth Peterson cuts the ribbon at the dedication of M-94, Vern Linderoth Photo

          In July of 1941, the citizens of Manistique were in a mood to celebrate as the city hosted the 3rd Annual National Blueberry Festival. The event provided a welcome respite from the ominous news of Hitler’s march across Europe and Japanese aggression in the South Pacific.

          Ruth Peterson had been chosen in May by the Chamber of Commerce as the blueberry festival queen. Her ladies in waiting included Dorothy Redeker, Sara Barton, Jean Daury and Dorthy Carefelle.

          The festival featured nationally known entertainers including Don White, known as the “Magic Miller.” White was one of the leading magicians in show business and had appeared on Broadway in “Goin Places.” His act included the amazing needle trick which he learned from Harry Houdini. In another illusion, he appeared to turn ordinary flour sacks into beautiful aprons. Read More...

Charles Ekberg – Pioneer Cobbler

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Ekberg is pictured here in his shoe shop in 1948

   Charles Ekberg was born in Skåne County in southern Sweden on April 30, 1862. His early childhood was marked by hunger and deprivation. Charles was still an infant when his father was killed in a tragic accident that catapulted his family into poverty. Nine years later, his mother followed her husband to the grave. Heartbroken after his mother’s death, Ekberg despaired for his future. The authorities planned to provide for the boy by sending him to reside with a humorless neighbor couple, where he would work for his room and board. Read More...