Tag Archives: Abijah Weston

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...

Central School Essay Contest – 1924

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The Central School building was erected in 1882 with an initial enrollment of 76 students. It was replaced by the new Junior High building in 1931

The Central School building was erected in 1882 with an initial enrollment of 76 students. It was replaced by the new Junior High building in 1931

        During the fall of 1924, the Manistique Women’s Club sponsored an essay contest at the Central School concerning the early history of Manistique. They hoped to kindle an interest in local history among the community’s young people. The Pioneer Historical Society had just been organized a year earlier, so there was little written material available for research. But the students had an even better source of information to draw upon—the pioneers themselves. Many of Manistique’s earliest settlers were still alive and residing in the area. The essays that the students produced are a treasure trove of information, but leave us wishing for even more. The winning essays were read before a school assembly at the Central School and were later published in the local paper as follows: Read More...

Manistique Iron Company/Weston Furnace Company 1887

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Charcoal Iron Company of America

Charcoal Iron Company of America

Abijah Weston formed the Manistique Iron Company in 1887 and the Weston Furnace Company in 1890. These industries were located at the North end of Furnace Street, now North Cedar Street. Charcoal was made in bee-hive type buildings and then used in in the furnaces to melt iron ore pellets and make pig iron, which was shipped throughout the United States. The Burrell Chemical Company bought the companies (pictured) creating the Lake Superior Iron and Chemical Company. By 1913, the Lake Superior Iron and Chemical Company was foreclosed upon due to a soft iron market. In 1915, a new company was formed by American, Canadian, and British interests called the Charcoal Iron Company of America. The Company remained in business until 1923 when the business declared bankruptcy. Read More...