The mill and smoke stack is where all the wood for Ford's "woodies" was milled and then shipped to the manufacturing plants. Brunswick also made their "bowling pins" there, It's empty now, a private residence. The crop shot of the bird is to show it isn't a dust spot on the large photo.
Ken:
I think Ford had a few mills in and around Michigan. I often go to UP, specifically around Keweenaw Bay. Just outside of L'Anse is another former Ford mill, though smaller than the one you posted. It's called "Alberta" and I found this short news channel piece on it:
It was donated to Mich Tech in 1954 and still owned by them today. It is sort of a park, as well.
It was an experiment in integrated sustainability back then. It is quite well preserved. I took a short tour a few years back. The guide said the oak scraps were sent to a Mr Kingsford to make charcoal - a symbiotic relationship with Ford. Perhaps the same was true for your mill?
I am headed up there again next week - I'll try and get some shots this time, though I suspect it will be cool and gray, with fall colors long since gone. Maybe posting B&W might be appropriate.
Cheers
Doug
Doug, The UP is famous for Henry Ford stories and there are a few old timers willing to share them.
First of all the very reclusive Huron Mountain Club ne Big Bay was strictly reserved for the "Blue Bloods" of the day. So much so, they refused membership or entry to Henry Ford since he was not up to their standards. It's still there as a million acre gated community. It's protected by a guard shack and the there is a one lane bridge you need to cross to enter. The HOA dues are said to be a Million Dollars a year,
Ford built the Thunder Bay Inn in response to the Huron Mountain Club and had a suite atop the 2nd floor. The suite had no bathroom as he shared the common bathroom with the other guests. It's said Edison visited there with him as they were inseparable. Note ... They both had side by side mansions in Fort Myers, Florida.
The wood plants!! So as my Scottish grand father would say Ford was "thrifty." Nothing in Henry Ford's world went to waste. Even the saw dust was sold after the "Woody" parts, bowling pins and other raw materials were used. He
Michigan Tech is in Houghton and the school is/was largely endowed by GM.. We spent a couple of day in Houghton/Hancock and day tripped up the Keweenah but every day was rainy!.
Nov 12, 2021 at 09:18 PM
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