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Back to the Present

The Daily News is bringing back photos of “yesteryears.” Each week, an historical photograph will be posted on The Daily News’ Facebook page. Readers will be asked to identify the location, as well as share a memorable experience of the location. “Back to the present” will then be published in the Wednesday edition, including a current photo. Readers can comment on The Daily News’ Facebook page, or email tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com with subject “Back to the present.”

This week’s Back to the Present, provided by the Menominee Range Historical Museum, is an unused real photo postcard, taken by Archie Studio, that documented the cave-in of U.S. 2 Road (North Stephenson Avenue), in Iron Mountain over the Chapin Mine Pit on May 3, 1940.

As long as the pumps were active at the Chapin Mine, the pits on either side of Stephenson Avenue were dry. However, when the Chapin Mine closed on Aug. 1, 1932, and the pumps ceased, causing the pits to gradually fill with water.

On May 3, 1940, at 2 p.m., an 80-foot section of roadway unexpectedly caved into the East Chapin Pit, leaving guardrail and telephone posts suspended.

Although nobody was injured, four cars and a truck were buried beneath the rubble.

While many felt the cave-in was due to the old mine workings settling, mining men familiar with the Chapin believed it was caused by the roadway fill collapsing.

A current view of Chapin Pit looking north, show the Hamilton shaft smokestack still visible in the background. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

The Hamilton shaft housing and smokestack are visible in the background.

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