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 is a 1940 view of the Cornish Pumping Engine and Shaft House at 300 Kent St. in Iron Mountain.
The Cornish Pumping Engine is the largest standing steam-driven pumping engine ever built in the U.S., as well as one of the largest pumping engines in the world. It is famous for dewatering Iron Mountain’s Chapin Mine, one of the wettest mines ever worked, and the largest producer of iron ore on the Menominee Iron Range.
Erection of the pumping engine and pumps began in spring 1892, but the giant steam engine didn’t start up until Jan. 3, 1893. The estimated cost of the engine and pumps was $250,000 at the time.
The 725-ton structure rises 54 feet above the engine room floor and measures 75 feet from the back of the end of the pump bob to the back of the flywheel, which measures 40 feet in diameter and weighs 160 tons.
The shaft rose 114 feet above the collar of the Chapin Mine.

Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo
The pump ceased operation after the Chapin Mine closed Aug. 1, 1932.
In late 1934, the Oliver Iron Mining Company offered the Cornish pumping engine at C Ludington shaft to Dickinson County as a “relic for sightseers to visit.” The Keweenaw Land Association, fee holder of the Chapin Mine, agreed to lease the land around the pumping engine to the county for $1 with the provision that the area be fenced and tax free.
By September 1935, county workers had razed the building housing the pumping engine, removed some unsightly framework, cleaned up the site and erected a steel wire fence around the sandstone foundation surrounding it.
All that remained at that time was painting the pump with aluminum paint to attract tourists.
In 1958, the Cornish Pumping Engine was named a Michigan historic site.
On Sept. 12, 1978, Dickinson County sold the pumping engine to the Menominee Range Historical Foundation for $1, stipulating the foundation had to assume all responsibility for developing a permanent historical mining site.
Work on a metal building began in 1982 to preserve the engine for future generations.
The Cornish Pumping Engine Museum was officially opened on June 25, 1983.
The second photo shows
- 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.”
- Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo