The unused real photo postcard of “Old Faceful,” which is identified as “Lake Antoine Park, Iron Mountain, Mich.,” dates between 1940 and 1950.

The fountain was built by the local Jaycees several decades ago.

In the distance shows the area near the beachhouse on the eastern shore of Lake Antoine inside the park.

Information provided by the Lake Antoine Park Partners stated that family members noted James C. Blomquist (1937-2021) worked on the design and construction of the “Old Faceful.”

A view from the lake side of the former “Old Faceful.” (Photo provided by Lake Antoine Park Partners.)

Due to inconsistent bacteria test results in the mid-1970s, the decision was made to close the fountain in 1977.

It was later razed after vandals destroyed the signage.

The remains of the fountain are only visible from the lake side by boaters, as shown in the photo.

Today, the artesian spring still flows, with area residents still getting their water from the wellhouse, which was the original city of Iron Mountain’s pump station that is across the road from the former “Old Faceful” site.

Also shown is a view of the current wellhouse and access to the spring water.

Lake Antoine's artesian spring. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Lake Antoine Park Partners received a grant to upgrade the current artesian spring site about six years ago.

The wellhouse produces water from about 30 deep-drilled wells connected together and pumped with a steam-operated piston pump.

An artesian well doesn’t require a pump to bring water to the surface. This occurs when water from higher elevations enters an aquifer that is confined by impervious rock, which causes pressure as more water is trapped in the aquifer. If there is enough pressure in the water, it will rise to the surface and flow freely when a crack forms or a well pipe is inserted.

According to Lake Antoine Park Partners the ancient “folded” bedrock geology of the area, including Trader’s Hill that is behind the well house, is responsible for the high to low water movement and entrapment of pressurized water.

They noted that locally, there are springs in the bottom of Lake Antoine, in the Fumee Lake Natural Area, in Norway and alongside the Lake Antoine Road. Many “springs” in the area flow upward through old iron mining bore holes, LAPP states.

Today’s view of the artesian wellhouse across the road from the original spring fountain on Lake Antoine. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

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The Daily News is bringing back photos of “yesteryears,” along with a current photo of area historical locations. “Back to the Present” is published on Wednesdays. Have a suggestion for a potential site? Email tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com, with the subject of “Back to the Present.”