FIRE RAKES SMELTER SITE!

Photo by David Archambeau/Daily Mining Gazette

SEPTEMBER 27, 2010 QUINCY SMELTER UPDATE:
From The Mining Gazette:

RIPLEY – Officials are hoping to determine the cause of a Saturday fire that destroyed two structures at the Quincy Smelting Works.
The Ripley Fire Department was called about 11 p.m. and was told the carpenter's shop was completely engulfed, said Fire Chief Jack Dueweke. A lean-to directly north of it was also destroyed.
There was electricity to both structures, Dueweke said.
Dueweke said he is in contact with the state fire marshal's office.
Most departments were excused by 2 to 2:30 a.m. Ripley stayed until 8 a.m. to make sure the fire didn't rekindle.
"By firefighters staying there and doing that kind of mop-up, we were able to preserve what's left of that scene, so hopefully we can get a good indication from the fire marshal how it started," Dueweke said.
The Ripley Fire Department was assisted by Quincy-Franklin, Boston, Hurontown, Dollar Bay, Hancock, the Calumet Township Rapid Intervention Team and the American Red Cross.
To see a video of the fire, visit: facebook.com/mininggazette

JULY 2010 QUINCY SMELTER UPDATE:
In April of this year, electricity was turned on again at the Smelter site, thanks to a grant from the Keweenaw National Park & the Quincy Smelter Association. Pole lights were repaired & lights & outlets were installed in two buildings. In July, two more buildings will have electricity added. Work on the roof of the Reverberatory building is scheduled to begin in July. Repairs for the roof are made available with a grant from HUD of $285,000.00.

The funds will be used to remove and replace portions of the 20,000 square foot metal roof assembly and 5000 square foot of metal siding, and complete installation of window stabilization panels in the Reverberatory Furnace complex at the Quincy Smelting Works.

The first “Tour through Time” was held June 18 & 19 at the Smelter. Crafters were invited to set up at the site. Flea market items were available for sale. Bounce houses, free hot dogs & balloons were available for the children. Tours were given of the site. Hopefully, this will be the first “annual” Tour through Time. Thanks to everyone who helped to make it successful.

Volunteers & new members are welcome to become a part of “Preserving the Past for the Future”.

Judy Counts, Treasurer
Franklin Township & Quincy Smelter Association
www.savequincysmelter.org