 | | Don Hunt | Last of a string of copper mine hoists in Painesdale, Champion #4 looks worn but still bravely stands, a rarity in the Keweenaw. Built in 1902, it operated until 1967. Its fringe location, with mine offices still surviving along with intact mining neighborhoods makes it for many the most memorable mining site in the U.P. Not just the shaft, but the sizable blacksmith and machine shops across the street still stand.
 | | Don Hunt | | Leading up the hill from the mine was Hubbard Street, dubed derisively "Snob Hill" by the miners. This is where the mining executives lived. Lower down on Hubbard were the so-called mining "captains" who supervised operations. One street behind Hubbard is a row of smaller miners' homes. | Just across the street was the company's payroll office where miners lined up to receive their wages.
Around the corner on Hubbard is the impressive company headquarters. Hubbard St. goes up a hill. The higher you go, the more impressive the homes where the mining executives lived. Locals called it "Snob Hill." Lower on the hill were the homes of the mine "captains."
Smallest of all were the miners' homes, some of which are on the street behind Hubbard.
A valliant effort is underway to save this uncommonly important part of Keweenaw's history. Check out http//Xwww.copperrange.org/sos.htm#history to see how you can contribute.
From M-26, turn east at the green sign indicating the highway to Chassell. When you reach the Post Office, keep curving to the right until you get to the dirt road called "Shaft."
As you head toward Chamption #4, you'll pass the ruins of Champion #3, a cautionary sign of the fate of #4 if it isn't restored.
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