ISHPEMING — The next part of the special edition was that of new residences. This was a particular point of pride for the town, that the town was growing in population.

“During the past few years Ishpeming has made rapid strides in the way of adding new dwellings. For some years there was a great scarcity and rents were very high. As fast as the people could afford it, they erected buildings of their own and many of the neatest dwellings are owned by the miners.

Nothing can better illustrate the thrift of the workingmen of this city than the number of houses they own. It proves that the sober and industrious have accumulated money and in no other town in the habitable globe is there a community of miners that have better houses, with more of the comforts of life than those of this place.” (Iron Ore, January 1, 1889)

There is a list of all the residences, but it is by owner and value and there are no addresses — street addresses were not in use in 1889 as free mail delivery was still a couple of years away. The list is divided into locations and additions as well as streets and is a lengthy one. One hundred and fifteen residences were built at an average cost of $1,177.

“In the way of additions to the city in the line of new business blocks, the past year has something to its credit.” (Iron Ore, January 1, 1889)

There is a lengthy list of the new business blocks as well as residences.

“The Jenks’ block, the largest in the city, composed of stone and brick, heated by steam, containing five elegant stores on the first floor, and many pleasant and commodious offices and suites on the second, is a handsome structure.” (Iron Ore, January 1, 1889)

Also erected in 1888 was the Peninsula bank building, which is still standing. The Nolan block, on Cleveland avenue, between First and Second streets cost the owner $8,000. Various other buildings were erected, including two refrigerators for meat packing houses, a Finnish hall and store, and more. On Ridge street a Finnish church was built, that church is now Bethel Lutheran church and is still located in the same area, although that original building is gone.

“The city is being added to in value in a steady, substantial way, and the fact that so many of the homes made are by the workingmen is indicative of a healthy condition of things.” (Iron Ore, January 1, 1889)

Then there were the churches. Many, if not all, of the churches were organized along ethnic lines. There were four Swedish churches, Baptist, Lutheran, Mission and Methodist. Of these four, only one, the Lutheran church, now known as Bethany Lutheran, still survives. Plus, a Norwegian, Finnish, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and more.

“Ishpeming is the paradise of the society man. One inclined to be a ‘jiner’ can here exercise his hobby to an unlimited degree. The miners find this a means of amusement that makes up for others not to be found in this mining region and derive pleasure and profit from the social relationships formed through the medium of the different lodges.” (Iron Ore, January 1, 1889)

The International Order of Odd Fellows was the first in the area, the Mining Journal published ads for meetings as far back as 1871, but some of the others weren’t too far behind. Like the churches, many of the societies were organized along ethnic lines.

The next topic covered was Brass Bands.

“We have seven. Enough truly, to satisfy the wants of the most voracious musical appetite for baritone solos and snare drum beating. Good bands, poor ones, all kinds, some decidedly frightful, but all making excellent headway, and bound to be a credit to the city.

They are ambitious and will win. The following is a list of the different ones: Lake Angeline & Skandinavian, Red Men, Young Eureka, Star Cornet, Bethan Church, Finnish — Northern Echo, Swedish Methodist Church, Bethany Church Orchestra.