ISHPEMING — The first section of the 1889 special edition was 8 pages long and covered the history of the town, plus a rundown on some of the mines in the area. The second section was also 8 pages long and entitled “Our Town.”

Ishpeming as a city was only 16 years old and still experiencing growing pains. Like any teenager, the city was eager to grow up. There was also a desire to be seen as a community that was going to be around for a long time.

Ishpeming’s school system was the first to be explored.

“In its schools there is much that indicates the enterprise and influence of a city, and in that direction the eyes of the intelligent visitor are first cast.” (Iron Ore, January 1, 1889)

“This district was organized as a graded school in 1868 when the number of pupils was 307. The school census when last taken was 2,372, of which 1604 were enrolled last year and an average daily attendance of about 1,000 secured.

So rapid has the growth of the town been during the past five years, the actual population now being a little over 12,000, that the school buildings are inadequate to the demand made upon them for room, many of the pupils having to be put off with half-day attendance, this being in the primary departments. More room is demanded, and in anticipation of this the taxpayers, at the last annual meeting, instructed the board to purchase seven lots near the high school building. The board has secured the ground and thus wisely, we think, provided for the future.” (The seven lots are where the current high school sits.) (Iron Ore, January 1, 1889)

“Since 1884 twenty-eight students have graduated from the high school and received their diplomas; of this number eight are now employed as teachers in our school.” (Iron Ore, January 1, 1889)

There was a huge difference in the number of students attending and the number of students graduating. Most of the students starting school in the primary department never made it to high school, having to drop out and to work to help support their families. A high school diploma wasn’t necessary to secure a decent paying job.

The trustees of the school were A.W. Myers, B.W. Wright. T.F. Donahoe (all merchants), Wm. Sedgwick and F.P. Mills (mining captains.)

Next up for consideration was the Fire Department.

“The fire department of Ishpeming was organized as at present operated, in 1874, and since that time has earned the reputation of being one of the ablest in the region, with a fire-fighting record that any town would have too reason to be proud of. The company consists of thirty-five members who draw a salary from the city of one dollar per year. The principal officers are W.O. Tislov, chief, J.F. Armstrong, 1st assist., Geo. Voelker, 2nd assist. P.H. Devine, foreman, Fred J. Eggan, 1st assist., C.J. Byrns, 2nd assist., Jno. Olson, secretary, H. Asgaard, treasurer.” (Iron Ore, January 1, 1889)

This fire house was located on the corner of Bank and First streets (now a parking lot). In 1890 the fire department would be reorganized into four separate companies due to the growth of the city.

Then there was the water works system.

“The latter (water works) is one of the best in the region. The supply is obtained from Lake Angeline. At this place there is a fine stone building, in which there are two 12×18 ½, 10×10 Worthington pumps that force the water through the main, the latter running from twelve to two inches in diameter, according to the requirements of consumption.” (Iron Ore, January 1, 1889)

There were three mines ringing Lake Angeline at that time, so the water quality was probably not the best and there were already rumblings of wanting to mine the iron ore located underneath Lake Angeline. A total of 57,007 feet of pipe had been laid and there were 717 water takers.

“Although there has been a large amount of work done during the past few years in the way of public improvement, water works, new streets, alleys, sewers, etc., our taxes are not excessive. There is no floating debt. Our treasury contained a neat balance after paying the debts contracted during the past year.” (Iron Ore, January 1, 1889)

Under the heading of who pays the taxes, the mines paid over $4,000,000 in taxes with city real estate and personal property taxes at a little more than one million dollars.

“This (the tax breakdown) shows the mining companies pay about three-fourths of the taxes of the city, and are a very ‘handy’ people to have around. The companies are liberal, favor the introduction of all necessary improvement, pay their shave of the burden without complaint. They are a part of us – the big end – and it is pleasing to note the harmony of action between them and the townspeople, so-called. It is a very happy coalition of things, affording a pleasing contrast to many mining towns where company stores and selfish methods serve to injure business generally.” (Iron Ore, January 1, 1889)

“During the past summer the city began the macadamizing of its streets, purchasing a Gates rock breaker, which was located at one of the diorite bluffs in the eastern part of town. A pocket was put in connection with it to hold the broken material, from which wagons were filled and the rock carried to and deposited upon the highways. This makes a splendid roadbed. Heretofore debris from the mine dumps was used and was unsatisfactory. Being mostly soap rock and rock containing considerable iron, it quickly pulverized forming a disagreeable mud or dust, according to the condition of the atmosphere. The business part of the city was originally a cedar swamp and it has taken time to secure a sold bottom, money has been used as well as tme, but it is now in shape to receive a macadam, and further settling will not occur.” (Iron Ore, January 1, 1889)