In response to Ms. Priscilla Ross-Fox's message concerning the development
of property along the Keweenaw Peninsula...

We're fortunate here in the Keweenaw to have quite a number of groups
actively trying to preserve and interpret the natural beauty and history of
copper mining along the south shore of Lake Superior -- our archives being
one of them.  There are a least half a dozen small historical societies,
another half dozen privately owned sites opened as tourist attractions,
another half dozen state parks, and even a newly-legislated unit of the
National Park Service.  In addition, there are several land trusts,
conservancies and grass roots organizations working to preserve wetlands
and natural sites.

Probably the most severe problem we are facing is the struggle between
property owners' rights and the greater interests of history and tourism.
We are indeed seeing an increase in the general development of the region
for second homes and retirement houses.  Lake Superior Land Company is the
largest landowner, and has initiated a series of contentious development
projects.  Yet, as Priscilla notes, they own the property and are willing
to sell (albeit sometimes at inflated prices) property to preservation
groups.  Meanwhile in the small mining towns that remain, private
homeowners continue to "re-muddle" their homes with additions and vinyl
siding, watering down the historical integrity of their specific
neighborhood, the surrounding town and the entire peninsula.  Clearly, we
have yet to turn the corner toward a more united preservation ethic.

It also begs the question, however, as to how effective individuals &
organizations can be and just how much we need to preserve. How many
underground mine tours can one region support?  How many steel shaft houses
do we need to interpret?  How many poor rock piles are enough?  How much
money is actually available to support the ongoing preservation of this
material culture?  

I'd be interested to hear how the UK List system works, and whether much
goes on beyond just listing historic sites.  I feel sure that the Keweenaw
isn't the only place in the world that is suffering this friction between
development and historic preservation.

I'd be glad to direct Priscilla (and anyone else) to specific individuals
and agencies  in the local region who would welcome her support.

Erik Nordberg,   University Archivist
MTU Archives & Copper Country Hist. Coll.
Michigan Technological University 
Houghton, MI 49931    
Tel: 906-487-2505      Fax: 906-487-2357 
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On the www at http://www.lib.mtu.edu/jrvp/mtuarchives/mtuarchives.htm



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