Ely Township is in the final stages of acquiring the historic Barnes Hecker Mine property, the site of a tragic 1926 disaster that claimed 51 lives. The township plans to transform the nearly 19-acre parcel into a public memorial park to honor the miners who perished.
Key Takeaways
- Ely Township is purchasing 18.97 acres of land which includes the capped shaft of the Barnes Hecker Mine.
- The primary goal is to create a permanent memorial park dedicated to the 51 miners lost in the 1926 cave-in.
- The land purchase is not yet complete, and officials have asked the public to refrain from entering the site as it remains private property.
- A coalition including the Barnes Hecker 100th Anniversary Committee and regional historical societies will lead planning and fundraising efforts.
Township Finalizing Land Acquisition
Ely Township has officially confirmed it is nearing the completion of a significant land purchase on Co Rd CL. The property spans 18.97 acres and encompasses the historic capped mine shaft of the Barnes Hecker Mine, a site of profound local importance.
In a public statement, township officials addressed the transaction to clarify details and correct misinformation circulating within the community. They emphasized that the purchase is still in progress.
"Ely Township is in the final stages of purchasing 18.97 acres on Co Rd CL, which encompasses the historic Barnes Hecker Capped Mine shaft and the beautiful monument that was placed there several years ago," the township's news release stated.
Officials also issued a crucial advisory to the public, stressing that the land is still privately owned. They have requested that individuals avoid entering the property until an official announcement confirms the completion of the sale.
Vision for a Memorial Park
The primary motivation behind the acquisition is to create a dedicated space for remembrance. The Barnes Hecker 100th Anniversary Committee, which has been working closely with the township, detailed the vision for the site's future.
"Plans to create a beautiful memorial park at the shaft site and surrounding area are now underway," the committee announced. The goal is to establish a tranquil environment for visitors to pay their respects.
The committee further elaborated on the intended atmosphere of the park. "All who wish to visit the site to pay tribute to the lost miners will soon be able to reflect and meditate in a peaceful and respectful atmosphere of serenity," they said.
Project Partners
To realize this vision, Ely Township is collaborating with several key regional organizations:
- The Ishpeming Historical Society
- The Michigan Iron Industry Museum
- The Marquette Regional History Center
These partnerships will be instrumental in the planning, development, and fundraising required to build the memorial park. The collaboration ensures that the project will be handled with historical accuracy and community input.
Remembering the 1926 Disaster
The Barnes Hecker Mine holds a somber place in Michigan's history due to a catastrophic cave-in on November 3, 1926. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 51 miners, making it one of the deadliest mining accidents in the state's history.
A Community Changed Forever
The 1926 tragedy left an indelible mark on the region. The loss of 51 men devastated families and the local community, which was heavily reliant on the iron mining industry. The event led to significant changes in mining safety regulations over the following decades. The planned park aims to ensure this history is never forgotten.
Historical accounts from the era paint a vivid picture of life around the mine. It was common for miners' children to carry lunch pails to the mine entrance around midday when the men would surface for a break. This daily routine was tragically interrupted on the day of the collapse.
The incident occurred after a morning blast, a time when miners would typically exit the shaft to allow dust and smoke to clear. The sudden cave-in trapped the men underground, and rescue efforts were ultimately unsuccessful for the vast majority of those caught in the collapse.
Future Steps and Community Involvement
With the purchase nearing completion, the focus will shift to fundraising and detailed planning for the memorial park's construction. The Barnes Hecker 100th Anniversary Committee has indicated that information on how the public can contribute will be released soon.
The involvement of multiple historical societies and museums is expected to bring a wealth of expertise to the project, ensuring the memorial is both a respectful tribute and an educational resource for future generations.
The committee affirmed its commitment to the project and the memory of the miners. "More details on how to make a contribution will be provided shortly," the committee stated. "Our beloved miners will never be forgotten."
Once Ely Township officially takes ownership of the land, the project will move into its next phase, turning a site of historical tragedy into a place of permanent honor and reflection for the entire community.