History: Calumet, Michigan

Johanna Enrietti, born on December 15, 1900, joined by her husband, Joseph Enrietti, shares her memories of the Great Depression, family and community life, and general differences in Calumet, Michigan. She speaks of her identity as an Italian American, the work ethic, and family values she has embraced throughout her life. She also shares some of her daily activities, including baking, sewing, and mending.

Edna Forster shares her perspective on life in the community of Calumet, Michigan.

B. Greenlee comments on his first impressions of Calumet, Michigan, some traits of the community, and the disaster at the Italian Hall in town. In addition, he speaks of the local economy, the impact of the strikes, and some of the major ethnic groups in the community. He also discusses the tendency of the community to glorify the past.

Katherine Ilenich discusses the community of Calumet, Michigan, the different ethnic groups who live there, and its origin as a company town of copper miners. She speaks of the impact of the disaster at the Italian Hall, the children who were killed, and how it brought the community closer together after the divisive strike of 1913. In addition, she comments on local schools and the apparent decline of the town.

Born on April 8, 1918, Walter I. Kitti discusses life during the Great Depression, copper mining, and the community's original status as a company town. He speaks of the negative impact the 1913 strike had on local employment and of his memories of the introduction of automobiles. Mr. Kitti died on March 16, 1992.

James MacDonald, born on December 13, 1897, discusses the copper mines of Calumet, Michigan, their peak production during World War II, and the devastating impact of their closure. He speaks of the community's ethnic diversity, and of the saloons and brawling that characterized Calumet's early history as a mining town. In addition, he comments on some of the problems of the current Calumet community, including the lack of strong work ethic and the misuse of welfare funds.

Lodi Mihelic discusses his Yugoslavian parentage, community, and daily life in Calumet, Michigan, and the ethnically diverse population that lived in this mining town. In addition, Mr. Mihelic predicts that the copper mines will be re-opened at some point in the future.

Alden Steck, born on November 15, 1904, discusses his thoughts on the best times in the history of Calumet, Michigan, the town's development, and some local eccentric characters. He comments on the community's ethnic diversity, the social role of Finnish-Americans and how the town weathered the Great Depression and mining strikes.

Charles Stetter discusses the tendency of the Calumet community to nostalgically live in the past. He recalls both the poverty and the good times of the Great Depression, and the swift downturn of this mining town's economy after the 1913 strike. In addition, he describes the local community, and ethnic diversity of Calumet and the negative reputation that prevails with regard to labor relations at the former Calumet and Hecla Mining Company.