Often times in the archives we visit different towns with views that instantly let you know where you are. Common scenes, buildings, landmarks that you recognize as particular to that town. Our photos today do just that, starting with a scene from Houghton, in 2007, snapped by Lou Weber. There's St. Ignatius Catholic church, with its steeple pointing skyward and the old Kirkish building with the painted sign on the side, still brightly advertising, just to name a few.

All around the Great Lakes, we're used to seeing boats in the water, but an unusual one paid a visit to Houghton back in 2009. That’s the 290 foot cruise ship hailing from Canada, called the Clelia II. Dennis Kemper was on hand to snap a few shots of her, while it was docked near the bridge in Houghton. The Clelia II had eleven week long cruises between Toronto, Canada and Houghton planned for that summer.

In 2015, Joe Kirkish was out in Gay for the Independence Day festivities. After the parade everyone gathers between the Gay school grounds and the Gay Bar, where you can get refreshments and a hot dog or a brat. If you're looking for something sweet to eat, the Auxiliary hosts a Bazaar and Rummage Sale, where you can buy homemade goodies and sit down to enjoy them. Then you can check out all the treasures that have been donated to sell or bid on their silent auction items.

Our current photo was taken by my cousin’s wife, Cindy Dupuis, while they were here in Lake Linden for a family party and the 4th of July. She captured a scene most folks who have been through town will recognize, the Lake Linden-Hubbell High School and the steeple of the City Hall further down the street.

We’re taking a drone tour of the little town of Gay today, videoed just a year ago. We even get to fly up over the Smokestack and check that landmark out.

Lake Linden looks so peaceful and 'normal' ~ you'd
never guess what they had been thru since Father's
Day. Glad to see the water damage wasn't in this
section of town.

That's a fact, Jbuck! Yoopers are definitely
resilient. It amazes me the work they've gotten
done since Father's Day. They're going through
some of that in southwestern MN right now, so much
rain and so much flooding. Mother Nature has
taken its toll on so many people.
Great pictures today!

Nice pic's and video!! Grandpa Norm (dad) loved the parade in Gay, nice memories!! Cool fly over the stack as well and a good look at the surrounding area!! Have I mentioned that I can't wait to get there, lately.... lol

Have a great weekend Pasty family!!

You as well, UC! It's a good time to be alive.
Great pix and an excellent video...I feel like I'm home.

Every time I see the top of the Gay smokestack I think I see loose bits just waiting to fall.

Through today's pictures of years gone by, things look so back to normal, but how are the roads and homes, really? After last month's storms I know much progress has been made but what's the current reality status? Are any main roads still closed?

D. A. (Midwested),

Here's an article about 203:

The M-203 Bridge over Swedetown Creek has been
washed out since Father's Day floods. MJO
Contracting is working to put in a temporary
bridge. They are contracted for $392,000 for the
temporary bridge and removal of the old structure
and road debris. The temporary bridge should open
July 24. It will be a one-lane bridge using
traffic signals.

"There are certainly a lot of different locations
that are being worked on right now and this is
just one of them. It is the only place that we
have an actual trunk line closed to through
traffic. It is getting some priority and it is
going along well with everything else that is
going on," said MDOT Ishpeming Transportation
Service Center manager Rob Tervo.