• Sunday-What'sUP August 24 - 11:16 am

Paul Meier (top photo) certainly has an eye for down-to-earth history in the Copper Country. He has contributed so many interesting visuals to the Pasty Cam over the years, we could probably have a coffee table book of his shots alone. Bill Haller captions this one "Quincy Mining Company – An “air-conditioned” employee comfort station.” Thanks Paul (and Bill) for passing it along.

About yesterday's Time Capsule adventure in Eagle River... Those of us old enough to remember the incident with Al Capone's safe on national TV will recall that moment when Geraldo Rivera was left speechless (and forever defined) by the lack of contents, after such fanfare leading up to its opening. We would have been happy to open ANYTHING yesterday in Eagle River at the 100th Anniversary of the Douglass Houghton monument, where the plan included the Time Capsule reported to be hidden away somewhere in its mass. After removing the heavy plaque and several large and small stones in its base, no Time Capsule has yet been found. We are hopeful in the days ahead that the mason doing the repairs will have better success.

I offered a theory to the group that assembled at the monument yesterday afternoon: The time capsule was placed into the structure on October 8, 1914, with the intention of having it opened 100 years later. Chronologically we are not quite at the century mark, and maybe it just won’t reveal itself until we’re there.

Have a good week :o)

You did manage to open up a mystery, Charlie and everybody loves a good mystery. I see a “selfie” opportunity.

Like you said, Charlie, maybe they should've waited until the 8th of OCTOBER.;)

Geraldo wasn't on site, was he?;>

Oh I remember very well when Geraldo opened Al Capone's vault. I thought Geraldo was going to shut himself in the vault. Geraldo was so certain there was something valuable in there...

Geraldo went from someone I thought highly of to someone I rarely think of. Poor guy got all caught up in himself.
I hope the case of the missing time capsule gets solved.

Speaking of 'comfort station' does any Yooper fan remember the mention of a two- story privey at the old hotel in the Fayette State Park?! I always wondered how that would work!

Speaking of 'comfort station' does any Yooper fan remember the mention of a two- story privey at the old hotel in the Fayette State Park?! I always wondered how that would work!

OPPS !!!!!!!!!!

Kay, maybe that's where the term "second story job" got started.;>

Actually, you're right on the money with the "second story" comment, at least regarding the Fayette location. It actually was a two story structure with an enclosed elevated catwalk running outback for the convenience of the second floor guests. As I recall, the up-down side by each design was separated inside with a plank wall.

Oddly enough numerous artifacts of the period were discovered when, decades later, an MTU Industrial Archaeology dig located the privy and excavated the non-decomposed objects of china, bottles, and various broken household goods of the period.

Five doors but no divders.

great history..love the old b&w photos..interesting
the time capsule has not been located within the
monument...???