Quincy Smelting Works, Ripley, MI
The Quincy Mining Company operated the smelter complex in Ripley from 1898 to 1967. Copper was first smelted here from the mines in the copper country, then from Quincy's reclamation plant. The complex remained open until 1971, in which time it continued to melt scrap copper. Numerous buildings still exist at this site, among which includes the building that housed a three story blast furnace.
I was out at the site in early 2003. The site is clearly marked with "No Trespassing" signs. From my research it appears that the site is owned by Franklin Township (in which Ripley is located). The town would like to restore the building and make it part of the Keweenaw National Historic Park, but they currently lack the funds. A Lansing company was considering working with the state and the township to restore the building back in May of 2003, but I haven't heard any new news on this issue since then. The locomotive that is parked in front of the smelting complex was moved to Wisconsin to be restored and put on display in May of 2004, so that no longer exists at this site.
The complex was also found to be infested with asbestos in 2004. An immediate response was taken to fence in the complex. This caused a lot of local debate as it forced the closure of a snowmobile trail that ran in front of the complex. The trail has since been reopened, but the complex is still fenced in. The presence of asbestos will be a serious roadblock to the possibility of this complex being restored one day.
When visiting this site, I explored most of the buildings there. There are a few that are still boarded up quite well, making it impossible to get in without damaging the building. I would not recommend entering the buildings on this site as it is still wached by the local police and the presence of asbestos. I took photos of most of the buildings, but I ran out of film, so not all of the buildings that I visited have interior photos. I did manage to take close to 100 photos of the interior.
There are also a couple exterior shots taken in March of 2006 from across the Portage Canal.
Photos:
Photos March 2003
Photos March 2006
njp -- 5 November 2003
Last Updated: 24 July 2006