The Calumet & Hecla Mining Company Semi-Centennial Employee Service Medals of 1916: A Personal View William A. N. Severance 348 Sunnyside Road West Grove, Pa 19390
[email protected] In 1916 the prosperous Calumet & Hecla Mining Company celebrated 50 years of copper production from the conglomerate orebody on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan. To commemorate the occasion, bronze, silver and gold medals were awarded to special employees for their many years of dedicated service. Those handsome medals today are prime historical collectibles from the glory years of copper mining on the Upper Peninsula. On Saturday, July 15, 1916—over a century ago—the prosperous Calumet & Hecla Mining Company (C & H) celebrated 50 years of copper production from the conglomerate orebody on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Red Jacket, Michigan. The mines along the Calumet & Hecla conglomerate lode were idled as 5,400 C & H workers and their families took part in the festivities. The Gala began at 10:00 a.m. with a grand parade. The day was full of activities including an address by the Governor of Michigan, lunch for 19,000 people, games for 7,500 children, several band concerts, and an elaborate fireworks display prepared by trained mine workmen. It concluded with dancing at the Colosseum and Armory until 11:00 p.m. All the Calumet & Hecla employees had the day off—with pay. But the highlight of the day was the awarding of medals “FOR FAITHFVL AND EFFICIENT SERVICE” to long term employees of the company: the bronze medal for service from 20 to 30 years, the silver medal for 30 to 40 years, and the gold medal for service of 40 years or more.