Category: Memories and Nostalgia

Slushy Spring Days

The years go by, but some things never change. This flashback image to Shelden Avenue shows a slushy spring day in downtown Houghton, reminiscent of the spring weather this year. This image from the Earl Gagnon Collection is undated, but there are many landmarks and vintage cars that might allow an alum to help us identify the year of this photograph! What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

Spring Recreation in the Keweenaw

One of the benefits of being a Michigan Tech student is you are never more than a few minutes away from lakes and rivers for endless spring recreation. March is an especially great time for Brown Trout and Lake Trout fishing. The great undated image from the Brockway Photograph Collection shows off some of the trophy fish that are possible in our sportsman’s paradise. Do you have a favorite honey hole that you fished while you were here? Let us know your angler’s secrets in the comments!

Seasonal Sports in the Copper Country

In the wake of an unseasonably warm Winter Carnival, it makes sense to wonder what season we are really in! The snow that usually lingers until late spring, and even early summer in the deep woods, is nearly nonexistent so spring seems right on the horizon. Even though broomball, skiing, and other winter sports have been scarce this year, it is still possible to get some fresh air by hiking the trails or a good old-fashioned game of mud ball! When the weather gets warmer and the snow starts to go, what is your favorite thing to do in the Copper Country? Let us know in the comments.

Glimpses of Snow and Stage: Winter Carnival Contests through the Years

As we prepare for Winter Carnival, we thought it timely to share an image of the upcoming Archives display to be featured at the Alumni Social + Winter Carnival Contests Exhibit on Saturday, February 10. Glimpses of Snow and Stage: Winter Carnival Contests through the Years will feature rich images and small displays of Michigan Tech memorabilia. Skits, the beard competition, human sled dog race, human bowling, snow statues, and many other traditions will delight one and all! If you have a Winter Carnival memory to share, please let us know in the comments.

Let It Snow!

We had our first glimpses of snow in the past few weeks. There have been little bits of wintry mix and also the big fluffy snowflakes that make it feel like the whole campus is in a snow globe. This undated photograph of the Quincy Smelter seems to stand the test of time, as many University alumni can remember such a scene taking place, a tranquil reflection in the Keweenaw Waterway. Love it or otherwise, snow is an essential part of the Michigan Tech experience. What did you most look forward to when the powder would hit the landscape? Let us know in the comments!

Remembering Former MTU President Dale Stein

President Stein and Dr. Smith

Former Michigan Technological University President Dale F. Stein passed away October 9 in Tucson, Arizona. He served as Michigan Tech’s president from August 1979 until his retirement in 1991.

Prior to Stein’s presidency, he served as head of the Department of Metallurgical Engineering and vice president of academic affairs at Michigan Tech. He was inducted into the University’s Academy of Metallurgical and Materials Engineers as part of the inaugural 1996 class.

Stein held a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgy from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. in Metallurgy from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He began his career with the General Electric Company, then taught at the University of Minnesota, advancing to the rank of professor before coming to MTU in 1971.

He was a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a fellow of ASM, and a fellow and past president of the American Institute of Mining Engineering’s Metallurgical Society.

Taken from the Tech Today article from October 23, 2023.

Fall in the Keweenaw

After some unseasonal warmth, the crisp, cool air of fall is on the way. As fair winds transition to cooler breezes, the Copper Country leaves prepare to dance. Color touring in the Keweenaw is a rite of passage for everyone at Michigan Tech and many keep fond memories of exploring the fresh coasts, lush forests, and the forgotten ghost towns of the region. To spark some fond memories or inspire a modern-day color tour, here is a vintage, undated image of the ghost town at Central, Michigan (Keweenaw County) accented by rich fall color. Did you have a favorite place to explore in the autumn? Let us know in the comments!

Celebrating the Parade of Nations

Fall semester brings back many important traditions. On September 16, the 34th annual Parade of Nations and Multicultural Food Festival returns to Houghton. Since 1989, the local communities and campus groups have been celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the Keweenaw. The Parade of Nations is a cherished way to not only find common ground but also appreciate our differences. What is your favorite part of the celebration? Let us know in the comments or share a Parade of Nations memory!

Fight Tech Fight!

Michigan Tech’s campus is in the last quiet moments of summer—another Alumni Reunion is in the books and a new class of first-year students prepares to arrive for Orientation Week. Before you know it, the rhythm of a new semester will bring vibrant energy back, along with the cream of the Keweenaw and the pride of Pasty Land… the Huskies Pep Band! Here is a glimpse back to the Pep Band spreading school spirit in the fall of 2009. Do you remember the fight song, or have another favorite? Let us know in the comments!