These images were donated by Carolyn Rowland. They were from a set of 18 images viewed through a holder that made them appear 3 dimentional. She inherited them from her great grandfather, who lived and worked in the copper country at the time of the 1913 massacre.
Michigan State Troops were called in to break the strike. Lines of authority became blurred as many troopers mustered out when their enlistment expired and joined the hired strike breakers.
Women and children also picketed and marched. The strategy was that troops and thugs would not fire on them.
Note how the doors opened inward on the steep & narrow stairway. Rescuers could not get them opened due to the crush of bodies.
This is a picture of Abram and Maria Niemela. They held their infant baby son over their heads, saving his life as they were crushed. Their actions represent the best of human nature while the actions that lead to their demise represents the worst.
The Calumet Town Hall served as a morgue on the night of the disaster. Here is what it looked like on Christmas Eve, 1913.
Calumet and the surrounding area ran out of coffins. More had to shipped up from other areas.
Hearses line up to collect the victims.
The funeral of the victims.
The Finnish Church were many of the victims' final services were held.
Mass graves of some of the victims.
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