Ironwood Memorial Building's spruced up for Tuesday birthday celebration

IRONWOOD - On the 125th birthday of the city of Ironwood, efforts are being made to spruce up the Memorial Building.

City officials said areas of the building used by the public are being painted, the first new coats since the building was renovated 20 years ago.

The new paint scheme blends in with colors in the polished Tennessee marble stonework in the building's entrance rotunda.

The city is hosting a public reception at the building Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. to celebrate the historical birthday. There will be cake and coffee.

People will have the opportunity to view areas within the building seldom open to the public, as guided tours are planned on the hour for Tuesday.

Local historians will be on hand to answer questions about the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the history of Ironwood and the Gogebic Range.

This spring, historic photographs depicting Ironwood, including its services and workers, will grace the hallways, main office and foyer of the Memorial Building. The project is a collaborative effort between the city and Ironwood Historical Society.

When weather permits, Mayor Kim Corcoran said it's planned city equipment will be displayed.

The historical society will present an exhibit on the second floor, focusing on the Locations, as Ironwood's neighborhoods were and still are known. Locations refer to neighborhoods developed around mine sites, such as Norrie Location.

The term location is unique to the Upper Peninsula.

-Ralph Ansami