'Way We Worked' was a wonderful experience

To the Editor:

My husband, Rick, and I literally stumbled on a great event — “The Way We Worked: The Gogebic Range” — by accident on Friday, May 29, by finding a newspaper supplement at the Washburn Historical Museum. Taking it back to our camp in Pence, my husband read, with much interest, about all the wonderful events and exhibits the entire Range had in conjunction with the Smithsonian exhibit of “The Way We Worked.”

We were fortunate enough to be able to visit five different sites on the program; Washburn’s Historical Museum and the gentleman who was constructing a model railroad layout, accurate to the area even to including the famous Houghton Falls trail; the Downtown Arts Place, to see the actual Smithsonian exhibit and the local additions where we met Rick Semo and Bruce, who patiently answered all our questions about this amazing program; the Carnegie Library and the assistant director who stayed a while after closing to share more insights with us; the Ironwood Memorial Building where we met Carol and Steve, who gave us very personalized interpretations of those exhibits; the Ironwood Depot exhibit where we met Ron Trethewey, who’s passion for the history of the Range was contagious (and he really does need to get those stories published); and of course the closing ceremony at the Historic Ironwood Theater, where we were totally engaged in the wonderful performance of the Gogebic Range Chamber Singers.

What a fitting tribute to the dedicated and enduring people who forged the life we have come to know and love in this part of God’s Country.

Being able to take advantage of the events on Saturday and Sunday really inspired and impressed us with the level of excellence we encountered.

“Thank you” just doesn’t seem to go far enough to show our appreciation for the hard work and countless hours which the committee members and many other volunteers gave to this awesome project. We are deeply grateful for all of the efforts.

— Jeanine Fassl

Whitewater, Wis.