Pryor's Location, Michigan facts for kids

Pryor's Location is a historical spot in Houghton, Michigan, along the Portage Lake Shipping Canal. This canal is part of the Great Lakes system in Michigan, United States. The area is named after James Pryor, who owned a lumber business and other companies there long ago. Today, a sign marks the spot as "East Houghton Waterfront Park."

What is Pryor's Location?

Pryor's Location is a specific area in Houghton, Michigan. It sits right next to the water, on the Portage Lake Shipping Canal. This canal is very important for boats and ships. The name "Pryor's Location" comes from James Pryor, a local businessman. He owned a company called Pryor Lumber.

History of the Lumber Business

The land where Pryor's Location is found was once a busy lumberyard. This lumberyard was owned by James Pryor. His company, Pryor Lumber, played a big role in the local economy. Lumber businesses were important for building homes and other structures in the area.

From Pryor to Hamar Quandt

In 1925, two men named Albert W. Quandt and Edward A. Hamar bought Pryor Lumber. They changed the company's name to the Hamar Quandt Company. This new company continued to operate at Pryor's Location for many years. The Hamar Quandt Company stayed in business there until about 1985. Later, the Hamar Quandt Company was renamed 41 Lumber. The exact spot where the lumber business once stood is now a Super-8 Motel in Houghton.

Understanding 'Locations' in Copper Country

In the Copper Country region of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the word 'location' has a special meaning. A 'location' is a small settlement or community. These places usually had very few, if any, businesses. They were often built near mines or smelters. People who lived in these 'locations' were typically miners. Also, families of people with mining-related jobs, like those running the smelters, lived there.