MICHIGAN PORTAGE CANAL - Hancock Michigan

Original Oil Painting, Arcadia Tram Tracks Upper Michigan 18" x 24"

VIEW FROM ARCADIA TRACKS - Hancock & Houghton Portage Canal, Gallery Wrapped Oil Painting

If you are interested in purchasing a print of this painting, please click on the following link:

mymichiganmemories.etsy.com

Separating the two hillside cities in Michigan of Hancock and Houghton is the Portage Canal. Originally created for ore ships heading west of the Upper Peninsula. It is also the route to access the Island of Isle Royale. A four-lane Lift Bridge connects traffic between the two cities and parts beyond. The painting also features the Arcadia Mine Tram Track, which now accommodates tourists to the mine, and once transported miners.

My grandparents used to live in Houghton, backing up to the canal. My grandfather had a barber shop on the main street at that time. I remember in particular one late night we were awakened to the loud blasting horn of an ore ship wishing to pass through the canal. However, the pavement section of the bridge was down...and the conductor was fast asleep! Both towns awoke to the constant sound of the freighter's horn, alarmed that something was wrong. The freighter carrying a heavy load attempted to stop, but was not able to in time to miss hitting the bridge.

*The artwork is the property of Michigan artist, Sandi Hammerstrom Oliverio and My Michigan Memories. No reproduction in digital or copy format is allowed without the written consent of the artist.