Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette The Pavilion at the edge of Agassiz Park, next to an original pathway, is the focal point of the park today.

CALUMET — The village is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Agassiz Park this Saturday, September 23, 2023 with what Village Manager, Megan Haselden organized as Calumet Community Day, from noon to 4 p.m. The celebration will take place in Agassiz Park, on Fourth Street.

Haselden said she is excited about the upcoming event, and invites residents, business owners — and anyone who cares about Calumet to stop by.

“Keweenaw National Historical Park staff will be in attendance providing tours,” said Haselden, “and no doubt sharing the history of the unique space.”

While the Community Day is a celebration of the Centennial of Agassiz Park, Haselden has organized it to reach out to village residents for their opinions and thoughts.

The Village of Calumet is pursuing an update of its Master Plan, and public input is desired to create the best outcomes for the community.

Attendees are invited to provide input on the upcoming Village of Calumet Master Plan Update, the upcoming Village of Calumet Strategic Plan, and share ideas for the next 100 years of Agassiz Park, Haselden said.

“This Saturday we hope the main attraction is the opportunity to build our community”, said Haselden. “We want folks to come out to the Park, visit with village staff and our board members, learn more about the history of Agassiz Park and give us some insight into the direction folks want to see the Village go.”

Members of Village Council, Planning Commission, Downtown Development Authority and the Historic District Commission will be on hand to answer questions and discuss what each branch of local government is pursuing.

Staff from the Keweenaw National Historical Park will have a station dedicated to Agassiz Park’s history and significance to the community.

Calumet Community Day is a potluck style event and attendees are welcome to bring a dish to pass. This will be an opportunity to meet neighbors, ask questions, express concerns and of course just visit. Light snacks will be provided and guests are invited to bring a dish to share.

Agassiz Park is significant to the village on many levels. It is a physical connection between the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company and the surrounding community that C&H President, Alexander Agassiz was responsible for building.

Originally established by Agassiz in the early 1870s as a buffer between the mining company’s surface plant operations and the rapidly growing village, it was used as pasturage for cows belonging to company employees. While the large space could have been designated as a town square, Agassiz was a resident of Boston, Massachusetts. Boston did not have a town square; instead, it had Boston Common. Wanting to instill a sense of pride in the community, he therefore called the space Calumet Common. Later, it was also used as a baseball field and for other recreational activities.

Agassiz held the position of president of C&H until his death in 1910. His son, Rodolphe, subsequently became the company president and he was present when the company celebrated its Semi-Centennial in July, 1916. During the celebration, the company recognized the loyalty of its long-time employees, awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals for 50 years, 30 years and 20 years. The celebration was conducted in Calumet Common. The following year, Rodolphe conceived the idea of converting the common into a beautiful park as a memorial to his father. The park was designed by an acclaimed landscape designer and city planner, Warren Manning.

Agassiz Park was dedicated on September 26, 1923. The focal point was a bronze statue of Alexander Agassiz, which was unveiled during the celebration. The statue today resides in Calumet Township, across Red Jacket Road from the former C&H Office building, which today is the KNHP headquarters.

Over the years, the park was reduced in size to make room for parking along Fourth Street, and a football track and field, and a housing project. To learn more about the beauty, design, and history of the park, enjoy the Calumet Community Day this Saturday from Noon to 4 p.m.