308  8th Street, Calumet, Michigan

Rehab of a mid-1880's Finnish Hall into seven (7) new housing units

308 8th Street (Block 32 Lot 13) Kansanvalistusseura (People's Enlightenment Society) Hall

Building

The earliest (front) part of this building was built in about 1880 on a lot leased from C&H by the

People's Enlightenment Society, who also allowed other Finnish organizations and fraternal

orders to rent the hall. A Finnish school was also conducted in rooms on the first floor, and at

one time, a Finnish insurance office occupied front rooms on the first floor. Sometime between

and , the back portion of the building was added. Around 1910, the brick foundation/basement

was built under the building, probably by contractor Edward Ulseth.

In 1909, C&H still owned the lot; the building was assessed to the Hyra Temperance Hall. In

1910, the property was owned by the Hyra Temperance Hall, and in 1913, by the Finnish

Temperance Hall, as well as in 1917 and 1920. By 1924, the property/building was owned by

the Copper Country Building and Loan Association, at least until 1926. By 1928, the property

was owned by Gideon Niemi and his wife. This was probably when it was converted to

apartments. The Niemis still owned the building in 1940. In 1941, it was owned by John H.

Saavola, and in 1943, it was owned by John Haarola.