Resident restores Quincy Mine Hoist artifact for free

A Schoolcraft Township resident restored an artifact from the Quincy Mine Hoist.

Gerald Lamppa refurbished a four-person hand car.

It was returned good as new to the Quincy Mine Hoist for display Thursday afternoon.

The car was powered along the railroad tracks at the hoist back in the 1800's.

Although Lamppa says he's a plumber by trade and not a carpenter, and that he took the project on as a challenge free of charge.

"I got it home, brought it to a neighbor who had a heated garage and I got it two years ago this fall," said Lamppa. "I've spent well over 400 hours of actual work and a lot of drilling, chiselling and measuring a lot."

Michigan Tech's Foundry Department, Peninsula Powder Coating Incorporated and other friends of Lamppa also worked on the project.