Louis LaJeunesse Underground Iron Mining Oral History Interview (Part 1 of 2)

This oral history interview is one of several on underground iron mining conducted by researcher Mary Tippett Andes for her book "The Last Generation Underground." Louis LaJeunesse (1914-2002) was born in West Branch Township, Marquette County, Michigan to Joseph LaJeunesse and Albina Sanamore. He was part of the last generation of underground miners on the Marquette Range. He lived in Chocolay Township and West Branch Township and cut and hauled timber destined for local mines. He started at Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company in 1942 at Negaunee Mine and later at the Mather A Mine for three years. His jobs included hoisting timber, blasting, and mining. He also worked at Eagle Mills for four years and at the Mather B Mine in 1964 or 1965. He retired in 1975. He discusses immigrant miners and the different languages spoken. Tape 2 begins with the names of his siblings and how he met his wife, Alice Larson, when they were both working in a logging camp in Skanee, Michigan. They have a daughter, Phyllis. He describes typical Christmas celebrations, building houses, and hauling block or wood in addition to working at the mine. He briefly discusses his home life, faith, and work on US-2 and Third Street in West Ishpeming. He also describes a double-eight steel, underground pump room. He closes by discussing his daughter Phyllis’ family.

(External source of biographical information: Marquette County, Michigan Obituary and Death Notices Collection, https://www.genealogybuff.com/mi/marquette/webbbs_config.pl/noframes/read/95)