Friends of the Plumer Mine Headframe
Pence, Wisconsin
Plumer Mine Today
Plumer Mine, 1917
Preserving the Plumer Mine Headframe and mining location for education and enjoyment of the area's iron mining heritage
Red Gold
The Plumer Mine was one of hundreds of iron ore mines that dotted what is called the "Penokee-Gogebic Iron Range." Iron was "red gold." Iron ore from mines like the Plumer was so rich that it didn't need any processing. It was direct shipped to steel mills in its natural "rock" form.
What is a "Headframe?"
Headframes are large steel structures that spanned above the opening to an iron ore shaft mine. Cables running from an engine hoist house ran through the sheave wheels on top of the headframe and connected to elevator-like cars that were lowered into the mine. Cars that carried miners into the shaft were called "cages" and those that hauled up iron ore from the shaft were called a "skips." Headframes had to high enough for enough cabling to reach from the hoist house deep into the mine. The Plumer was mined to a depth of 2300 feet and was considered a "smaller" mine.
It's a Connector
The Plumer Mine Headframe is more than just a cool 120 year old structure...it is a connector. During its operation, it physically connected miners to valuable iron ore resources they mined deep underground. Iron was this area's "red gold" that supported families and connected communities.
The Headframe connected this region to the world. Iron ore from the Plumer was shipped by train and boat to steel mills to build a growing America.
The Headframe continues to connect us to region's iron mining history and the future as we consider how we use the region's natural resources.
The Last One Standing
The Plumer Mine Headframe, sometimes misspelled "Plummer" or "Plumber", is last remining iron mining headframe of hundreds that once dotted the the famous Penokee-Gogebic Iron Range. The Plumer Mine Headframe site tells the story of the region's iron mining heritage. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Our Vision
In summer 2023, a group of volunteers organized the Friends of the Plumer Mine Headframe as a non-profit dedicated to preserving this historic mining structure and the adjacent Plumer Mine "location" which housed mining buildings and homes. Our vision is the designation of the Plumer Mine Heritage Site to preserve the history of the Penokee-Gogebic Iron Range through the stories and lessons this historic treasure can teach us.
IMAGES OF THE PAST AND PRESENT
A volunteer Friends group brushing out the Plumer Headframe
Join us in supporting the restoration and protection of the Plumer Mine Headframe and Mining Location.
Membership in the Friends of the Plumer Mine Headframe is only $20.00 annually.
The Friends of the Plumer Mine Headframe is a 501c3 tax exempt non-profit organization. Donations are most welcome and are tax deductible.
All membership fees and donations go towards Plumer Mine Headframe Site restoration costs.
Memberships and donations may be sent to:
Friends of the Plumer Mine Headframe
629 Whiteside St.
Pence, WI 54550
Or use the secure donation button on the top of this page
Thank you for your support!
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The Plumer Mine Headframe and Mining Location is off Hwy. 77 on Plumer Mine Rd. approx. 1/2 mile west of Pence, Wisconsin. The Plumer Mine location is owned by the Town of Pence and open to the public.
