Friends of the Plumer Mine Headframe
Pence, Wisconsin
News & Updates
2026: Clearing Plumer Location Building Site
The area between the Plumer Headframe and the larger hoist house and engine room building ruins has been hand cleared of nasty brush by Koski Forestry. This is an important step in determining the location of the buildings that supported the Mine's operations and developing an educational walking trail to explain their functions.
Summer 2026: Plumer Location Archeology Begins
What's between the Plumer Headframe and the larger ruins of the engine and hoist house that powered it? At least 6 buildings that supported the mine's operation are shown1922 site map. With help from Michigan Tech's mining archaeology department, we are finding the building ruins. In early summer, we uncovered the foundation of what may have been the miner's "dry" or changing building.
May, 2026: New Interpretative Signs Installed
Three new interpretative signs are now ready for visitors to enjoy at the Plumer Mine Headframe. The signs explain the Headframe's function as a connector of resources, economies, and people. The full color signs are encased in heavy steel frames supported by railroad rails that compliment the Headframe's structure.
2024 Plumer Mine Site Ruins Cleared
Did you know that there are foundations of the Plumer's former mining buildings behind the Headframe? We've just completed clearing years of brush away to reveal them. A walking trail connecting the Plumer Mine Headframe parking lot to the ruins has been cleared. We are researching these mysterious structures and will be developing interpretative signs to share their history and function.
2023: Headframe Brushing
2023: Volunteers completed tree and brush removal beneath the Plumer Mine Headframe. Major site rehab begins with Headframe fence replacement, brush clearing, and installation of temporary interpretative signs to improve safety and educational values.
2023: Friends Group Established with 501c3 Tax Exempt Status in 2024.
The Friends of the Plumer Mine Headframe was established as a 501c3 non-profit volunteer member organization. A new website and social media begins sharing Friends news.
