The Log Cabins Exhibit

The Iron County Historical Museum has been designated as the Historic Log Cabin Capital of Michigan!

The exhibit features many log buildings, including the Homestead Complex and Barn, The Peterson House, The Beechwood Cabin, The Kaleva Puotinen Barn, The Koski Cabin, The Playhouse, The Maki Sauna, the Logging Camp, and more.

The Lee LeBlanc Art Gallery

Lee LeBlanc (1913-1988), a graduate of Iron River High School in 1931, studied art and in1937 began his Hollywood motion picture career as an animator to Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies.

His best-known film production was “Ben Hur”. From 1941 to 1956, he was an artist for Twentieth Century Fox, leaving to become administrative head of MGM Special Photographic Effects Department. He retired as Art Director for MGM in 1962.

He returned to his hometown Iron River and began painting wildlife. He has won the National Duck Stamp, the National Turkey Stamp and the National Bass Stamp awards. Over 200 of his works are on display. His career found new direction in calendar art with commissions from Brown and Bigelow and Shedd Brown. He also began book illustrating. In 1967 he was appointed art director for Oddo Publishing. The focus in the 1970s was wildlife painting. His earned many awards..

Carrie Jacobs-Bond House

Carrie Jacobs-Bond was an American singer, pianist, and songwriter who composed nearly 177 pieces of popular music from the 1890s through the early 1940s.

She’s remembered fondly for composing the popular turn-of-the-century piece ” I Love You Truly”.

She once said, “I spent my seven happiest years in Iron River, Michigan.” Part of her seven years was spent in this home which was moved from Adams Street in Iron River to the Iron County Historical Museum in 1978. The 70-ton home was restored to the 1890-1910 period. Part of the furniture, a sofa, a desk and chair, and a bed, as well as the portrait of her father, Dr. Jacobs, and other unique items came from the famous composer’s estate.

The Stager Depot

The Stager Depot was once a bustling railroad station filled daily with passengers coming to Iron County. Originally located near Stager Lake in Crystal Falls, the station was in operation all the way up to 1960’s, and over the years the majority of immigrants coming to settle in Iron County, passed through it on their way to the various communities here.

Also staged in this exhibit are artifacts from local airports and helicopter propellers made by Rudy Enstrom from Crystal Falls. 

The Giovanelli Studio & Gallery

The Brandon Giovanelli Studio & Gallery is the former residence of L. Brandon Giovanelli, one of the most talented artists in Iron County history. It was moved from the Virgil location to the Museum grounds in 1999.

His home was one of his many “canvases” and he created works of art on his ceilings and walls. The details are incredible with low ceilings that allow every guest to easily observe the delicate beauty of his creations.

The Pioneer School

The Pioneer School, a one-room schoolhouse, was built in 1896. It was moved to the museum grounds and restored in 1988. Many of the furnishings were donated by the local school systems. A study revealed over 80 such schools were in Iron County at one time. A map in the schoolhouse shows these other school locations.