Pioneers of Fuse Manufacturing in Michigan’s Mining Era
In 1862, the Lake Superior Safety Fuse Company began its journey in Eagle River, amid the thriving copper mining industry of the Upper Peninsula. With deep roots in Cornwall, England, and an innovative spirit, the company evolved into J. Blight & Sons, leaving a legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and resilience that lasted for generations. This blog explores the fascinating story of how this small company became an integral part of Michigan’s mining history.
From Cornwall to Michigan: The Origins of Fuse Manufacturing
The concept of safety fuses originated in the mines of Cornwall. The need to safely ignite black powder charges sparked early innovations. Before the modern fuse, miners experimented with hollow goose quills and cat-tail reeds filled with black powder. These methods often proved unreliable. In 1831, Bickford, Smith & Co. of Cornwall revolutionized the industry by patenting a safety fuse. It was made with black powder encased in twisted fiber plies, protected by a waterproof asphalt coating.
It was here that Mary Ann Terrill, a young Cornish woman would learn her trade. She was instrumental in Michigan’s fuse-making history. Mary later married Joseph Blight, an architect and carpenter, and in 1852, the couple immigrated to Copper Harbor, Michigan, seeking opportunities in the booming mining industry.
Founding the Lake Superior Safety Fuse Company
In 1862, with the technical expertise of Mary Blight and the ingenuity of Joseph Blight, Thomas Dunstan, and Richard Uren, the Lake Superior Safety Fuse Company was established near Eagle River’s waterfalls. The company produced fuses for prominent mining operations like Calumet & Hecla and Quincy, essential for extracting the region’s rich copper and iron resources.
The manufacturing process, perfected through innovation and protected by secrecy, initially employed five workers who produced 25,000 feet of fuse daily. By isolating production steps across multiple buildings, the company mitigated the risks of explosion while safeguarding its proprietary techniques.
Challenges and Expansion
The Lake Superior Safety Fuse Company thrived for decades, providing fuses not only to Upper Peninsula mines but also to international clients. A devastating fire in 1957 marked the end of an era, destroying the factory and nearly the entire town of Eagle River. Fortunately, a nearby powder magazine was saved, preventing a catastrophic explosion.
After co-founders Dunstan and Uren left to form a California-based company, the Blight family assumed full control. Renamed J. Blight & Sons, the company became a family business, with Joseph’s sons and grandchildren carrying on the legacy until the company’s closure.
A Lasting Legacy
The story of J. Blight & Sons highlights the ingenuity and resilience of those who contributed to Michigan’s mining history. From Mary Ann’s expertise to Joseph’s entrepreneurial vision, the company represents a fascinating chapter in the industrial development of the region. While the factory may no longer stand, its legacy endures as a testament to innovation and family dedication.
Learn more about the rich history of the Western Upper Peninsula.
