The Portage Lake Bridge in Houghton, Michigan

The Portage Lake Bridge in Houghton, Michigan was manufactured by the King Bridge Company in 1895 and designed by the Osborn Engineering Company - both of Cleveland.  Houghton is on the right side of the photo.  This 1957 Aerial photo of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge was taken in the summer of 1957 by Paul Hinzman, from the Michigan Technological University (Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections, negative #03049).  Photo courtesy MTU Archives.   Thanks to Brian Juntikka for the history. 

This December1959 photograph shows the new Lift Bridge (on the right) built by the American Bridge Company (a Division of U.S. Steel).  This new lift bridge replaced the King swing bridge (on the left) which was demolished shortly after this picture was taken.    This photo was taken from the Hancock side looking towards Houghton.  Note the new bridge is not yet open to traffic.  This photo of two bridges across Portage Lake, was taken in December 1959 by J. Harry Reeder, from the Michigan Technological University (Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections, Reeder negative, 565-1959-19).  Photo courtesy MTU Archives.  Thanks again to Brian Juntikka for the history.