Last Place on Earth

Another beloved Keweenaw landmark, The Last Place on Earth was originally the Phillipsville Saloon. Built 1905-07, it had a huge mahagony bar and large mirrors on the north wall.

Idiosyncratic, truly personal shops like this are things to treasure, and they go against current trends, even in Keweenaw tourism. (This is not strictly in Kearsarge but in Phillipsville.) Here are Jan Manniko's memorable paintings and stationery, and wooden items, including wooden spoons, carved by her husband, Tom Manniko, in all sorts of functional shapes and sizes. Jan's paintings of Copper Country landscapes and characters are sometimes done in loose, expressionistic brushstrokes and swirling color, sometimes in detailed pen and ink drawings. Folks at the morning kaffee klatsch, hunched over their mugs, smoking cigarettes, or old mining machines, or railroad engines - whatever the subject, they're all done with great affection that doesn't pretty up the subject.

In the tradition of curiosity shoppes, here are mineral specimens and collectibles, including Copper Country bottles and old mining memorabilia, glassware and dishes and glass lampshades, even some books, and whatever new things Jan and Tom are creating. Right now she's doing small paintings of swamps and other local scenes. The friendly wood stove adds to the mood.

The shop's poetic name goes back to 1968. Tom, a Calumet native, and Jan had decided to settle here. (Jan was from Florida and met Tom at her parents' restaurant in Copper Harbor, the Coral Inn, which later became the Harbor Haus.) They were sick of renting, so they bought this building, then quite decrepit, with a fallen-in floor and 40 windows that had to be replaced. After Tom and his father finished renovating it, he said, "I wouldn't do this again if it were the Last Place on Earth!"? "That's the store name!"? said Jan. They live upstairs. Extremely simple living and the income from this summer business has enabled them to pursue their interests without resorting to day jobs.

59621 U.S. 41. Look for the two-story dark red cement block storefront at the bottom of the hill in Phillipsville, three miles north of Calumet. (906) 337-1014. From Mem. Day weekend into late Sept. open daily including Sunday 9-5 except for lunch from 12:30 to 1:30. Also open by appointment.
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