Burton H. Boyum History of Surveying Collection

Collection — Box: 1-5

Identifier: MS-036

Staff Only

Collection Scope and Content Summary

Collection, 1980-1994, of Burton H. Boyum's history of surveying material. Boyum was a resident of Ishpeming, Michigan and dedicated much of his time to understanding the art of surveying, past and present, especially within the state of Michigan. Includes Boyum's manuscript for "Eighty Chains," correspondence with William Burt’s family members, surveyors’ notes (including William Burt’s), biographies of William Burt and information on his solar compass as well as books and magazines relating to surveying. Also includes other research material for Boyum’s manuscript including information on Global Positioning Satellite Systems, sundials, mining, units of measure, etc. in addition to other writings by Burton Boyum.

Dates

1980-1994

Access

Available for use in the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections.

Biography

Burton H. Boyum was a native of Minnesota, but settled in Ishpeming, Michigan in 1973 after his career with the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Mining Company took him to various places around the globe. He held two degrees in geological engineering from the University of Minnesota. He worked from 1941 to 1982 for the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company in different management positions in the United States, Canada, South America, and Australia. He has written extensively about mining and geology and had a lifelong interest in history. He served as president of the Marquette County Historical Society, director of the Historical Society of Michigan for six years and the president in 1982-1983. He was the president of the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame and Museum, founder and president of the Quincy Mine Hoist Association, and chair of the Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board. He also participated in many surveys over the years. Mr. Boyum passed away in 2005.