Tossava Family Collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MS-907

Staff Only

Collection Scope and Content Note

Collection, 1897-1960, consists of record books, ledgers, photographs, and lease information concerning the Finnish Workmen’s Co-Operative Company and the Kearsarge Store Company in Kearsarge, Michigan, managed by Matthew Tossava and Charles Tossava respectively. Also included in the collection are items detailing the lives and interests of the Tossava family including cookbooks, poultry magazines, government agriculture publications, Scholastic magazines, and correspondence school materials.

Dates

1897-1960

Language of Material

English; Finnish

Conditions Governing Access

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

Conditions Governing Use

Various copying restrictions apply. Guidelines are available from Michigan Technological University Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections.

Historical Note

This collection is focused on the history of the Tossava family and their business pursuits in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. From the early 1900s to the late 1910s, Matti (Matthew) Tossava served as the president of the Finnish Workmen’s Co-Operative Company which was established in Kearsarge, Michigan and built on land leased from the Osceola Consolidated Mining Company. In 1917 their lease was not renewed and they were forced to vacate. Around 1920-1921 the Keasarge Store Company was established and managed by Chas. (Charles) Tossava with records detailing its history into the 1930s. In addition to managing the store, Chas. was a poultry farmer, appearing in the National Barred Rock Journal as a Barred Plymouth Rock (chicken type) breeder.

Extent

4.85 Cubic Feet (12 manuscript boxes, 1 oversize folder)

Additional Description

Abstract

Records of the Tossava family relating to the Finnish Workmen's Co-Operative Company and the Kearsarge Store Company in Kearsarge, Michigan.

Arrangement

Records were not in any original order. They have been organized chronologically by subject.

Acquisition

This collection was donated to the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections by Carla Kotila on August 26, 2013.