Updated: Author Steve Lehto to discuss, sign new book June 25

HANCOCK -- Finlandia University ’s North Wind Books, Hancock, will host a book signing with author Steve Lehto from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 25. Lehto will sign copies of his new book, Michigan ’s Columbus, The Life of Douglass Houghton, a chronicle of Dr. Houghton’s life and tragic death.

At 7 p.m. the same evening, June 25, Lehto will recount the life and times of Douglass Houghton and sign more copies of his book at the Keweenaw County Courthouse, located at 5095 Fourth Street in Eagle River, Michigan. This presentation is part of the Fourth Thursday in History speaker series, sponsored by Keweenaw National Historical Park. Attendees will be able to purchase copies of Lehto’s books from the Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association.

The name "Houghton" is well-known to Michiganians as a city, a county, a lake, waterfalls, schools and more. But how did Douglass Houghton become such a "star?"

As its first state geologist, Houghton found more natural resources in Michigan than any explorer before him, from salt springs to gypsum. His discoveries helped begin the "rush" to the Keweenaw Peninsula’s Copper Country. Douglass Houghton was also a medical doctor, a mayor of Detroit and a professor at the University of Michigan. When Houghton drowned in 1845, at the age of 36, he was one of the best-known people in Michigan.

During his presentation in Eagle River, Lehto will discuss these and other aspects of Houghton’s life that he researched in writing his book

Lehto, an attorney, is also the author of At Death’s Door, an account of the 1913 Italian Hall disaster in Calumet, Mich., which won the 2007 Michigan Notable Book Award. His grandfather Waino "Pops" Lehto was a dean and professor at Finlandia University (then Suomi College) for 40 years.

For additional information about the book signings, please contact North Wind Books at 906-487-7217 or call Keweenaw National Historical Park at (906) 337-3168.