On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 2 p.m. David Gelwicks will discuss his book Michigan Mining Scrip: Paper of the Northern Michigan Copper and Iron Mining Districts in the Campbell Academic Center, Room C-114, on the main campus of Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI. This presentation is free and open to the public.
Michigan Mining Scrip is a highly regarded reference resource that is historical, educational, informative, interesting and entertaining and covers the period of 1824 - 1963 in Michigan's mining history. Gelwicks will take participants on a remarkable exploration of the mining story of the iron-rich and native copper lands of Michigan from a new perspective, with specific description and local history enjoyable for both novice and veteran collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
Gelwicks graduated from Michigan Tech in 1982 with a bachelor of science degree in metallurgical engineering. Following graduation, he began his steelmaking career in Wilton, IA at North Star Steel Iowa, working as a rolling mill and quality control metallurgist. In 1984 he transferred to the special bar quality division at North Star Steel Michigan where he held positions in technical service as a melt-shop metallurgist, and as a melting and casting foreman. He spent four years at the North Star Steel wire rod plant in Beaumont, TX.
In 1993, Gelwicks returned to Michigan, accepting a position with Hickman, Williams & Company, a 128 year-old, employee-owned carbon and alloy supplier located in Monroe. For many years, he was the manager of sales to steel melt shops throughout the country. In 2003, Dave was named a vice president and director of the company, then elected president and chief executive officer in 2013. He currently serves on the Foundry Educational foundation Advisory Board at Michigan Tech.