Pictured is the billiards room in Cliffs Cottage. The billiards table was purchased by the building’s original owner and Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company President William G. Mather in the early 1900s. The cottage is one of four historic structures that will be featured in a Places and Spaces Historic Home Tour Fundraiser on Sunday. (Journal photo by Lisa Bowers)

MARQUETTE — History buffs are invited to take part in a self-guided tour back in time during the Ishpeming Historical Society’s “Places and Spaces” Historic Home Tour fundraiser from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

A suggested $10 donation to the IHS, which operates as a 5013c, gets participants access to historic homes at 200 Hill St. and 117 W. Ridge St. as well as the iconic Cliffs Cottage at 282 Jasper St. and the Presbyterian Church at 112 Euclid St.

Built in 1891, Cliffs Cottage served as Cleveland-Cliffs president William G. Mather’s residence and headquarters during his frequent visits to the company’s mines. The Swiss Chalet built from logs and shingles on a foundation of boulders and rock was meant to crown the Big Rock south of the Cleveland Mine office, a Mining Journal article published Oct. 31, 1891 states.

According to a memo from the Ishpeming Historical Society to the Ishpeming City Council, the cottage was designed by U.P. architect F. Fred Charlton who designed many regional buildings, including Ishpeming City Hall, the Ishpeming Fire Hall and the Marquette County Courthouse in the city of Marquette.

“From nearly every view in the house, there will be a magnificent view of the city of Ishpeming and the rock-ribbed and mineral-veined hills that surround it,” the article states. “Indeed the spot is claimed by all who have examined it to be the finest building site in Ishpeming.”

After an expansion in 1903, the cottage saw increased use for business purposes, including board of directors’ meetings and meetings with local mine managers. Although the cottage remains in use today with updated amenities, much of the original ambience remains — in the billiards and sitting rooms, and the polished jasper hearths.

Due to limited space near the cottage, only vehicles with handicapped stickers will be permitted to park in the driveway. All others will need to park along the street and walk up, according to the IHS newsletter.

The Presbyterian Church, is similarly celebrating 145 years of existence. The structure was erected in 1891 by E.E. Grip and Co.

Places and Spaces participants will be offered tours of the historic sanctuary, with organ music and refreshments offered in the basement.

Tickets are available in advance at Main Street Antiques, and at the door of each venue during the tour hours. Check the Ishpeming Historical Society Facebook page or call the Main Street Antique Mall at 486-8680 for more information.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242.