There are many old buildings spread across the Upper Peninsula that help tell and preserve the history of the region.

These structures vary greatly, from old industrial buildings and prominent homes to city halls and county courthouse to churches and schools.

The condition of these buildings also varies greatly, from basically ruins that tell of a bygone era that has faded away to wonderfully restored structures that retain the glory they have projected since stonemasons, carpenters and all the other artisans crafted them.

Some have been converted to uses other than their original intent, such as warehouses being renovated into condominiums, while others have remained serving their original purpose, such as courthouses, churches and schools.

A prime example of the latter category was the focus of a a ceremonial ribbon-cutting this week to mark its shift to a new use – but still under the category it was intended for when built nearly nine decades ago.

The ceremony was held at the 87-year-old Graveraet school in Marquette, which is now housing elementary school students. When it was built in 1927 it was the high school for the city of Marquette, which it served as until the final graduating class left its halls in 1964 when Marquette Senior High School opened.

It was then the junior high school, which became known as middle school in subsequent years, shifting grades as was needed.

Things took a turn then, with new schools built and enrollment numbers dropping, with Graveraet becoming basically an extra school building. It did serve limited purposes in recent years, though, including as the alternative high school.

However, there is a feature of the building that may be the reason for its survival – the grand Kaufman Auditorium.

Nationally known Marquette banker-philanthropist Louis G. Kaufman provided the money to buy the land the school sits on and and funding for an endowment at the school and auditorium that led to the Kaufman Auditorium Lyceum Performing Arts Series.

This series brings in well-known performers and lecturers to enrich the residents of Marquette, both youths and adults.

The descendants of Kaufman still remain involved in community enhancement, helping to provide scholarships to Marquette students as well as supporting many other programs.

Kaufman Auditorium has been well maintained and renovated over the years, as well, serving as the focal point of a school building that is still serving the students of the city and surrounding communities – and will undoubtedly continue to do so for many years to come.