Big Louie monument unveiled
One very big monument now stands in Hancock in honor of one of the city’s most famous historical residents.
FinnFest is a big event, and that is why it is the perfect time to honor one of the Copper Country’s biggest legends.
An eight-foot-three-inches tall granite monument now stands outside the Finnish American Heritage Center, the same height as the famous Big Louie Moilanen.
The structure was erected in honor of the Giant Finn of the Copper Country and spear headed by Hancock Township resident Dana Richter.
“More than any other person, he’s recognizable as a folk hero of the Copper Country,” Richter said. “He’s a Finlander, and he represents living with the fate that he was given.”
Several dignitaries from Finland attended the unveiling ceremony, along with a huge crowd, many of whom said they were related to Big Louie.
His birth name was Lauri Moilanen and he passed away in 1913 at the age of 27, making FinnFest USA 2013 an appropriate venue to dedicate the memorial.
“We thought that a monument to Big Louie would be a perfect addition to FinnFest, and this is also the 100th year of his passing,” Richter said. “It was just a good thing for the community to memorialize him.”