Back in the 1860s, members of Jean Medlyn Ellis's family headed for the Keweenaw. These early settlers left hard times and experienced difficult situations in a climate very different from what they knew. Both women and men struggled to improve their own lives and those of their children.

Learning about their community intrigued the five people who researched 1910 to 1914 conditions in Calumet Township. Rev. Laura Eaton joined retired educators Jean Ellis (Latin, French, English, Consultant for Programs for Gifted and Talented), Greta Erm (English, History, Library Science and Media Consultant), Dan Glinn (History and Social Science) and Ann Newton (Mathematics). The group blended research skills, desire for accuracy, years of developing programs and presentations, and links with various parts of the local community.

This book shows things that surprised them. Dramatic single events might have been taken as typical of the whole community. Traditions and attitudes, especially regarding the roles of women, needed careful examination. Beyond Brothels and Bars shares their discoveries.