Santa's Workshop in the Upper Peninsula will be rebuilt after a devastating fire, thanks to the generosity of the public, especially a former Ishpeming resident with warm childhood memories. The Mining Journal reports that Tim Easterwood offered to pay the full cost of rebuilding the small structure. He hopes the community's response might turn the unknown arsonist "in the right direction."
Authorities say a fire last weekend probably was intentionally set. The workshop has been open in Ishpeming on weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, giving families a place to visit Santa Claus. Holiday decorations stored inside the building were also destroyed.
High school and college students will rebuild the workshop and trailer. Brett Anttila, a longtime workshop volunteer, says "it's going to be bigger and better."
