Crisp Point Light

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Crisp Point Light

Location: Lake Superior shoreline, Michigan
Coordinates
WGS-84 (GPS)		 46°45.173′N 85°15.440′W / 46.752883, -85.257333
Year first lit: 1904
Deactivated: 1947
Foundation: poured concrete
Construction: brick
Tower shape: conical
Markings/Pattern: White W/Black Lantern
Height: Tower - 58 feet (18 m)
Elevation: Focal plane - 62 feet (19 m)
Original lens: Fourth Order Fresnel lens
Range: 15 miles (24 km)

Crisp Point Light Station was one of five U.S. Life-Saving Service Stations along the coast of Lake Superior between Munising and Whitefish Point in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Located about fourteen miles (21 km) west of Whitefish Point, in 1876 it became "Life Saving Station Number Ten," of the U.S. Life-Saving Service District 10 (later part of District 11). Crisp Point is named from one of the Life Saving Station keepers, Christopher Crisp, who is said to have been "an iron-willed boatman." The other four Life-Saving Stations were Vermillion Point (now Vermilion, Michigan), about five miles (8 km) east of Crisp Point, Two Hearted River, about five or six miles (10 km) west of Crisp Point, Deer Park, Michigan (formerly known as the Sucker River Station and Muskallonge Lake Station), about ten or eleven miles (18 km) west of Two Hearted River, and Grand Marais about fifteen or sixteen miles west of Deer Park.[1]

In 1915, these stations became part of the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1939 the U.S. Lighthouse Service also merged under the control of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Crisp Point Lighthouse was first proposed in 1896 and every year thereafter until finally approved in June, 1902. Construction began one year later. The fifteen acres of land was purchased at a price of $30.00. The deed was dated May 21, 1903. In the 58 feet (18 m) high tower a fourth order red Fresnel lens[2] by Sautter and Lemonnier of Paris, France was installed.[3] The light was displayed for the first time in May 1904.

The lighthouse tower is 58 feet (18 m) from base to the lantern's ventilator ball top.

This lighthouse and life saving station have undergone massive damage. All were destroyed by erosion, except for the tower and one wall of the entrance room. In the winter of 1997/98, the loss was stayed by the installation of one thousand cubic yards of stone in front of the tower. There are further plans for protection and stabilization as funds become available.[4]

The stretch of coast between Whitefish Point and Grand Island became known as "The Shipwreck Coast." On November 10, 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank during a violent storm. It sank in Lake Superior about 17 miles (27 km) northeast of Crisp Point. The Fitzgerald's last radio communication was with the Coast Guard station at Grand Marais. In fact, some tourists go to the five life saving stations in an organized manner for a day trip.[5]

Nearby, in the Great Lakes Storm of 1913 the freighter Major (built in 1889) was stranded near the point; and the 1902 William Nottingham lost three men in the area, after they agreed to fetch assistance in a lifeboat, which overturned as they embarked. See, Shipwrecks of the 1913 Great Lakes storm and List of victims of the 1913 Great Lakes storm.

This light was almost completely lost due to the elements and neglect.[6] Also demolished were the orignal white frame boathouse, barn, brick oil house and two outbuilidngs. In 1997-98, one thousand cubic yards of stone were placed in front of the tower to stabilize and protect it.[7]

The Crisp Point Light is now a center for renovation and renewal. Under the direction of the Crisp Point Lighthouse Organization, and other cooperating organizations, there are recurring events at the site.[8] Plans are in place to build a replica of the original diaphone fog signal building, which will be a visitor center for the station. A Fourth order Fresnel lens has been loaned to the society for display.[9]

Contents

[edit] Further reading

[edit] External links

Vintage picture: Lighthouse with keepers dwelling
Vintage picture: Lighthouse with keepers dwelling

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Crisp Point Light Historical Society.
  2. ^ Frenel lens at Terry Pepper, Seeing the Light.
  3. ^ Colt, Edin, "Crisp Point Light" Boatnerd.com.
  4. ^ Michigan lighthouse fund, Crisp Point Light.
  5. ^ Lifesaving tour.
  6. ^ Colt, Edin, "Crisp Point Light" Boatnerd.com.
  7. ^ Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy, Crisp Point Light.
  8. ^ Crisp Point Lighthouse Organization, Calendar of Events.
  9. ^ ARLHS World of Lights, Crisp Point Light.

[edit] See also