Sturgeon Point Light

Sturgeon Point Light
The light in winter.
Location Haynes Township, Alcona County, Michigan, USA
Coordinates
Year first constructed 1869
Year first lit 1869
Automated 1939
Foundation Limestone
Construction Brick
Tower shape Frustum of a Cone
Markings / pattern white Daymark with red trim
Height Tower - 71 feet (22 m)[1][2]
Focal height Focal plane - 69 feet (21 m)[3]
Original lens Sixth order Fresnel Lens[4]
Current lens 3½-order Fresnel Lens
Range 18 miles (29 km)[5]
Characteristic flash every six seconds
ARLHS number USA-943[6][7]
USCG number 7-11345
Sturgeon Point Light Station
Nearest city: Harrisville, Michigan
Area: 1 acre (0.40 ha)
Built: 1869
Architect: United States Lighthouse Board
Architectural style: Cape Cod style
Governing body: Michigan Department of Natural Resources with lease to Alcona County Historical Society and access by to optic by U.S. Coast Guard/ State of Michigan.[9]
MPS: U.S. Coast Guard Lighthouses and Light Stations on the Great Lakes TR
NRHP Reference#: 84001370[8]
Significant dates
Added to NRHP: July 19, 1984
Designated MSHS: February 18, 1982[10]

The Sturgeon Point Light Station is a lighthouse on Lake Huron in Haynes Township, Alcona County, northeastern lower Michigan. Established to ward mariners off a reef that extends 1.5 miles (2.4 km) lakeward from Sturgeon Point,[11] it is today regarded as a historic example of a Cape Cod style Great Lakes lighthouse.[12]

Contents

History

The light station was built in 1869 by the United States Lighthouse Board. The Board was in the midst of a lighthouse building boom on the Great Lakes due to increased maritime traffic, and in response to a large number of lost ships and men: Congress approved 70 lights on the western Great Lakes in thirty years: 28 in the 1850s, and 21 in each of the following decades.[13][14] The location is roughly halfway between Alpena's Thunder Bay Island and the northern entry to Saginaw Bay. Importantly, this point sits atop a formidable reef that is an imminent hazard to navigation. Moreover, the area north of Sturgeon Point and south of Alcona, Michigan is a bay that can provide shelter from northerly and southerly winds and waves. Historically, this area is locally known as "Sanctuary Bay," which is in distinct contrast to "Misery Bay", the area to the north, between Alpena and Thunder Bay Island. The Lighthouse Board further recognized that being able to navigate close to (but not over) the reef and the point would aid transport into and out of Saginaw Bay.[12]

It is made of brick masonry on an ashlar limestone foundation.[15] The tower stands 70 feet 9 inches (21.5 m) in height, with a diameter of 16 feet (4.9 m) at the base.[11] The focal plane is listed by the Coast Guard at 69 feet (21 m), which would be the height from the "mean high water mark," That figure is important, in that it could be used by mariners to chart their location, using a method of triangulation to give them the distance to the light.[16] The adjoining, two-story Lighthouse keeper’s quarters was designed in the Cape Cod style and built of the same materials.[15] At the time, the Board was often using this architectural motif. See Point Iroquois Light. In fact, Poverty Island Light, built in 1874, is considered to be a "sibling" as it is direct copy of Sturgeon Point.[17][18]

The light began its service with a sixth-order Fresnel lens ( /freɪˈnɛl/) which was upgraded to a 3½-order lens (that was originally installed at Oswego, New York), twenty years later.[15] It was one one of only a dozen used around the country, most of which were on the Great Lakes. The other Great Lakes 3½-order lenses were at (in alphabetical order): DeTour Reef (two 3½-order lenses, after the bivalve lens broke), Eagle Bluff, Grays Reef, Huron Island, Michigan Island, St. Helena Island, and Toledo Harbor.[19]

The 3½-order Fresnel lens is still in place and in use. This is one of only 70 such Fresnel lenses that are still operational in the United States, sixteen of which are use on the Great Lakes of which eight are in Michigan.[20]

In 1876, the light station was joined in its service by an adjacent United States Life-Saving Service station.[1][21]

There is no question that the presence of this light on this highly dangerous reef has forestalled "countless accidents."[22]

In 1875, a U.S. Life-Saving Service station was opened. The first light keeper became the first captain of the surf team.[23]

In 1915, this station 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. In the same year the station was electrified and automated.[11][12]

By the 1940s, the light was fully automated, and the Coast Guard withdrew all personnel in 1941 and thereafter dismantled the life-saving station.[11] One source claims (erroneously) that the lifesaving saving station and the lighthouse were "abandoned" in the 1940s; in point of fact personnel were withdrawen, but the light remains an active aid to navigation to this day.[24][25]

The lifesaving bell was purloined in 1951, and was "anonymously returned" in 2002 to the custody of the Alcona County Historical Society (according to a plaque at the light). The fog horn building was torn down.[12] The brick outhouse, built in 1869, remains, however.[15]

The Life Saving station's foundation is still visible.[23] The lifesaving watch tower also was torn down.[26]

In 1982 the Alcona Historical Society leased the light and began a three-years restoration project.[25]

The keeper's house itself fell into disrepair until it was taken over by the Alcona Historical Society in 1982.

Historic context

Contemporary status

Ownership was transferred from the Coast Guard to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources under the terms of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act, and operations are maintained by the Alcona Historical Society.[15]

During the planning stages of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Sturgeon Point Light was proposed to mark the southernmost extent of the sanctuary,[21] although the final sanctuary boundary was drawn short of the light.[30] Nevertheless, 15 historic shipwrecks have been identified with place of loss listed as "Sturgeon Point".[21] Indeed, the question of expanding the National Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve continues to be a subject of inquiry and discussion.[31]

Although the United States Coast Guard continues to operate the light,[11] the property has been transferred to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources under the terms of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.[15] The transfer from the Department of the interior was effective May, 2005.[32] The Alcona Historical Society operates a museum in the restored historic buildings.[11][21] The Sturgeon Point Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.[33] Sturgeon Point, on which the lighthouse is built, is a Michigan Scenic Site overseen by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.[34] It is listed as part of the National Maritime Heritage Program with the National Park Service.[35] The station structure is also listed as a state historic site in February 1982.[36]

Additionally, it is on the National Registry of Historic Places, Reference #84001370, Name of Listing: STURGEON POINT LIGHT STATION (U.S. COAST GUARD/GREAT LAKES TR) and is also on the state inventory, being listed in 1969.[15][15][37]

In 2006, the U.S. Coast Guard sought to forever darken the light, and in fact shut it off for a short time. Resistance to the initiative developed, and over five thousand signatures were collected on petitions to "Save Our Light."[38] Numerous public comments were submitted as part of the regulatory process. In due course, an arrangement was made whereby the light was left on (albeit with its operating expenses to be paid by the Alcona County Historical Society) and it was designated as an official "seasonal private aid to navigation." from April 1 through November 1.[39] The Coast Guard reversed course after the public pressure, and the light will remain on.[40]

A transfer of ownership of the light itself, from the Coast Guard to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, is pending in 2008 under the terms of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. The Alcona County Historical Society is a lessee at this time.[41]

Because of its picturesque form and location, it is often the subject of photographs, paintings,[42] drawings,[43] and even of needlepoint illustrations.[44] In fact, it is also the setting of an illustrated children's storybook.[45]

The following contact information may be of use to travelers: Sturgeon Point Lighthouse & Maritime Museum Sturgeon Point Road Harrisville, MI 48740 (989) 724-5107[46]

Current Events at the lighthouse and museum

Directions

From the south at the M-72 terminus (becoming Main Street in Harrisville) at the traffic light that intersects with US 23, proceed 2.6 miles (4.2 km) north on US 23; turn right on Lakeshore Drive. Take Lakeshore Drive 1.2 miles (1.9 km); turn right on Point Road (there are signs that direct you to the lighthouse). Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is a mile down Point Road on the left.[50][51]

From the north (e.g., Alpena, Michigan) take US 23, proceeding through Ossineke, Michigan, then turn left onto Alcona Road. Follow Alcona Road down the Mount Joy Cemetery hill for 1.1 miles (1.8 km) to Lakeshore Drive. Do not cross the railroad tracks. Turn right on Lakeshore Drive for 3.2 miles (5.1 km) and turn left on Point Road. Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is a mile down on the left hand side.[51]

The Lighthouse keeper's house is a maritime museum open to the public: Monday though Thursday from noon to 3 p.m.; and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The tower is open from noon to 3 p.m., Friday through Sunday, during the same period. Grounds are open all year. Questions may be answered via telephone during operating hours at (989) 724-6297.

Grounds open year round. Dwelling/tower open in season, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Alcona Historical Society/Sturgeon Point Light Station website
  2. ^ Pepper, Terry. "Database of Tower Heights". Seeing the Light. terrypepper.com. http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/lists/towers.htm. 
  3. ^ Pepper, Terry. "Database of Focal Heights". Seeing the Light. terrypepper.com. http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/lists/focalheight.htm. 
  4. ^ But see Pepper, Terry. "Database of Original Lenses". Seeing the Light. terrypepper.com. http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/lists/distribution.htm. 
  5. ^ Michigan Americana, Sturgeon Point Light.
  6. ^ Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society, Sturgeon Point (Lake Huron) Light ARLHS USA-823.
  7. ^ Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society, World List of Lights (WLOL).
  8. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2009-03-13. http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/natreg/docs/All_Data.html. 
  9. ^ Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy on Sturgeon Point Light.
  10. ^ State of Michigan (2009). "Sturgeon Point Light Station". http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/hso/sites/2354.htm. Retrieved August 1, 2010. 
  11. ^ a b c d e f Alcona Historical Society. "Sturgeon Point Lighthouse & Museum". Archived from the original on 2006-12-05. http://web.archive.org/web/20061205012914/http://theenchantedforest.com/AlconaHistoricalSociety/. Retrieved 2007-03-31. 
  12. ^ a b c d Seeing the light, Terry Pepper on Sturgeon Point Light Station.
  13. ^ Establishment years of western Great Lakes Lights, Terry Pepper, Seeing the Light,
  14. ^ See also the chronology at Wagner, John L.. "Beacons Shining in the Night: The Lighthouses of Michigan". Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University. http://clarke.cmich.edu/lighthouses/index.htm. 
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h National Park Service, Marine Heritage Program (2005). "Inventory of Historic Light Stations, Sturgeon Point Light". http://www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/light/sturpt.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-31. 
  16. ^ List of heights (with sources) of western Great Lakes lights, Terry Pepper, Seeing the Light.
  17. ^ Poverty Island Light, Terry Pepper, Seeing the Light.
  18. ^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of the United States: Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/lighthouse/miup.htm. 
  19. ^ Terry Pepper, Seeing the Light 3½-order Fresnel lens, which mistakenly does not list this among the Great Lakes 3½-order lights.
  20. ^ United States Coast Guard, Fresnel Lenses Still in Operation which erroneously reports that Sturgeon Point is a third order lens, not the considerably larger (and more rare) 3½-order See also, National Park Service Maritime Light Inventory, Grosse Point Light study which erroneously disregards Sturgeon Point and Bete Grise Light (which has its original lens), and proffers a count of "four remaining lenses -- it lists them -- on the Great Lakes. However, if may be that the article is only intending to list lights that have "their original lens in situ", and by that definition, Sturgeon Point would not be on the list, as it has a replacement lens, the original having been replaced by a larger lens in 1889.
  21. ^ a b c d e f National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (1999) (PDF). Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Final Environmental Impact Statement/Management Plan. http://thunderbay.noaa.gov/pdfs/ThunderBayEIS.pdf. 
  22. ^ Roberts, Bruce; Jones, Ray. (September 2002) American Lighthouses, 2nd: A Definitive Guide pp. 246-250 Publisher: Globe Pequot Press 304 pp ISBN 1-59223-102-0; ISBN 978-1-59223-102-7; ISBN 978-0-7627-2269-3.
  23. ^ a b Wobser, David, Boatnerd.com Sturgeon Point Light.
  24. ^ Lighthouse Central, Sturgeon Point light The Ultimate Guide to East Michigan Lighthouses by Jerry Roach (Publisher: Bugs Publishing LLC - July 2006). ISBN 0-9747977-1-5; ISBN 978-0-9747977-1-7.
  25. ^ a b Thunderbay National Marine Sanctuary, Sturgeon Point Light.
  26. ^ Photograph of life saving watch tower, Terry Pepper, Seeing the Light.
  27. ^ Thumb Shipwreck Preserve, John A. McGean.
  28. ^ a b Northeast dive news, Isaac M. Scott.
  29. ^ The Lakeshore Guardian :: December 2003 :: Sunken History
  30. ^ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "About the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve". Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Official Site. http://thunderbay.noaa.gov/about_new.html. Retrieved 2007-03-31. 
  31. ^ Testimony by Jefferson Gray, Superintendent of Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary concerning its expansion, May 6, 2008.
  32. ^ Department of Interior News Release.
  33. ^ National Park Service. "National Register Information System". Archived from the original on 2007-02-03. http://web.archive.org/web/20070203211158/http://www.cr.nps.gov/NR/research/nris.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-29. 
  34. ^ Michigan Department of Natural Resources. "Sturgeon Point Scenic Site". http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=498. Retrieved 2007-07-22. 
  35. ^ National Park Service Maritime Heritage Sites
  36. ^ Sturgeon Point Light Station, Historic Sites Online, Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries
  37. ^ National Park Service, Inventory of historic light stations, Sturgeon Point.
  38. ^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of the United States: Michigan's Eastern Lower Peninsula". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/lighthouse/miel.htm. 
  39. ^ Archive of LNM announcements District 9, week 1/2009, (file lnm09012009.pdf)
  40. ^ Sturgeon Point to remain on, Lighthouse Depot.
  41. ^ Michigan lighthouse fund, Sturgeon Point
  42. ^ Nicki Thompson, Painting of Sturgeon Point Light.
  43. ^ Mulgrew, Marilyn, Drawing of Sturgeon Point Light.
  44. ^ Needlepoint of Sturgeon Point Light. {Dead link|date=September 2009}
  45. ^ Briggs-Bunting, Jane, and Jon Buechel, llustrator. Laddie of the Light. (Black River Trading Co., 1997). ISBN 978-0-9649083-1-4 ISBN 0-9649083-1-X.
  46. ^ a b Alcona Historical Society
  47. ^ a b Chamber of Commerce on Sturgeon Point and Old Bailey School.
  48. ^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of the United States: Michigan's Western Lower Peninsula". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/lighthouse/miwl.htm. 
  49. ^ White Shoal Light on "Save Our Lights" license plate. Lighthouses of the North.
  50. ^ U.S. Lighthouses, Sturgeon Point Light.
  51. ^ a b Anderson, Kraig, Lighthouse Friends, Sturgeon Point.

Specialized Further reading

External links

Further reading

  • Harrison, Tim (editor of Lighthouse Digest and President of the American Lighthouse Foundation), (September, 2009) Ghost Lights of Michigan (Rare historic images and text on Michigan's lost and obscure lighthouse, including bonus chapters on lightships and lighthouse tenders.) East Machias, Maine: Foghorn Publishing, ISBN 978-0-9778293-3-0.
  • Oleszewski, Wes, Great Lakes Lighthouses, American and Canadian: A Comprehensive Directory/Guide to Great Lakes Lighthouses, (Gwinn, Michigan: Avery Color Studios, Inc., 1998) ISBN 0-932212-98-0.
  • Penrod, John. Lighthouses of Michigan, (Berrien Center, Michigan: Penrod/Hiawatha, 1998) ISBN 9780942618785 ISBN 9781893624238.
  • Penrose, Laurie and Penrose, Bill Traveler's Guide to 116 Michigan Lighthouses, Petoskey, Michigan: Friede Publications, 1999. ISBN 0923756035 ISBN 9780923756031.
  • Sapulski, Wayne S., (2001) Lighthouses of Lake Michigan: Past and Present (Paperback) (Fowlerville: Wilderness Adventure Books) ISBN 0923568476; ISBN 978-0923568474.
  • Splake, T. Kilgore. Superior Land Lights. Battle Creek, MI: Angst Productions, 1984.
  • Wagner, John L., Michigan Lighthouses: An Aerial Photographic Perspective, (East Lansing, Michigan: John L. Wagner, 1998) ISBN 1880311011 ISBN 9781880311011.
  • Wargin, Ed, Legends of Light: A Michigan Lighthouse Portfolio. Ann Arbor Media Group, 2006. ISBN 9781587262517.
  • Wright, Larry and Wright, Patricia, Great Lakes Lighthouses Encyclopedia Boston Mills Press, 2006. ISBN 1550463993.
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