Passages Editor: Candis Collick Paper on Any 1861, Because Detour Reef Newsletter@Drlps.Com Lighthouse in the Light Replaced It in 1931

DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society P A S S A G E S

PO Box 307 Drummond Island MI 49726 [email protected] www.DRLPS.com 906-493-6609

Issue 11 We’ll Keep the Light on for You! Spring 2007

Officers & Directors Russ Norris [email protected], President Modeling the Light From Afar . . . James M. Charles & David Bardsley drlps@lighthouse.net, V. Presidents

Charles E. Feltner [email protected], Treasurer The DeTour Reef Light has been mod- Madison Sentimore also selected the De- eled by two students at the Chesapeake Tour Reef Light. In her research paper Glenn Lahti, Secretary she wrote, “The history of my lighthouse G. Dennis Bailey, Clifton E. Haley, Richard L. Academy in Arnold, Maryland. The Moehl—Directors; James S. Woodward— social studies pro- has to include some of the Honorary Director, and Jeri Baron Feltner— ject for their fifth history of a lighthouse that Founding Director Emeritus grade class in- was first built on shore at Chairpersons cluded creating a DeTour Point at the begin- Database Manager/Assistant Secretary: Paula ning of Lake Huron in P. Bardsley [email protected] scale model of and a research 1847, and was rebuilt in Stars Event: Joyce Buckley [email protected] Passages Editor: Candis Collick paper on any 1861, because DeTour Reef [email protected] lighthouse in the Light replaced it in 1931. Webmaster: Matt and Sheila Sawyer United States. Boat traffic increased a lot [email protected] The finished dis- so they decided they needed Tours: John & Sunny Covell [email protected] plays were then a lighthouse in the water to Preservation: Don Gries [email protected] presented to all mark the dangerous reef. Membership: Mary Rogers member- the Academy stu- That is why they built De- [email protected] dents and their Tour Reef a River Cruise: Anne Stafford river- mile offshore [email protected] parents at an afternoon Light- Ornaments/Special Projects/Events: Dotty house Fair in November, 2006. in northern Witten [email protected] Two students selected the De- Lake Huron Accounting: Dawn Gibbons Tour Reef Light! between De- [email protected] Tour Village Public Relations: Ann Green [email protected] Jamie Soderlund decided to make and Drum- DRLPS is a volunteer, nonprofit, 501c3 organization his lighthouse primarily out of mond Island, established in 1998. Donations are tax-deductible; sugar cubes and added a gray at the mouth EIN 38-3387252 — MICS 27001 cement crib and red clay dome of St. Mary’s PURPOSE OF THE DRLPS: River. Parts To establish, support and promote efforts in the top. Flying proudly above the preservation and restoration of the DeTour Reef Light were both a US Flag and a of the struc- Light; to achieve the safe-keeping of the building, artifacts and records; to educate and inform the Michigan State Flag. As part of ture of the public on its history; to take visitors safely to the 1861 light- lighthouse; and to raise awareness about the his research paper, Jamie wrote, importance of volunteers in maintaining and pro- “There are stories of ghosts in all house were tecting the lighthouse for generations to come. of the Michigan lighthouses. DeTour included in DeTour Reef Light and are MEMBERSHIP Reef Light’s ghost was very mischie- still there.” $30 Basic (includes family members), $50 Patron, vous. One time, it had fun starting the $100 Keeper, $500 Lifetime, $1000 Grand Keeper At the Chesapeake Academy, reading, For a membership application please contact motor on a boat so the keepers thought DRLPS via one of the following: www.DRLPS.com, the boat started by itself. At times, the writing, and communication skills are [email protected], 906-493-6609 or by keepers thought they heard talking. stressed along with problem solving. The writing,: They decided that it was waves crash- social studies assignment provided an DRLPS, PO Box 307, Drummond Island MI ing into the steel structure, but it might opportunity to combine multiple activi- 49726, have been a ghost. There has been no ties to demonstrate the student's knowl- ghost activity since the DRLPS took edge and understanding of the world over. “ around them. PAGE 2 ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 P A S S A G E S PAGE 3

DRLPS in the News P A S S A G E S DeTour Reef Light Now Participating in Passport Program

The United the stamp designed specifically for The Society will verify the stamps DRLPS came in conjunction with Old Mission Bank’s States Light- the DeTour Reef Light seen below. and return your passport to you Russell Scott Norris an after school technology program Community Pride house Society with a patch that proclaims "I Elected President that he coordinated for the school sponsors a HAVE SEEN THE LIGHT!" shortly after he began his teaching Award Recognizes Passport Pro- of the DeTour Reef career. With the assistance of gram. A pass- The US Lighthouse Society also rec- Chuck and Jeri Feltner, students DRLPS Light Preservation port with a ommends that you donate a dollar to were able to participate in a wide blue vinyl the participating lighthouse each Society variety of projects including tran- cover, similar At a recent ceremony DeTour Reef time your passport is stamped. That scribing oral histories, developing in appearance Light Preservation Society was way, with a completed passport, you websites and brochures, recreating to an official The Board of Directors of the De- presented Old Mission Bank’s know that you have donated at least lighthouse drawings in digital for- United States Tour Reef Light Preservation Soci- Community Pride Award. In the $60 to lighthouse preservation. ety (DRLPS) have elected Russell mats, recording and editing digital passport, is photographs of award letter Old Mission Bank’s Scott Norris of Drum- available through the Society and If you don’t have a passport and and videos about President and CEO, David Firack, mond Island as the new lighthouse retailers across the wish to order one, please contact us the DeTour Reef wrote “the DRLPS’s efforts to President of the non- U.S. When you visit a participat- at: Light. The stu- serve the needs of our citizens and profit volunteer organi- ing lighthouse, you can get your However, if you visit a lighthouse U.S. Lighthouse Society dent activities to create new opportunities for zation whose mission is passport stamped. that is not participating in the pro- 244 Kearny St. – 5th Floor had included our children and grandchildren to to preserve the DeTour gram, is closed, or for whatever San Francisco, CA 94108 trips to the live and prosper within our East- Reef Light. There are four panels on each reason, you can’t get your passport (415) 362-7255 Lighthouse to ern Upper Peninsula community page of the passport and each stamped . . . you can take a picture assist with its are appreciated.” Russ is the organiza- panel should have a different of the lighthouse or cut out a logo care and upkeep. tion’s fourth President lighthouse stamp. When your of the lighthouse from a brochure The Community Pride Award of since 1998. The first passport is filled it will contain 60 and paste it in the square, or if Russ currently $500 was awarded to the DRLPS President was the late stamps. you’re artistic, draw it in. When resides on Drum- to assist in the match portion of Bob Jones, the second your passport is filled, send it to mond Island the Michigan Lighthouse Assis- Chuck Feltner, and the The stamps, designed by Society the US Lighthouse Society office with his wife, tance Program (MLAP) grant for third Dave Bardsley. graphic designer Rusty Nelson, for verification (be sure to include a Natalie Fair- restoration of the second deck are a work of art as evidenced by #10 self-addressed, stamped enve- child, and their crane. After earning a Bachelors degree lope with postage for 2 oz ). three sons Trey, Trevor, and Ty. in Economics from the Wharton Don Gries, DRLPS Restoration Business School at the University The Norris’s enjoy raising and training Peruvian horses, flying Chairman, is currently finalizing Why Google or Yahoo when of Pennsylvania in 1985, Russ the plans for the crane and work Where can you enjoy a gourmet din- spent the ensuing five years work- their Cessna 150, and all of the other wonderful activities associ- will be completed late this sum- you can Goodsearch? ner “Under the Stars”? ing as a business executive at the mer. Do you Google? Of course you do -- like Ebco Manufacturing Company in ated with life on the Island. The view is spectacular as the sun sets pretty much the rest of the world. Google is Columbus, Ohio. The following five over Potagannissing Bay, the food is never years he worked as a business and Other Board members elected in- a great search engine, but what if DeTour clude: Jim Charles, Vice Presi- anything but fabulous, and the company is computer consultant in and Reef Light could make money every time always first class. We are talking, of around Ann Arbor, Michigan until dent; Dave Bardsley, Vice Presi- dent; Glenn Lahti, Secretary; we -- or our supporters -- did a search? course, about the Annual STARS event he enrolled at the University of Now we can! Michigan in 1996 to pursue a Chuck Feltner, Treasurer. Con- held each year on the deck at Bayside Din- tinuing as Directors are Clif Ha- Go to http://www.goodsearch.com/ (Yahoo! teaching certificate. In 1997 Russ ing. accepted a teaching position in the ley, Dick Moehl, and Denny Bailey search engine), select DeTour Reef Light with Jeri Baron Feltner as the This year’s event is set for Saturday, DeTour Area School district where Preservation Society as your charity of July 7th so if you haven’t yet marked your he is currently employed as the DRLPS Founding Director, Emeri- tus and Jim Woodward as Honor- choice, and begin searching. For every calendars, be sure to do so soon! The venue High School Social Studies and search DRLPS will get one penny. It’s that Computers teacher. In 2003 he ary Director. has been tweaked a bit — new door prizes, easy -- and you can even keep count of how earned a Masters Degree in Teach- table awards and “event packages” among ing from Marygrove College. much money we raise! Above: David Bardsley is shown re- the new offerings. So come out, enjoy the ceiving the Community Pride Award ambiance and help “Keep the Light On”! Russ’s first involvement with the from Dave Firach of Old Mission Bank PAGE 2 ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 P A S S A G E S PAGE 3

DRLPS in the News P A S S A G E S DeTour Reef Light Now Participating in Passport Program

Feltner Receives Top Historic Preservation Award FORMER LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER RETURNS TO DETOUR REEF

On a beautiful years, now live in Alabama. By the end of the year, the DRLPS The Association for Great Lakes of the Straits of Mackinac. He has PhD degree in Mechanical Engi- Sunday afternoon plans to release a 4 DVD set enti- Maritime History presented its also published over 25 articles on neering from the University of in August, 2006, The Light he worked on in tled “DeTour Reef Light: A Collec- prestigious 2006 Award for His- Great Lakes maritime history and Illinois and an Honorary Leaders Milton Lovett the late 1950’s looks much tion of Historical Materials”. The toric Preservation to Dr. Charles made numerous presentations in for Manufacturing degree from stepped onto the the same Milton observed, collection will contain approxi- Feltner at its annual meeting held the Great Lakes region on mari- MIT. DeTour Reef Light however the color on the mately 11,000 pages of log books, on September 23, 2006 at the time history and shipwreck preser- for the first time in walls isn’t the same. He es- 1,000 pages of correspondence, 75 NOAA Great Lakes Maritime vation. The Association for Great Lakes almost 48 years. pecially remembers the ugly original photos, and 125 original Heritage Center in Alpena, Michi- More recently, Dr. Feltner led the Maritime History is an interna- pea soup green on all of the engineering and architectural gan. Dr. Feltner was recognized efforts of the DeTour Reef Light tional organization of museums, As a young man walls of the living drawings used to for his contributions to maritime Preservation Society (DRLPS) historical societies, research insti- Milton served on quarters. The build the Light. Oral historic preservation spanning team in a more than $1 million tutions and individuals involved the Light from only paint choices history videos will over 25 years. restoration of the historic DeTour in preserving and interpreting the 1958-1959 as an provided by the include interviews of During this time he led the effort Reef Light located at the mouth of maritime history of the Great EN3 (Engineman Coast Guard Alfred Lemieux, one to establish an underwater ship- the St. Mary's River in Northern Lakes region. For information on Milton Lovett climbs the 3rd Class) with the were white, gray, of the builders of the wreck preserve in the Straits of Lake Huron. This restoration the Association go to DRL ladder reliving Coast Guard. He black, and an Light in 1931; Keep- Mackinac and was the first Public work resulted in the DRLPS re- www.aglmh.org memories of the many was one of the few ugly pea soup ers Jim Williams, Member at Large on the Michigan ceiving the Michigan 2005 Gover- climbs made in years men who volun- past. green. Also there Floyd Colvin, Ron Underwater Salvage and Preserve nor's Award for Historic Preser- teered for the was more furni- Freels, and Robert Committee. He also assisted the vation, the 2006 Historical Soci- duty. ture in the lighthouse, Soldenski; 95 year old National Park Service Submerged ety of Michigan's Superior including bunk beds in Glen Shaw from De- Cultural Resources Team in train- Award, and the placement of the “I thought it was great that I got the assistant keeper’s Tour, MI, who as a ing Park Service rangers from DeTour Reef Light on the Na- so much time off” he stated. The bedroom. DRLPS re- tug boat captain, around the U.S. in underwater tional Register of Historic job schedule consisted of 3 weeks stored the lighthouse to Milton poses with the DRL watched the Light archeology techniques. Places. on the Light followed by one week the original 1931 wall Fresnel lens at the DeTour being built; and Jim With his wife Jeri Baron, he has Dr. Feltner lives with his wife off plus an additional 30 days of colors and twin beds as Passage Historical Museum Woodward, who as a coauthored two books on Great Jeri and two golden retrievers in DeTour, MI leave because of the remoteness of indicated by the August young civilian Engi- Lakes maritime history, including on Drummond Island, Michigan, the assignment. “I was able to do 1931 bid specifications. neer at the Coast the landmark publication Great in northern Lake Huron. He a lot of traveling and have a lot of The twin beds will be replaced Guard’s Ninth District in Cleve- Lakes Maritime History: Bibliog- currently is active as a consult- fun. Of course that was before I with two bunk beds this spring land, worked on drawings related raphy and Sources of Information, ant in the high tech computer met my wife.” reflecting the later manned period to the shutdown of the Light in and highly-acclaimed Shipwrecks software industry. He holds a of the lighthouse. 1974.

Getting to Know the People Be- While he was in the area he also If you have information on former had the opportunity to see the keepers stationed at DeTour Reef hind the Scenes: Sheryl LaMotte Light’s original Fresnel lens at the Light, or have any historical mate- Thank you, Sheryl, for DeTour Passage Historical Mu- rial such as photographs, memora- Our Webmaster for the last five years, Sheryl, seum. He reminisced about the bilia, etc., please contact Chuck all your hard work turned over responsibilities to Matt and Sheila Saw- many hours he spent cleaning the Feltner at 906-493-6517 or email yer at the end of 2006. We want to thank Sheryl for and dedication help- lens. [email protected]. the many years of dedicated, behind the scenes ser- ing get our website off vice to DRLPS. Sheryl and her husband Dave own the ground and flying In an effort to learn more about and operate Moosehead Lodgings on Caribou Lake high during our first the Light’s active years, DRLPS west of DeTour Village and Sheryl works at the De- Historian, Chuck Feltner, has re- few years. We wouldn’t Milton and Geneva Lovett Tour Drummond Community Credit Union. Sheryl be where we are today searched log books back to 1931, and her sister are pursuing a new startup business without you passion After a 25 year career with the when the lighthouse was built. that will be an e-commerce web site devoted to gam- and creative insight! Coast Guard, with additional as- Using the internet, local sources, bling gifts. The LaMottes’ son, Rich, is a freshman in solid hunches, and a lot of phone The DRLPS Team signments in Texas, Alaska, New college studying design and engineering. Readers York, Florida, Louisiana and Ala- calls, he has located a total of 15 may recall that Rich was featured in the winter 2006 bama, Milton retired as a W4 past keepers and talked with 11 of Passages in the article “Students Digitize Lighthouse (Commissioned Warrant Officer). them, including Milton. Drawings.” He and Geneva, his wife of 46 PAGE 4 P A S S A G E S ISSUE 11 PAGE 5 P A S S A G E S ISSUE 11

Feltner Receives Top Historic Preservation Award FORMER LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER RETURNS TO DETOUR REEF

Getting to Know the People Be- While he was in the area he also If you have information on former had the opportunity to see the keepers stationed at DeTour Reef hind the Scenes: Sheryl LaMotte Light’s original Fresnel lens at the Light, or have any historical mate- Thank you, Sheryl, for DeTour Passage Historical Mu- rial such as photographs, memora- Our Webmaster for the last five years, Sheryl, seum. He reminisced about the bilia, etc., please contact Chuck all your hard work turned over responsibilities to Matt and Sheila Saw- many hours he spent cleaning the Feltner at 906-493-6517 or email yer at the end of 2006. We want to thank Sheryl for and dedication help- lens. [email protected]. the many years of dedicated, behind the scenes ser- ing get our website off vice to DRLPS. Sheryl and her husband Dave own the ground and flying In an effort to learn more about and operate Moosehead Lodgings on Caribou Lake high during our first the Light’s active years, DRLPS west of DeTour Village and Sheryl works at the De- Historian, Chuck Feltner, has re- few years. We wouldn’t Milton and Geneva Lovett Tour Drummond Community Credit Union. Sheryl be where we are today searched log books back to 1931, and her sister are pursuing a new startup business without you passion After a 25 year career with the when the lighthouse was built. that will be an e-commerce web site devoted to gam- and creative insight! Coast Guard, with additional as- Using the internet, local sources, bling gifts. The LaMottes’ son, Rich, is a freshman in solid hunches, and a lot of phone The DRLPS Team signments in Texas, Alaska, New college studying design and engineering. Readers York, Florida, Louisiana and Ala- calls, he has located a total of 15 may recall that Rich was featured in the winter 2006 bama, Milton retired as a W4 past keepers and talked with 11 of Passages in the article “Students Digitize Lighthouse (Commissioned Warrant Officer). them, including Milton. Drawings.” He and Geneva, his wife of 46 PAGE 6 P A S S A G E S ISSUE 11 PAGE 7 P A S S A G E S ISSUE 11

Second DeTour Reef Light and the builder’s plate were dis- MLAP, administered by the State Our Visit to Detour us that she and John would be rior, even put to bed for the sea- Deck Crane Project Funded covered underwater near the Historic Preservation Office, is keepers for a weekend and would son, made me want to stay. The With Michigan Lighthouse lighthouse by divers Mike Spears, funded by proceeds from the sale of Reef Light . . . be giving tours out on the Light. kitchen was fabby and I wanted to At the end of the summer she Assistance Program Grant Chris Pemberton, the State’s "Save our by Keith and Jane Ander- cook on the range. I was a bit dis- Garey Eilertson, and Lights" specialty li- fizzed with excitement and sto- appointed by the modern light - son, Musselburgh, Scotland Dock Borth and were cense plates. Light- ries about all the tours. We but one can’t have everything and The DeTour Reef Light Preserva- used in the construc- house grants are given looked at photos and saw the I guess if it is brighter and more tion Society (DRLPS) has re- Every year Keith and I travel to tion of the first to state and local gov- video and were very impressed useful to the ships it is intended to ceived a grant from the Michigan Michigan from Scotland, almost crane. DeTour High ernments or nonprofit with all the very hard work that aid all the better. Lighthouse Assistance Program always in October since the School students, organizations that are everyone put in to make this re- (MLAP) to replicate the second weather then is more what we along with their maintaining or restor- markable Light come back from In Scotland restoration is a way of deck crane at the DeTour Reef are used to up here in Northern teachers Brian Net- ing lighthouses. Re- the darkness. Then, one evening, life and I have begun to appreciate Light. The $30,000 grant award Europe. We visit my family and tleton and Russ Nor- cipients must provide not long before we were due to the work involved in keeping old for fiscal year 2007 requires lots of friends but the most impor- ris, assisted in com- 50 percent of the grant depart for our 2006 trip, John buildings going. It is something, I matching funds of $15,000 from tant part of the trip (well mostly, puter design draw- award as matching phoned to say that he had got us feel, that America needs to learn. the DRLPS. on account of we do visit with ings of the crane. funds. Since the estab- permission to go out to the Light There are so many other wonder- Mom which is also pretty impor- lishment of the pro- when we were there - even ful Lights in Michigan and all over The first crane restoration which tant) is our trip to Drummond The new second gram by the Michigan though it had been closed up for the country, which now unused for began in 1999 was funded by a Island. This part of the trip is deck crane grant application was Legislature in 1999 to the season - and actually see it! their purpose, are being allowed to similar grant thru MLAP and the relaxing, holiday part of our submitted by Clif Haley and the assist local groups in preserving and rot away. As we become more and was the first restoration project vacation and we love it! project director is Don Gries, both protecting lighthouses, more than Hmmmm. This put a whole new more dependent on new technolo- undertaken by the DRLPS. The DRLPS volunteers. The project is $985,000 has been awarded. The light on the Light! There was gies we lose so much of the vital grant application to restore the Like most people, we have small expected to be completed by the grant program arose from a concern this 20 foot ladder - from the technologies that went before. We deck crane on the lighthouse was landmarks and sign posts that let end of 2007. ”The DRLPS is ex- about the disposal of over two-thirds deck of a boat. There was the can’t afford to lose these Lights submitted by Jeri Baron Feltner us know that we are reaching the cited to be able to restore the sec- of the lighthouses in Michigan by boat!! Keith doesn’t usually like and it is wonderful that groups and was completed in August, end of our trip. Unlike the trip ond deck crane. We are grateful the U.S. Coast Guard and was estab- boats too well. If the light was like the DRLPS work so hard to 2001 by L&B Builders of Drum- back "below the Bridge" to Grand for the MLAP funding and appre- lished to assist in the preservation, closed up for winter that would keep them going. It may never mond Island. Chuck Feltner was Rapids, we usually drive from ciate the support of the State His- rehabilitation and protection of mean no harness and a very happen - but if the day comes project director. Boyne City - which is not a long toric Preservation Office,” said these lighthouses. cold, wet drop and well - - when the new stuff doesn’t work - trip mileage wise - but to an only hmmmmm. Don. child of only children - it is a for what ever reason - at least De- Large pieces of the original crane blessed and important drive that tour Reef Light will be standing On the day though - it was takes him miles and miles from ready and able to say "Don’t .A Message From Our largest Great Lakes, Huron, association with the DRLPS has magic! First of all - what was a all that family! One of our land- worry, I am still here!" Michigan and Superior. been the opportunity to take local very cold (for October) clear day President: marks has always been There is much to be excited students to the lighthouse to engage dawned, blue sky, sunshine, and Let me begin by expressing my "Uncle Sunny s Light House". We were so pleased and delighted about this year as our most recent in volunteer work which we did both calm water. A nice open boat gratitude to everyone who has The Uncle part is a long story and by the Light and the work done to grant will allow us to add a sec- before and after the restoration with the lovely Captain Ivan and supported the DRLPS whether it I wont go into it here, but for save it we joined! ond crane to the deck of the light- process began. We plan to do that the prospect of touring with Dave is as a member, a volunteer, a those of you who don t know our house bringing the restoration again this spring, and seeing the Bardsley too. I was feeling more donor or just someone who takes dear friend Sunny, she is a very Hope that will do! I will look for- phase nearly to completion. Once lasting impact it has on these young confident and happier by the an interest in lighthouses. With- enthusiastic person and the De- ward to getting my copy in due this is finished we can devote our people is priceless. I encourage any- minute! When we reached the out your support none of this tour Reef Light has long been one course! Cheers, Jane attention to the continued preser- one who has the opportunity to visit Light, after a lovely boat ride, would be possible. As someone of her enthusiasms. vation and exhibition of the De- the lighthouse this summer to do so. Dave asked if we were all happy who lives on Drummond Island Tour Reef Light. A key compo- In the meantime, we’ll keep the with the ladder - I said well, yes - and works in DeTour I feel fortu- I can’t exactly remember when nent of this, our keeper’s pro- light on for but. So he scampered up with nate to see the lighthouse almost she first mentioned the Light. gram, will be in full swing this you, coffee in hand and got the har- every day. But I do remember that she was summer along with a full sched- ness out - just for me! I was de- Yesterday as the temperature very excited when Uncle John ule of daily tours. We are also in Russell lighted. hovered near zero a light mist took her on her first cruise out to the middle of revamping our web- Norris Presi- formed over the open water creat- see it. She has told us all about site www.drlps.com which will dent, DeTour What a magical place. The Light ing the illusion that it was rising the masses of work that have facilitate our ability to serve our Reef Light is alive - it seems to vibrate with from a cloud. Regardless of the been done to bring it back to life membership and the general pub- Preservation delight at its new role. It gleams conditions, it is always reassuring and about the DRLPS and all the lic. Society white and black and red and - to see it there marking such a people that they were meeting in In addition to working with a Russ and Past bird poo not withstanding - is a unique geographic position as the association with the Light. She marvelous group of people, one of President, David truly wonderful place. The inte- Keith, Sunny, John and Jane on crossroads between the three the most enjoyable aspects of my Bardsley positively whooped when telling DeTour Reef Light, October 2006 PAGE 6 P A S S A G E S ISSUE 11 PAGE 7 P A S S A G E S ISSUE 11

Second DeTour Reef Light and the builder’s plate were dis- MLAP, administered by the State Our Visit to Detour us that she and John would be rior, even put to bed for the sea- Deck Crane Project Funded covered underwater near the Historic Preservation Office, is keepers for a weekend and would son, made me want to stay. The With Michigan Lighthouse lighthouse by divers Mike Spears, funded by proceeds from the sale of Reef Light . . . be giving tours out on the Light. kitchen was fabby and I wanted to At the end of the summer she Assistance Program Grant Chris Pemberton, the State’s "Save our by Keith and Jane Ander- cook on the range. I was a bit dis- Garey Eilertson, and Lights" specialty li- fizzed with excitement and sto- appointed by the modern light - son, Musselburgh, Scotland Dock Borth and were cense plates. Light- ries about all the tours. We but one can’t have everything and The DeTour Reef Light Preserva- used in the construc- house grants are given looked at photos and saw the I guess if it is brighter and more tion Society (DRLPS) has re- Every year Keith and I travel to tion of the first to state and local gov- video and were very impressed useful to the ships it is intended to ceived a grant from the Michigan Michigan from Scotland, almost crane. DeTour High ernments or nonprofit with all the very hard work that aid all the better. Lighthouse Assistance Program always in October since the School students, organizations that are everyone put in to make this re- (MLAP) to replicate the second weather then is more what we along with their maintaining or restor- markable Light come back from In Scotland restoration is a way of deck crane at the DeTour Reef are used to up here in Northern teachers Brian Net- ing lighthouses. Re- the darkness. Then, one evening, life and I have begun to appreciate Light. The $30,000 grant award Europe. We visit my family and tleton and Russ Nor- cipients must provide not long before we were due to the work involved in keeping old for fiscal year 2007 requires lots of friends but the most impor- ris, assisted in com- 50 percent of the grant depart for our 2006 trip, John buildings going. It is something, I matching funds of $15,000 from tant part of the trip (well mostly, puter design draw- award as matching phoned to say that he had got us feel, that America needs to learn. the DRLPS. on account of we do visit with ings of the crane. funds. Since the estab- permission to go out to the Light There are so many other wonder- Mom which is also pretty impor- lishment of the pro- when we were there - even ful Lights in Michigan and all over The first crane restoration which tant) is our trip to Drummond The new second gram by the Michigan though it had been closed up for the country, which now unused for began in 1999 was funded by a Island. This part of the trip is deck crane grant application was Legislature in 1999 to the season - and actually see it! their purpose, are being allowed to similar grant thru MLAP and the relaxing, holiday part of our submitted by Clif Haley and the assist local groups in preserving and rot away. As we become more and was the first restoration project vacation and we love it! project director is Don Gries, both protecting lighthouses, more than Hmmmm. This put a whole new more dependent on new technolo- undertaken by the DRLPS. The DRLPS volunteers. The project is $985,000 has been awarded. The light on the Light! There was gies we lose so much of the vital grant application to restore the Like most people, we have small expected to be completed by the grant program arose from a concern this 20 foot ladder - from the technologies that went before. We deck crane on the lighthouse was landmarks and sign posts that let end of 2007. ”The DRLPS is ex- about the disposal of over two-thirds deck of a boat. There was the can’t afford to lose these Lights submitted by Jeri Baron Feltner us know that we are reaching the cited to be able to restore the sec- of the lighthouses in Michigan by boat!! Keith doesn’t usually like and it is wonderful that groups and was completed in August, end of our trip. Unlike the trip ond deck crane. We are grateful the U.S. Coast Guard and was estab- boats too well. If the light was like the DRLPS work so hard to 2001 by L&B Builders of Drum- back "below the Bridge" to Grand for the MLAP funding and appre- lished to assist in the preservation, closed up for winter that would keep them going. It may never mond Island. Chuck Feltner was Rapids, we usually drive from ciate the support of the State His- rehabilitation and protection of mean no harness and a very happen - but if the day comes project director. Boyne City - which is not a long toric Preservation Office,” said these lighthouses. cold, wet drop and well - - when the new stuff doesn’t work - trip mileage wise - but to an only hmmmmm. Don. child of only children - it is a for what ever reason - at least De- Large pieces of the original crane blessed and important drive that tour Reef Light will be standing On the day though - it was takes him miles and miles from ready and able to say "Don’t .A Message From Our largest Great Lakes, Huron, association with the DRLPS has magic! First of all - what was a all that family! One of our land- worry, I am still here!" Michigan and Superior. been the opportunity to take local very cold (for October) clear day President: marks has always been There is much to be excited students to the lighthouse to engage dawned, blue sky, sunshine, and Let me begin by expressing my "Uncle Sunny s Light House". We were so pleased and delighted about this year as our most recent in volunteer work which we did both calm water. A nice open boat gratitude to everyone who has The Uncle part is a long story and by the Light and the work done to grant will allow us to add a sec- before and after the restoration with the lovely Captain Ivan and supported the DRLPS whether it I wont go into it here, but for save it we joined! ond crane to the deck of the light- process began. We plan to do that the prospect of touring with Dave is as a member, a volunteer, a those of you who don t know our house bringing the restoration again this spring, and seeing the Bardsley too. I was feeling more donor or just someone who takes dear friend Sunny, she is a very Hope that will do! I will look for- phase nearly to completion. Once lasting impact it has on these young confident and happier by the an interest in lighthouses. With- enthusiastic person and the De- ward to getting my copy in due this is finished we can devote our people is priceless. I encourage any- minute! When we reached the out your support none of this tour Reef Light has long been one course! Cheers, Jane attention to the continued preser- one who has the opportunity to visit Light, after a lovely boat ride, would be possible. As someone of her enthusiasms. vation and exhibition of the De- the lighthouse this summer to do so. Dave asked if we were all happy who lives on Drummond Island Tour Reef Light. A key compo- In the meantime, we’ll keep the with the ladder - I said well, yes - and works in DeTour I feel fortu- I can’t exactly remember when nent of this, our keeper’s pro- light on for but. So he scampered up with nate to see the lighthouse almost she first mentioned the Light. gram, will be in full swing this you, coffee in hand and got the har- every day. But I do remember that she was summer along with a full sched- ness out - just for me! I was de- Yesterday as the temperature very excited when Uncle John ule of daily tours. We are also in Russell lighted. hovered near zero a light mist took her on her first cruise out to the middle of revamping our web- Norris Presi- formed over the open water creat- see it. She has told us all about site www.drlps.com which will dent, DeTour What a magical place. The Light ing the illusion that it was rising the masses of work that have facilitate our ability to serve our Reef Light is alive - it seems to vibrate with from a cloud. Regardless of the been done to bring it back to life membership and the general pub- Preservation delight at its new role. It gleams conditions, it is always reassuring and about the DRLPS and all the lic. Society white and black and red and - to see it there marking such a people that they were meeting in In addition to working with a Russ and Past bird poo not withstanding - is a unique geographic position as the association with the Light. She marvelous group of people, one of President, David truly wonderful place. The inte- Keith, Sunny, John and Jane on crossroads between the three the most enjoyable aspects of my Bardsley positively whooped when telling DeTour Reef Light, October 2006 PAGE 8 P A S S A G E S ISSUE 11 PAGE 9 P A S S A G E S ISSUE 11

2007 Activities: Lighthouse Tours, Lighthouse Keepers Programs Memorabilia Order Form — DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society

The DeTour each person will wear a safety Keeper weekends are planned for Name ______

Reef Light harness, which requires visitors every weekend between June Address ______Preservation to be at least 50 inches tall and 15th and the end of August. Society will be weigh less than 300 pounds. This program has been highly City ______State ______Zip ______offering excit- popular and with the exception of ITEM DESCRIPTION Price Each Color Size Quantity Total ing opportuni- To make reservations or for addi- the last weekend in August, this ties for the tional information, the year is completely 1 Decal with Society Logo $1 public to DRLPS can be con- booked (barring 2 Bumper Sticker with Society Logo $1 share in the tacted: any cancellations). 3 Cup with Society Logo $3 beauty and www.DRLPS.com Go to history of the www.DRLPS.com 4 Embroidered patch of DeTour Reef Light— 2 3/4 inch square $6 DeTour Reef Light which is listed on [email protected] and click on 5 DeTour Reef Light Collectors Pin— 1 1/8 inch $6 the National Register of Historic OR Lighthouse 6 Hat (blue or green) $15 Places. 906-493-6609 Keeper Program for a detailed de- 7 Child’s T-shirt w/Lighthouse (white — child’s S, M, or L) $10 Lighthouse Tours The Lighthouse scription of the 8 T-Shirt w/Lighthouse Crest (maroon or blue — M, L, XL, or 3X in blue only) $20 DeTour Reef Light tours include a Keeper Program program, articles 9 Golf Shirt w/Lighthouse Crest (yellow or white — M, L, XL, or 2X) $25 spectacular boat ride to the Light Lighthouse enthusiasts by past volunteer 10 Men’s (M) or Women’s (W) Denim (indigo) Long-sleeve Shirt w/Lighthouse $35 followed by a two hour can enjoy a keepers, an appli- Crest (Men’s = S,M,L,XL,2X,3X) (Women’s = S, M) Please specify gender guided tour to all areas unique experi- cation to become a 11 Sweatshirt w/Lighthouse Crest (green, wine, blue — L,XL,2X,3X -wine) $25 of the Light: the me- ence on the De- lighthouse keeper chanical rooms, the Tour Reef and photographs 12 10K Gold Charm of Lighthouse $70 Gallery area, the Light. The Keeper Pro- of the lighthouse keeper experi- 13 Sterling Silver Charm of Lighthouse $20 Keeper living area, the gram provides the oppor- ence. While the program is al- 14 Note Cards w/Lighthouse Drawing (pack of 10 with envelopes) $5 tower room and the tunity for four to six keep- most fully booked for this year, Note Pads w/Lighthouse Logo (pack of 3 — 50 sheets per pad) lantern floor. The tour ers to be in residence for 3 we can put applicants on a wait 15 $2 ends with light refresh- days and 2 nights. Keep- list should we have cancellations 16 8x10 Color Photo of 2004 Lighthouse $10 ments and the opportu- ers will assist with light or put applicants in a priority po- 17 8x10 Black & White Photo of 1931 Lighthouse $10 nity to talk with the maintenance and interact sition for the 2008 keeper pro- DVD video of the Lighthouse before/during/after restoration resident keepers of the with the people touring gram. Email [email protected] 18 $20 Light. the Lighthouse. A spec- or call 906-493-6609 for addi- 19 2007 Ornament (availability—June 2007) $14

tacular 360 degree view of tional information and the cur- 20 1931 Limited Edition Lighthouse Window Pane (9 1/4 x 11 x 1/4 inch) w/ $300 Tours to the Light are the St. Mary’s River pro- rent status of booking for 2007. Etching of Lighthouse planned for the following dates: vides views of sunrises and sun- 21 Custom Framing for item #20 $150 Saturday, June 16 sets beyond description. Majestic Saturday, June 23 freighters go up and down the Merchandise Total Saturday, June 30 river, making the turn around the Value of Order S&H Sunday, July 8 DeTour Reef. The nearby fishing Tax 6% Up to $10 $4 Saturday, July 14 grounds provide an opportunity Thank You $10.01—$25 $5 S & H (see chart) Saturday, July 21 to watch the activities of the area for your $25.01—$45 $7 Saturday, July 28 fishermen. The DeTour Reef Support! Total Enclosed Saturday, August 4 Light is the only off-shore light- $45.01—$65 $9 Sunday, August 12 house that offers an overnight We’ll Keep the $65.01—$85 $11 Saturday, August 18 program. The keeper program Light on Saturday, August 25 typically runs from 1 PM on Fri- for You! $85.01—$150 $13 day to 5:30 PM Sunday (although Over $150 $15 Please allow up to 7 days for delivery Each tour is limited to six individu- there can be modifications at the als and assures personal attention request of the keeper group). Cost Mail order form & payment to: by the tour guides. Visitors must be for the weekend is $200 per per- Method of Payment: Today’s Date ______DRLPS, PO Box 307 q physically capable of climbing and son (members) $220 (non mem- Check or Money Order Payable to DRLPS Drummond Island MI 49726 q q q q descending the 20-foot ladder to bers), and keepers provide their VISA MasterCard Discover American Express 906-297-2609 reach the lighthouse deck. During own linens and food. Account # ______Expires ______www.DRLPS.com ascent and descent of the ladder [email protected] Signature ______PAGE 8 P A S S A G E S ISSUE 11 PAGE 9 P A S S A G E S ISSUE 11

2007 Activities: Lighthouse Tours, Lighthouse Keepers Programs Memorabilia Order Form — DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society

The DeTour each person will wear a safety Keeper weekends are planned for Name ______

tacular 360 degree view of tional information and the cur- 20 1931 Limited Edition Lighthouse Window Pane (9 1/4 x 11 x 1/4 inch) w/ $300 Tours to the Light are the St. Mary’s River pro- rent status of booking for 2007. Etching of Lighthouse planned for the following dates: vides views of sunrises and sun- 21 Custom Framing for item #20 $150 Saturday, June 16 sets beyond description. Majestic Saturday, June 23 freighters go up and down the Merchandise Total Saturday, June 30 river, making the turn around the Value of Order S&H Sunday, July 8 DeTour Reef. The nearby fishing Tax 6% Up to $10 $4 Saturday, July 14 grounds provide an opportunity Thank You $10.01—$25 $5 S & H (see chart) Saturday, July 21 to watch the activities of the area for your $25.01—$45 $7 Saturday, July 28 fishermen. The DeTour Reef Support! Total Enclosed Saturday, August 4 Light is the only off-shore light- $45.01—$65 $9 Sunday, August 12 house that offers an overnight We’ll Keep the $65.01—$85 $11 Saturday, August 18 program. The keeper program Light on Saturday, August 25 typically runs from 1 PM on Fri- for You! $85.01—$150 $13 day to 5:30 PM Sunday (although Over $150 $15 Please allow up to 7 days for delivery Each tour is limited to six individu- there can be modifications at the als and assures personal attention request of the keeper group). Cost Mail order form & payment to: by the tour guides. Visitors must be for the weekend is $200 per per- Method of Payment: Today’s Date ______DRLPS, PO Box 307 q physically capable of climbing and son (members) $220 (non mem- Check or Money Order Payable to DRLPS Drummond Island MI 49726 q q q q descending the 20-foot ladder to bers), and keepers provide their VISA MasterCard Discover American Express 906-297-2609 reach the lighthouse deck. During own linens and food. Account # ______Expires ______www.DRLPS.com ascent and descent of the ladder [email protected] Signature ______PAGE 10 P A S S A G E S ISSUE 11 PAGE 11 P A S S A G E S ISSUE 11

Just a few of the many faces of DRLPS volunteers . . DETOUR REEF LIGHT PRESERVATION SOCIETY Jeri Baron Feltner climbs the ladder Presents the 10th Annual at the Light bent on completing her check list for the day . . . ST.ST. MARY’SMARY’S RIVERRIVER CRUISECRUISE

and THROUGH THE SOO LOCKS Jayne Dillman at the DRLPS Village John and Sunny Covell on their way out Christmas table . . . to the Light to give yet another tour . . . Also see the DeTour Reef Lighthouse up close! ¬ Sunday, June 17, 2007 $95 per person PLEASE RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW ~ TICKETS ARE LIMITED ON THIS POPULAR CRUISE! INCLUDES: · Donuts · Lunch · Snacks · Tour Narration · Cash Bar “We make a living by what we get, we · and a chance to win special door prizes make a life by what we give.” - Sir Winston Churchill On the Soo Locks Boat Tours 65-foot double-decker boat: DRLPS is truly blessed by so many ¬ who give so freely. Cruise to the DeTour Reef Lighthouse ¬ Enjoy the historical narration and sites of the rich history along the St. Mary’s River, ¬ and the unique experience of going through the Soo Locks with the big Lake freighters. ¬Please note that there may be a fuel surcharge applied to ticket purchases after a final contract is signed with the boat tour Dotty Witten takes a break company. All reservations paid in advance will not be subject to the fuel surcharge. from one of her many volunteer tasks to enjoy the view Boarding begins at 9:45 a.m. at the Ferry Dock in DeTour Village, and leaves the Dock at 10:10 a.m. from the Light . . . Return via chartered buses from Soo Locks Boat Tours Dock #2 in Sault Ste Marie to DeTour Village about 6:30 p.m.

Tom and Lowell Williams with ALL PROFITS BENEFIT THE LIGHTHOUSE PRESERVATION AND EDUCATION EFFORT. the chairs from Lowell’s mother’s 1930’s kitchen they DRLPS is a nonprofit 501c3 organization established in 1998 to preserve the lighthouse located one mile offshore in have donated to DRLPS . . . northern Lake Huron at the eastern end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula between DeTour Village and Drummond Island. Your donation is tax-deductible as allowed by law EIN 38-3387252 MICS 27001 ¨ Visa, MasterCard & Discover accepted Tickets are limited ¨ Please make your reservations early ¨ Thank you for your support of the DRLPS!

Volunteers Paula Bardsley, Jennifer Sa- q I can’t go on the Cruise but want to make a pulski and Barbara & Dick Boerger on tax-deductible donation to the DeTour Reef Light the River Cruise . . . Clif Haley proves he knows his way Preservation Society in the amount of $______. around the kitchen during the Guys on the Light work overnight out at the Detour Reef Light . . . Please send to: DRLPS ¨ PO Box 307 ¨ Drummond Island, MI 49726 ¨ [email protected] ¨ 906-297-6051 ¨

Ladies of the Light show off their fash- Name:______ion sense on the deck of the Detour

Reef Light . . . L to R: Nancy Kleiner, Left: The DRLPS Team at Bayside Din- Address:______Joyce Buckley, Mary Bailey, Carolyn ing during the annual Christmas cele- Haley, Paula Bardsley and Jeri Baron bration . . . City/State/Zip:______Feltner

Phone No. ______E-mail: ______

Number of Cruise Tickets: ______$90 each x ______= $______

Names of others in party for nametags (required to board the boat): PAGE 10 P A S S A G E S ISSUE 11 PAGE 11 P A S S A G E S ISSUE 11

Ladies of the Light show off their fash- Name:______ion sense on the deck of the Detour

Phone No. ______E-mail: ______

Number of Cruise Tickets: ______$90 each x ______= $______

Names of others in party for nametags (required to board the boat): DETOUR REEF LIGHT PRESERVATION SOCIETY Nonprofit Organization PO Box 307 US Postage Paid Drummond Island MI 49726 Drummond Island, MI 49726 Permit No. 11 [email protected] www.DRLPS.com 906-493-6609

In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary. Wendy Magruder This is the right time and DeTour Reef Light is the right light! Help us keep the DeTour Reef Light extraordinary by making your donation to the endowment fund today!

PASSIONATE ABOUT THE LIGHT! ABOUT PASSAGES & DRLPS

DRLPS is a volunteer, nonprofit, 501c3 organization established in 1998. Dona- tions are tax-deductible EIN 38-3387252 — MICS 27001

PASSAGES is the official publication of the DRLPS and is published irregularly. Statements and opinions appearing herein are those of the author and do not neces- sarily represent the official position of DRLPS, its officers or members. The editor reserves the right to edit all material for publication and to publish on the material which it felt to be in the best interest of the DRLPS. Permission is granted to re- print, providing credit will be given to the author, DRLPS, and provided that copy- right is not involved, return copy of the article when published would be appreci- Judy is the wife of DRLPS very first President - Bob Jones. A ated. Membership Categories: man of great passion for preservation of the DeTour Reef Light $30 Basic, $50 Patron, $100 Keeper, $500 who was an inspirational President of the DRLPS from 1998 Lifetime, $1,000 Grand Keeper. Member- until his untimely and sad death in 2002. Judy Jones was a ships include family. For a membership application please go to great support person back then and is currently getting back www.DRLPS.com and click on member- involved with the DRLPS. Her vanity plate says it all—she is ship application. To submit material for an ardent supporter of the extraordinary DRL! the newsletter please email [email protected]