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Home , Fresnel lens, Green Island (Ohio), Lighthouse Digest, Marblehead Light (Ohio), Maumee River, Presque Isle Light

U.S.

Gretchen S. Curtis Lakeside, July 2011 U.S. Organizations

• Original Light House Service 1789 – 1851 • Quasi-military Light House Board 1851 – 1910 • Light House Service under the Department of Commerce 1910 – 1939 • Final incorporation of the service into the U.S. Coast Guard in 1939. In the beginning… Lighthouse Architects & Contractors

• Starting in the 1790s, contractors bid on LH construction projects advertised in local newspapers. • Bids reviewed by regional Superintendent of Lighthouses, a political appointee, who informed U.S. Treasury Dept of his selection. • Superintendent approved final contract and supervised contractor during building process. Creation of Lighthouse Board • Effective in 1852, U.S. Lighthouse Board assumed all duties related to navigational aids. • U.S. divided into 12 LH districts with inspector (naval officer) assigned to each district. • New LH construction supervised by district inspector with primary focus on quality over cost, resulting in greater LH longevity. • Soon, an engineer (army officer) was assigned to each district to oversee construction & maintenance of lights. Lighthouse Bd Responsibilities • Location of new / replacement lighthouses • Appointment of district inspectors, engineers and specific LH keepers • Oversight of light-vessels of Light-House Service • Establishment of detailed rules of operation for light-vessels and light-houses and creation of rules manual. “The Light-Houses of the ” Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, Dec 1873 – May 1874

… “The Light-house Board carries on and provides for an infinite number of details, many of them petty, but none unimportant.” “The Light-Houses of the United States” Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, Dec 1873 – May 1874

“There is a printed book of 152 pages specially devoted to instructions and directions to light-keepers. In this they receive explicit commands not only for their daily duties, but for all possible accidents and emergencies.” Preferred Qualities for Lighthouse Keepers • Men ages 18 to 50 years • Married • Capable of hard, physical work • Knowledge of ships • Quiet, reserved personality (not vexed by boredom) Keeper Salaries • Pay distributed based on location and function of lighthouse. • Pay rate for women same as men. • 1835 (< 195 keeper positions) – 56% earned $250 to $375 – 29% earned $400 to $460 – 15% earned $500 to $600 1855 (376 keeper positions) – 44% of all keepers earned $350 – 50% earned $150 to $375 – 40% earned $400 to $550 – 10% earned $600 to $1100 Women Keepers, 1829-1859 • 53 women identified as principal lighthouse keepers during four decades before Civil War • 43 were widows appointed to husband‟s role after his death with illness or accident • 3 were daughters & 1 sister living with widowed wife of keeper • Reasons for appointment of widows: – Competent person needed quickly to fill empty role – Social view that widows & orphans were economically dependent and deserving of charity. • If widow remarried, new husband became keeper or woman was dismissed. Official Lighthouse Service Flag 1910 - 1939 Clamshell

1910 Light-house Service uniform Salute to the Fresnel Lens • Invented 1820 by Augustin Fresnel, Fr. Scientist • Fresnel lens had central lamp surrounded by beehive pattern of refracting and glass rings which bent & guided light outward in horizontal beams. • Fresnel system increased light intensity 400%. • Fresnel , weighing thousands of pounds, were mounted on steel pedestals & floated in trough of mercury. Driven by clockwork system with weights that had to would by keeper every 2-4 hours. • All Grt Lakes lights given new Fresnel lens 1852-59, usually fourth & fifth order for harbor markers. Classification of Fresnel Lenses

• Classified into seven sizes or orders, with higher number lens being less powerful. • E.g., 6th order lens less than one foot in diameter and 1st order lens was 6 feet in diameter and 12 feet high. • First order lens had > 1000 prisms. • Expensive and cost increased with power. U.S. Coast Guard Inventory: New York – 4; – 2; Ohio - 11 NY: Buffalo Main Light (Inactive)

• First light was erected on this site at mouth of Buffalo in 1818. That beacon and the old Erie Land (PA) light were the first light- houses officially erected on the . • Octagonal carved Queenston limestone tower (at left) erected in 1833. • 57-foot tower received a Third Order Fresnel lens in 1856. • Watch room has deeply recessed windows; tower is capped by an 8-sided iron lantern room. • In 1914, a nearby breakwater lighthouse was restored & stone tower was decommissioned. NY: Buffalo South Breakwater (Active)

• Round, steel structure, built at end of a pier, marks south entrance to Buffalo harbor. • Black base supports 30-ft high white tower topped by lantern room with diamond-shaped window panes. • Located on property of former Bethlehem Steel Company, near steel mill slip, in Lackawanna. NY: Dunkirk (Point Gratiot) Light (Active) • Built on a bluff overlooking Lake Erie in 1875 to replace a 1829 light. • Square brick tower,initially round, was squared, according to local tradition, to blend better with angular dwelling. • Lantern room houses a Third Order Fresnel lens that is still active and visible for 17 miles. • Tower is connected by an enclosed brick passageway to the brick dwelling of High Victorian Gothic style. • Station is leased to a veterans non- profit that maintains a museum open April to November. NY: Barcelona Light (Inactive)

• Built in 1829 with conical fieldstone tower and attached fieldstone dwelling, after local residents hoped to generate commerce for Portland, NY area. • Light decommissioned in 1859 when Lighthouse Board discovered Barcelona had no harbor. Lantern & light removed and replaced with wooden frame. • Station was sold at auction in 1872. (See 1900 photo) Remains a private residence. • Given National Historic Landmark status in 1972. Pennsylvania‟s Lake Erie Lighthouses PA: Erie Land Light (Inactive) • The 41 foot conical sandstone tower was built in 1867 to replace an 1819 light with its 2nd tower constructed in 1857. • Originally known as Presque Isle Station, name was changed to Erie Light Station in 1870; now known as Erie Land Light. • Light was discontinued in 1881 and re- lighted in 1885. Light again discontinued in 1897. • Lantern room and Fourth Order Fresnel Lens were removed to Marblehead (OH) where the tower had been extended. • Tower renovated; historically accurate (1897) lantern room returned to tower. PA: (Active)

• Built in 1873, the 68-foot tall square brick tower with Fourth Order lens and attached two-story dwelling is located on Presque Isle peninsula near Erie, PA. • This lighthouse replaced the 1867 Erie Land Light. • The dwelling is now used as a residence for park employees. Ohio‟s Eastern Lighthouses Conneaut to Vermilion Conneaut Light • Conneaut‟s 1st pierhead light built in 1835 when port busy shipping grain, whiskey & forest products. • In the 1890s, a 2nd Conneaut Lighthouse was built at the end of a pier and served until 1917 (below.). Conneaut Light • In 1917, a new lighthouse was built for $125,000 on a cement crib, located at the end of the harbor‟s west side breakwater. The unique, square 2-story brick & cement edifice had a light tower rising an additional story from one corner. • In 1935, the cement lighthouse was blasted from its bedrock grip on the crib using dynamite. Current Conneaut Light (1935)

• Sleek tower costing $70,000 erected in 1935. • Nominated & selected for National Register of Historic Places by Ohio State Historic Pre- servation Office in 1992. • “In the 1930s there was a conscious effort to represent the machine age, speed & effici- ency. This lighthouse style is an attempt to look modern & to make a break from past.” • Tower light could be seen for 17 miles and fog horn could be heard from 15 miles. • In early years, LH was controlled remotely from a shore house by keeper & 2 assistants. • Light inactive Dec 25 to Mar 1, when the keepers would alternate taking vacations. Conneaut Light’s Future In May 2007, lighthouse, deemed excess by Coast Guard, offered at no cost to eligible entities, including federal, state & local agencies, non-profit corporations and educational organizations. No qualified owner was found. First online auction in Sept 2008 unsuccessful. Next online auction in July 2011 with minimum bid of $5,000. Bids closed 7/27. After 77 years, what is the future of Conneaut‟s modern light tower? Ashtabula Harbor Light (Active)

• Ashtabula's 1st LH was an 1836 hexagonal tower atop a 40-ft-square wooden crib connected to Ashtabula River‟s east pier by a ramp. The first keeper on record was Samuel Miniger (1837-1838) whose charge was to keep the beacon‟s seven lamps burning using sperm whale oil.

• In 1876, a new lighthouse was built, this time on the west pierhead due to construction of new docks. The tower received a Fourth Order Fresnel lens and fixed red light in 1896, at which time a siren fog signal was added. The pyramidal LH served the harbor for almost thirty years. Ashtabula Light (Active)

• In 1905, Ashtabula River was widened & breakwall built to protect harbor. LH #3, still in use today, built atop new break- water. The new light stood 40 feet high and was made of steel and iron. • In 1915, 1905 breakwall was extended. In 1916 LH was moved to present site, doubled in size to house keepers and 4th order Fresnel lens installed. • LH remained manned by Coast Guard until 1973, the last remaining manned light on Lake Erie. Fairport Main (old) Light (Inactive)

• Fairport Harbor was the site of an 1825 light known as The Light with an adjacent keeper‟s house. • The Grand River LH was a 'station" on the underground railroad in 1840s-50s. • A new brick lighthouse (left) with conical sandstone tower and Third Order Fresnel lens was built in 1871. • While this LH still stands, it was deactivated in 1925 when the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light opened. Fairport Harbor West Breakwater (Active)

• The 38-foot Fairport Breakwater Light was prefabricated at Buffalo Lighthouse Depot in 1921 and shipped 147 miles to its destination where it was quickly assembled, saving $10,000 in construction. • LH was placed in service in 1925, the centennial of the original Fairport Harbor lighthouse. Cleveland’s 2nd Lighthouse

• According to early Cleveland history, the Federal Govt built a “lighthouse on a bluff overlooking the Lake in 1830". • That light was replaced in 1872 by the majestic lighthouse pictured here. • Located at West 9th St and Main Ave N. W., it was the "highest structure in the surrounding country". • The tower was removed in 1894 and the rest of the structure in 1937 to make way for Main Avenue Bridge. Cleveland West Pierhead Light (Active)

• Built at end of 4-mile long concrete pier. • West & East Pierhead Lights built in 1911 to guide ships to entrance of Cleveland Harbor & . • The keepers‟ quarters are included in the 67-ft steel conical tower. • 1.5 story iron fog signal building is attached to tower. • West Light automated in 1965. • West Light‟s 4th Order Fresnel lens is displayed at Great Lakes Science Ctr. Cleveland West Pierhead (1910) Ghostly ice palace Cleveland East Pierhead Light (Active)

• West & East Pierhead Lights, built in • Pierhea 1911, separated by about a half mile. • Previous East Pier site had a 32-foot pyramidal wooden tower built in 1869 and rebuilt in 1875. • East Pier light automated in 1959. • Fifth Order Fresnel lens was replaced by a 300 mm solar powered light. Lorain West Breakwater Light (Inactive)

• Light station established 1837 in Lorain. • Current concrete and steel structure built in 1917 on unattached concrete pier with a 4th Order Fresnel lens. • Light was automated in 1966 and the station deactivated in same year. Vermilion Harbor Light • In 1847 Congress appropriated $3000 for LH on west pier of Vermilion harbor entrance. This light damaged in 1854 and rebuilt in 1859. (See photo at left.) • Replaced in 1877. (See photo below.) Vermilion Harbor Light

• 1877 Light was made of iron with a 400- foot catwalk and was 34-feet high. • Painted red & white, octagonal-shaped light tower contained a 5th Order Fresnel lens. • Structural damage caused tower to lean toward harbor, eventually falling in. • In 1929, LH was dismantled and replaced with 18-ft skeletal steel tower. • In 1992, a 16-ft replica LH was constructed on Vermilion lakefront in front of the Great Lakes Historical Society. Ohio‟s Western Lighthouses Huron to Toledo Huron Harbor Light (Active) • Huron Harbor‟s first light station was established in 1835. • Huron Harbor‟s white Art Moderne style steel tower was built in 1936. • It was automated from the beginning and operated from a building on shore. • Lower photo, circa 1970, shows the tower with lantern room removed. Range Lights

• Two range lights were built in 1896 to guide vessels into the channel in Sandusky Bay. • The keeper lived in the front light (top) and serviced the rear light (by small boat. • The front light burned in1926 and was replaced by a skeleton tower which was replaced by a cylindrical ("sewer pipe") tower. Lighthouse

• First Cedar Point lighthouse, built in 1838, was across from , marking eastern approach to Sandusky Bay. • This 1838 dwelling was a small rectangular stone dwelling with saw-tooth style gables. Cedar Point Lighthouse

• A new six-room keeper's dwelling with the lantern mounted on top was built in 1862. • The lantern room and tower from the 1838 station was used in the 1862 structure. • Lighthouse was deactivated in 1904 when Sandusky Harbor Pierhead Light was established. • Dwelling used by U.S. Lighthouse Service & Coast Guard until 1975. Cedar Point Replica Lighthouse The 1862 lighthouse was acquired around 1990 by Cedar Point Amusement Park. In 2000, Cedar Point constructed a replica in the park. Marblehead Light

• Oldest, continuously operational lighthouse on Great Lakes. • Congress allocated $5000 for construction of light tower at the entrance to Sandusky Bay in 1819. Marblehead Light Construction

• In 1821, Wm Kelly and two men began building conical 50-ft tower, completing it in 11 weeks. • Walls constructed of locally-quarried limestone. • Base measured 25 ft in diameter with walls 5 feet thick; top tapered to 12 ft in diameter with walls 2 feet thick. • Built for $7,232, this was only navigational aid in Sandusky Bay region for many years; tower was called “Sandusky Bay Light” until 1870. • Adjacent wood-frame keeper‟s house also in 1821. • First beacon consisted of 13 whale oil lamps and set of 16-inch-diameter reflectors. Marblehead Light Modifications

• In 1866, whale oil lamps replaced by a lard oil lantern, magnified by 4th Order Fresnel lens. • In 1876, a lifesaving station was constructed one-half mile west of the lighthouse. • In 1880, the limestone exterior, untouched till this time, covered with stucco & painted white. • Current keeper‟s dwelling was built next to LH in 1880, replacing 1821 dwelling that had become uninhabitable. • In 1897, 15 feet added to tower for a watch room. • Old lantern room was replaced by one from Erie, PA and 4th Order Fresnel bi-valve lens installed with clockwork mechanism to create 10-second flashes. Marblehead Light

• Light was electrified in 1923, increasing visibility to 16 miles; automated in 1958. • Fresnel lens removed in 1972. • Current 300mm light has a green glass duplex lens that displays a flashing light every six seconds visible for 7 miles. • In 1997, Marblehead‟s tower was declared surplus federal property by Coast Guard. • Ohio Dept of Natural Resources applied for ownership; granted in April 1998. • Coast Guard's Aides to Navigation Team in Huron maintains tower's automated beacon. Light • When traveling betw /Toledo and Lake Erie‟s eastern cities, captains chose betw South or Pelee Passage. • South Passage most favored due to protection from prevailing winds, and port activity along Lake‟s south shore. • South Passage required navigating a narrow channel betw Ohio shoreline and a series of islands. • Congress appropriated funds to build on south side of island in late 1890s. South Bass Island Light (Inactive)

• Queen Anne style, red brick dwelling with attached 60-foot square brick light tower built in 1895 on 2.5 acres. • Interior features decorative moldings around doors/windows & has pocket doors. • Tower is topped by 10-sided metal lantern that held 4th Order Fresnel lens. • Lighthouse was deactivated in 1962 when last keeper retired after 15 yrs there. • Ohio State Univ has been responsible for LH since 1967 with an extensive research operation on the island. Light

• Green Island‟s first (1855) wooden tower and keeper's quarters burned in 1863. • In 1864, new square tower attached to keeper's house was built of limestone. • In 1926, U.S. Lighthouse Service abandoned the lighthouse. The light was active until 1939, when Coast Guard replaced it with automated light on a . • Island became an ODNR wildlife refuge not open to the public. • Vandals set fire to building, leaving only shell of limestone. Port Clinton Light (Inactive)

• In 1896, a wooden 4-sided pyramidal light tower on a stone foundation was constructed in Port Clinton. • A single kerosene lantern provided navigation aid for up to six miles. • Light was deactivated in 1927. • In 1964, the top portion of structure was removed to Brand's Marina where it sits today. Light (Active)

• Limestone & brick conical tower and detached keeper‟s house built in 1848 with 4th order Fresnel lens. • Light automated in 1937. • Keeper‟s house destroyed in 1945. • Lantern removed; a solar-powered light (300 mm lens) is displayed atop the capped tower with a white flash every 4 seconds. • Island is owned by U.S. Coast Guard and managed as federally protected wilderness (only national wilderness area in Ohio). Turtle Island Light

• Located 4.5 miles NE of mouth of . • Light tower & attached keeper‟s house built in 1866. • Deactivated in 1904 after built. • Only the shell of the brick tower remains. • Island now privately owned • “Imminent danger of being lost forever” Toledo Harbor Light (Active)

• Toledo Harbor Light, built 1901-04, marks Maumee River channel entrance. • Concrete base is set on a submarine crib filled with stones. • Described as „Romanesque‟, the main structure is a three-story, steel-framed, buff-colored brick building, with rolled edge metal roof topped by a lantern room with helical barred windows. • Cylindrical tower is 13-ft in diameter and lantern room is 8'-6" in diameter with helical bar windows. Toledo Harbor Light (Active)

• Building provided living space for keeper and two assistants. • One-story attached matching brick building housed fog signal equipment. • Original light had a 3-1/2 order Fresnel lens that has been replaced by 300-mm modern plastic optic. • Station is about eight miles from land. • Light is presently owned by the U.S. Department of the Interior and beacon is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Annual Doomsday list of endangered lighthouses compiled by with 35 listings in 2011