Sable Points BEACON NEWSLETTER • DECEMBER 2016

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LITTLE SABLE POINT WHITE RIVER LIGHTHOUSE LIGHT STATION le Points ab Li S gh th o u s e

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A ss oc Letter from the President ia tion

BOARD OF Dear SPLKA Members and Friends, DIRECTORS Throughout SPLKA’s history, the mission has remained the same, preserving, Sue Ann Schnitker promoting, and educating the public, and making our lighthouses accessible PRESIDENT to all. Kirk Lindquist VICE PRESIDENT As your board president, I am preceded by many outstanding leaders who Roger Pashby have paved the way for an ongoing tradition of excellence that I have tried TREASURER to continue. I am committed to continue our progress in achieving our goals and objectives. I would be amiss to not mention the board of director Shelia Meeusen members and their many hours of service to SPLKA. I am thankful for the SECRETARY privilege to serve as president of the board of directors. John Truxell DIRECTOR I am thankful for our executive director, Peter Manting and his staff that Lenore Janman have passion for our lights and provide leadership which will assist us all in DIRECTOR accomplishing our vision for SPLKA’s future. SPLKA would not exist without the more than 450 volunteers. The time that is spent sharing the history of Kim McDaniel the lights each year is how we accomplish our mission of promoting, and DIRECTOR educating the public. STAFF I believe our membership understands how to be good stewards of our lights Peter Manting with the giving of time and monetary donations. Our sources of revenue EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR include grants, tower tours, and sales of merchandise. My goal for 2016 was Matt Varnum to increase the giving from members. I am happy to say this has happened. WRLS CURATOR A recent example was the gifts given from the members who were not able to attend the annual dinner/meeting with the donations of almost $1500. Rachel Bendele OPERATIONS MANAGER As we come to the end of our 2016 season, planning for 2017 is already in full swing. Big Sable will be 150 Jim Hardie RESTORATION/ years old next year, and there MAINTENANCE will be many events to celebrate SUPERVISOR the years of service she has Carol Copper provided for the thousands of BOOKKEEPER water vessels. Again, thank you for your commitment to our Priscilla McBeth GIFT SHOP MANAGER lights and I hope you will be as excited as I am for our 2017 Cherie Hockenberger season and please keep “shining” ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR our lights.

Debbie Dyer Sue Ann Schnitker OFFICE MANAGER President

Page 2 • Sable Points Beacon • December 2016 KIM MCDANIEL: NEW BOARD “Sail on...ye stately ships!” I can stand on the catwalks and hear Longfellow’s MEMBERS words in the warnings of Little and Big Sable, ‘There In 2016 we welcomed two new is danger here, sail on!’, or members to our board. They Ludington Pier’s, ‘Welcome, will both be filling three year there is safe harbor here!’, or terms on the SPLKA board of White River’s benediction directors. They are: to departing sailors, ‘Fair winds and following seas, sail on!’” says Kim McDaniel in KIRK LINDQUIST: KIM MCDANIEL reference to her love of our The privilege of serving on the Board of Directors DIrector SPLKA lights. comes after an extended time dedicated to lighthouse protection and preservation. I first became involved Kim was born near a tidal estuary in Maine and spent with the Big Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers a good 30 years of her life getting back to the water. Association during the mid-1990’s and served on the She’s lived in Iowa and Colorado but felt the pull of Board for two terms. In 2002, I founded and served as the Great Lakes and moved to Michigan in ‘91. Her President of the Michigan BFA with honors is in Music Theater and she has Lighthouse Fund and worked professionally as an actor, singer, dancer, participated as a member and musician as well as working as a spokesperson of the Michigan Lighthouse for industrials and commercials and has appeared in Project (a multi-agency various films. She can claim she appeared in a movie work group managing with Art Carney, in the same frame! But, alas, she will the transfer of lighthouse quickly add she was a lowly extra. properties from Federal Kim has also worked as a music teacher and spent five to local government and years as an Artist in the Schools. She met her husband nonprofit custody). Iof 39 years in music school and she and Robert Robuck KIRK LINDQUIST continue to be commited to have always been active in their community, donating VIce President efforts to protect, preserve vast amounts of time with students. They enjoy sea and restore historic lighthouses and light stations. In kayaking with island camping and have lately taken particular, I will dedicate my efforts to participate with up sailing and crew out on racing boats. They now live SPLKA as we maintain and protect the 4 lighthouses in Muskegon, close enough to hear the waves of Lake under our care. Michigan singing them to sleep at night.

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A s so cia IRAROLLOVER tion Congress has now extended the IRA charitable rollover, and made it permanent. This could be an easy way for you to support the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association. The chartable IRA rollover, or qualified charitable distribution (QCD), is a special provision allowing taxpayers aged 70 1/2 or older to transfer up to $100,000 annually from their IRA accounts directly to a non-profit organization, including the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association, without having to recognize the distribution as income.

Sable Points Beacon • DECEMBER 2016 • Page 3 News from your Director, PETER MANTING splits her time between SPLKA and made sure that it was stocked full of teaching math and accounting at wonderful and saleable merchandise. West Shore Community college. She We have received serval comments has fit right in as she enjoys laughing from our guests who are enjoying

le Points as much as the rest of the staff. the opportunity of having items to ab Li S gh th o u s e New this year, thanks to Matt’s and purchase after they have visited our

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A s so cia tion at the White River Light Station. by Peter Manting With Matt’s vision and expertise This was our second season of our SPLKA Executive Director and Jim’s unique handyman ability concert and event series “Summer the exhibit space have become a at the Lights.” These are a series of Our Mission is to preserve, promote wonderful addition to the light concerts and events that took place and educate the public and make station for our guests. at our four majestic lighthouses. Not our lighthouses accessible to all. only does the talent get to show off SPLKA owes a big thank you to but we show off the lighthouses as We are coming to the end of another Debbie Hardie as well for the successful summer season. Our staff wonderful way she has helped Jim for 2016 remained mostly intact with the grounds around the White from 2015 which was a blessing. River Light Station. The flowers and This has been Matt Varnum second new plants are a wonderful touch. year as the SPLKA curator living at Now Matt just has to keep the plants the White River Light Station. Our watered and the deer from feasting volunteers continue to enjoy working on them. with Rachel Bendele, our operations manager, Rachel is finishing her SPLKA is also working with the second year with us and is doing Friends of the White River Light an exceptional job. Pricilla Mc Beth Station to remodel the workshop/ who continues to run our gift shops storage building located behind the as our gift shop manager. Jim Hardie light station into new exhibit space is just finishing his second season for the larger artifacts and some class as our restoration and maintenance room learning area. This will add to manager. Debbie Dryer continues the visitor experience and hopefully to work in our office and was even encourage more school groups to able to help out the keepers, one and make the trip out to the lighthouse. a half days a week, at the Ludington North Breakwater light this summer Also new this year is the new gift season. Cheri Hockenberger shop at Little Sable. Thanks again continues to answer the phone, to Jim for finding a retro style well. The five Wednesday nights of interpretive our volunteer day concerts on the beach at Little Sable sheets as she inputs the daily sales were again very well attended this information into our systems, keep year. Crowds of 75 to 150 people our Facebook page up to date and enjoyed Sweet Wednesday, Neptune’s make sure that monthly e blast gets Car, Wyatt and Sherri Knapp, Ruthie out to all the members each month. Eilers and Ruth and Max Bloomquist. Our new addition to the Staff this Several of these artists were also year was Carol Copper who joined featured at White River and on Bus the staff as our new bookkeeper trailer that we have turned into a days out at Big Sable. Also included replacing Shirley Mitchel who wonderful addition to the Little under in our “Summer at the Lights” retired from the staff last year. Carol Sable lighthouse property. Pricilla programing was our third annual Page 4 • Sable Points Beacon • December 2016 News from your Director, CONT.

Saturday afternoon drop-in dulcimer 2014. What a great gift to students our Capital Campaign fund. jam session at White River, three and children who visit our lights different times to enjoy Yoga on each year. I thank all of the donors A new flat roof has been installed the White River Lawn and a Friday that help us supply these to our on the Ludington North Breakwater young visitors for free. This year we tower so that we will not be had the Mason County Community experiencing any more leaks in the Foundation, Oxy Chemical, the gift shop and the base will be given Seekers Group, the Friends of White another fresh coat of paint in early River and DTE Energy Foundation May. partner with us in providing these to our young visitors. It seems the word is out that new mattress have been installed on the We have also republished the Tom and Saturday evening concert at Tag booklets for both Big Sable and White River as part of the Muskegon Little Sable this year and republished County Lighthouse festival. Grants and updated our SPLKA Keepers which helped to fund Summer at handbook as well. the Lights were received from the Oceania Community Foundation SPLKA partnered with the new the Great Lakes People’s Fund, Maritime Museum and sponsored a West Shore Bank and Sanders and speaker series Czapkski Architects and the Whippy in January, beds at Big Sable. Keepers are calling Dip of Silver Lake. February and in to make sure they don’t miss the March of sign up dates as they cannot wait to SPLKA continues to be involved in this year. We brought in historical get a good night sleep out at the light. our surrounding areas community speakers to speak to the community Dave Depee has also delivered 4 new events and activities. Our lighthouse at the LACA center. We averaged screen/storm window combinations beanbag toss game at Ludington’s around 60 people at each of these and installed them at Big Sable. He Friday night live events in July and events. It gave us a chance to let hopes to have these installed on all August has gotten a lot of attention as the community know what would of the windows at Big Sable by the we draw large crowds to our booth. be going on this summer at our end of next summer. It does give us a chance to speak with lights and to keep the enthusiasm parents and make a few Trexs board up for both the lighthouses and the We are very excited to announce that sales and it gives people a chance maritime museum. the Michigan Lighthouse Festival to donate to our cause. We remain will be in Ludington next year. Please involved in Ludington, Silver Lake Thanks to board members Shelia keep the dates August 24th, 25th Whitehall and Muskegon Chamber Meeusen and Lenore Janman we and 26th open on your next year’s of Commerce events as well. now have a group of volunteers calendar so that you can attend this speakers trained and provided with bi-yearly festival. Marge Ellenberger, We have had the a program that features each of our one of SPLKA’s new members is the SPLKA Activity lights. We are hoping to get more of driving force behind this festival. booklet reprinted a chance to visit school class rooms Marge has chosen Ludington as its for the fourth time to let students and others know more host city for 2017 as Ludington as now. This makes about our lighthouses. we will be celebrating Big Sable’s 150 35,000 copies birthdays. She is partnering with total that have Our Trexs board sales continue to SPLKA and the Ludington Chamber been printed since we received sell well. We have sold 351 boards to of Commerce and other sponsors to our first printing in September of date. This has added over $22,000 to bring this great event to Ludington.

Sable Points Beacon • DECEMBER 2016 • Page 5 News from your Director, CONT.

It will feature maritime vendors Sunday morning at the Maritime It has been a great year for SPLKA. and lighthouse organizations from Museum from 9 to 12. SPLKA is We have great staff to work with around the state that will be there very excited to be partnering in and I cannot thank them enough to promote their products and this endeavor with Marge and the for all of the effort that they put into organizations. It will feature sail Ludington Chamber of Commerce. making our lighthouses the best away rides on a Tall ship that will be they can be. I also want to thank the in port that weekend. There will be over 400 volunteers that come in a Friday night dinner at the Sterns As Big Sable will be celebrating its from around the county to volunteer Motel with speaker Patricia Majors 150 year birthday next year SPLKA their time and effort to make who wrote Women of the Lights. We is planning on at least one event each our guest experience to our four will have a bus day to Big Sable with month in the months of May through lighthouses informative, enjoyable entertainment and events at our all October in celebration. These will and unforgettable. of lights that weekend. Rick Mixter be special events at our lights, and Dan Hall will have a Saturday community events or fund raising It is my pleasure to serve as your evening multimedia presentation events for SPLKA. Information will executive director and I look forward and there will be coffee/rollsbe featured in our e blast and emails, to being able to serve in this capacity reception for SPLKA members and Facebook page and correspondence for many more years. representatives of other lighthouses that go out to the membership. A Very Happy Holiday Season! organizations and vendors on ~ Peter

LUDINGTON, MI 2ND TRAVELING MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL AUG. 25TH, 26TH, AND 27TH, 2017

SPONSORED BY: MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE GUIDE–PURE LUDINGTON–RADIO EAGLE MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE ALLIANCE–NYE’S WEB DESIGN SABLE POINTS LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS ASSOCIATION

Page 6 • Sable Points Beacon • December 2016 SPLKA 2016 ANNUAL MEETING The annual membership dinner and Executive Director Peter Manting to SPLKA. Pat and Marlene Perry business meeting of the Sable Points then introduced the staff gave a were given a SPLKA sweatshirt Lighthouse Keepers Association 2106 season update. He thanked the for being attendees at the annual was held September 17, 2016 at over 400 members who volunteered meeting with the longest history of the Double JJ Resort. The theme of this year to keep our lights open. serving as volunteers at our lights. this year’s dinner was “Saddles and Peter also announced that the Board They have been volunteering for 16 S a n d ”. of Directors was awarding Bob years. Sperling the Shining Light Award After dinner, President Sue Ann for 2016. Schnitker called the business meeting to order. Minutes from Sue Ann and Peter presented retiring last year’s 2015 annual meeting Board Members Sheila Meeusen were read and approved by the and John Truxell with a picture of all membership. four lighthouses and thanked them for their contributions to SPLKA. An updated financial picture was given by our executive director. David and Mary Jo Dietrich, day keepers • SPLKA had a very good year. Peter at Little Sable Point, talk about daily life pointed out that copies of our 990 as a keeper and the history of LPS at the for 2015 were available at the September 2016 Annual Meeting. meeting and also on our website. Our guest speakers were David According to our 990, revenue for Dietrich, along with his wife Mary 2015 increased by $33,471. Jo, who presented a program about • Net assets have increased to the life of a keeper and his family. $567,060 for 2015. Retiring board members John Truxell, and David and Mary Jo, who serve as • As of August 31, 2016, our Big Sheila Meeusen admire the framed photos of all four lights, presented to them for their day keepers at LSP, also gave some Sable Fund is showing a balance of contributions to SPLKA by Peter Manting of the history of LSP and how and $119,000. Our Capital Campaign and Sue Ann Schnitker at the September why Little Sable was actually built Fund has a balance of $76,000. 2016 Annual Meeting. in 1873-1874. They were both • Funds in our Capital Campaign Two new Board Members were dressed in period costumes, David Fund will be used in the future for a elected to fill the vacant slots in a keeper’s uniform, and Mary Jo new roof for the Big Sable keeper’s which open. Jeff duPuis, resides in attire befitting the keeper’s wife. quarters and some repair on the in Chicago, has been a volunteer at They took turns reminiscing about tower. White River Light Station and Little daily life for a keeper and his family, • Trex® board sales are now at 327 Sable is currently employed by Bank about preparation for inspection boards and will continue to be a of America. Jeff has been in the time, and about the education of the fundraiser in 2017. banking industry for over 40 years. keeper’s children. David explained • Giving Tuesday is November 29 this Ted Robinson is retired and lives that the first keeper’s uniforms were year. Watch the SPLKA e-blast to in Montague, is involved with the made in 1885 and that the keepers find out how you can get involved. Friends of White River and is the had to purchase their uniforms. New donation envelopes were also great grandson of Captain William David wore a black hat and introduced and were available at the Robinson, the first keeper at WRLS. explained that in 1939, white hats meeting and will be sent out to the Ted has a background of business were introduced to signify that the membership toward the end of the and accounting. keepers were members of the Coast year. Peter encouraged members to Guard. David is the great, great consider monthly, year-end, and end- Sue Ann then asked all attendees grandson of James Davenport, who of-life giving as ways or opportunities to stand and to remain standing to was the first keeper at Little Sable to give to our Association. commemorate their years of service Point. Sable Points Beacon • DECEMBER 2016 • Page 7 le Points ab Li S gh th o u s e

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A s SPLKA 2016 SHINING LIGHTS AWARD WINNER so cia tion The Shining Lights Award is given by the the SPLKA board and we worked together SPLKA board of Directors to someone for 7 years on the board. I remember the who has gone above and beyond to help time he offered to let us climb Little Sable SPLKA accomplish its mission to preserve, after we closed up Big Sable for the evening promote and educate the public and make our first year. That was before SPLKA our lighthouses accessible to all. had control of Little Sable and before it was opened to the public. He told us to The award this year goes to honor Robert wear our oldest clothes and not to breathe Paul Sperling and the legacy he has left on the way up. I thought Little Sable was behind. Bob was schooled as a tool and in very poor condition, but Bob said Big die maker for General Motors. He worked BOB SPERLING Sable was in much worse condition when in that position for over 35 years. He had 2016 Shining Lights Award we started than that, and after seeing the a love for sailing and that love grew into a pictures of Big Sable I would have to agree. love for anything maritime. In 1986 he was Bob continues to If there is a single person responsible for exploring a northern Michigan lighthouse be in the hearts and making Big Sable, Little Sable and the and he ran into Dick Smith from Ludington. Ludington North Breakwater Light what Dick told him about the local group from minds of all who they are today it is Bob.” Ludington that was trying to save Big Sable knew him. Lighthouse from Lake Michigan and that Bob’s handy work Jack and Gerry Thornton met Bob in 2001 they could use a hand if he was interested. is all around us and when they first became keepers at Big Sable The next weekend Bob was in Ludington to Point. Jack and Bob worked together on see what the group was doing and to lend a for that SPLKA is many restoration projects and Bob helped hand. Dick recalls Bob was the “get it done eternally grateful. Gerry learn the history of Big Sable as guy.” If it had to be done, he got it done. she became one of the SPLKA historians. Bob’s loves for Big Sable, then Little Sable and then the Gerry says, “We never grew tired of listening to Robert’s Ludington North Breakwater lighthouse are evident bountiful knowledge of the past history”. as they have been restored, opened and to this day are enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year to the lights. Bob served SPLKA as a volunteer, for a time as board president and as supervisor of historic maintenance Keeper Kathy Bloomfield remembers Bob in this way. and restoration. He retired from the position of historic “I met Bob in 2007 when I was assigned to my first tour maintenance and supervision in June of 2012. of duty at BSP. He not only fixed everything, replaced everything, but also had time to listen to our complaints Unfortunately in the summer of 2015 he was diagnosed and concerns, to share a story to illuminate his answers with cancer. He passed away in July of this year after and to just defuse the situation with his humor and what his caregiver termed a courageous struggle with calm demeanor. He was always there for us 24/7. His cancer. knowledge of lighthouses and maritime history was so impressive. It made me want to know more to share it It is because of Bob’s love and dedication to SPLKA with our visitors.” that the SPLKA board of Directors has awarded Robert Sperling the Shining Lights Award for 2016. His name Susan Griffin remembers Bob “as passionate about so will be engraved in the plague that hangs in the hallway many things and everything he did he was determined at Big Sable. The Board of Directors has also dedicated to do 150% or more. I don’t believe I will ever forget his two new Trex® boards in memory of Bob and the staff smile and stories that he told about the lighthouses.” has redone the brass plaque on the bench that honors Bob and sits outside of Big Sable. Bob continues to be in Jack Buege first met Bob in 2002 when he and Elaine the hearts and minds of all who knew him. Bob’s handy became volunteer keepers at Big Sable. They struck up work is all around us and for that SPLKA is eternally a wonderful friendship. Jack says “Bob appointed me to grateful. Page 8 • Sable Points Beacon • December 2016 The Great Lakes Lighthouses of Orlando Poe By Paul Taylor

he Civil War dealt a serious who, in wartime, were responsible Tblow to the United States’ for surveying and mapping enemy lighthouse system. Though thepositions and movements. In government had created a lighthouse peacetime, however, they were more board in 1852, for the purpose like modern civil engineers, engaged of improving the ways that aids in such functions as bridge building to navigation were created and or charting rivers, lakes, and harbors. maintained, the 1861-65 conflict Poe was sent to Detroit shortly after required that all work be suspended. graduation, where he was assigned And valuable financial resources that to the ongoing Great Lakes Survey. had been assigned to light stations That study was begun in 1841, with were directed elsewhere. the intent of developing navigational When Johnny finally camecharts for mariners and improving marching home, there was much work those areas that would enhance lake to be done at these stations and many commerce. It was during his 1856- new ones to be built—particularly in 1860 service that Poe met his future the Great Lakes region. Orlando Poe wife, setting the stage for Detroit to was just the man to do it. become their adopted hometown for Born in Navarre, Ohio in 1832, the remainder of their lives. Orlando Metcalfe Poe graduated Poe served the Union cause from sixth in his West Point class of 1856 day one during the Civil War years. with an engineering background. As Initially a staff officer for General one of the top seven graduates, he George McClellan in Ohio, Poe could select which military branch was soon offered the colonelcy of Due to Poe’s heroics in Tennessee he would serve in. Poe chose the the Second Michigan Infantry in and a shortage of qualified engineers, respected topographical engineers, September 1861. He led that unit General William T. Sherman selected into the 1862 Peninsula Campaign Poe to be his chief engineer for what in Virginia, until illness forced him became the 1864 Atlanta campaign. It home in June of that year. He returned was Poe who, acting under Sherman’s to the Second Michigan in time for orders, oversaw the burning of Atlanta the Second Bull Run campaign, where and then the building of immense he was also given field command numbers of bridges and corduroy of his regiment’s brigade. After his roads during the western theater’s presidential appointment to brigadier final 1864-65 campaigns in Georgia general was rejected by Congress in and the Carolinas. March 1863, Poe was sent west to Immediately following the war’s become chief engineer for General conclusion, Poe was granted the Ambrose Burnside. position of engineer secretary for Once in the region, Poe’s the Lighthouse Board. This position engineering talents came to the fore. required him and his family to His design of Fort Sanders at Knoxville, live in Washington, D.C., with the Tennessee enabled the outgunned occasional field inspection trip. His Union defenders of that bastion to responsibilities included preparation decisively repel a Confederate force of or oversight of the plans, specifications, superior numbers in November 1863. and cost estimates for various lighting Poe’s military career spanned This accomplishment culminated in equipment. In addition, he oversaw nearly 40 years. Poe earning considerable praise from the construction and repair of all Courtesy of the Library of Congress. both Burnside and the press. towers and buildings connected with Sable Points Beacon • DECEMBER 2016 • Page 9 The Great Lakes Lighthouses of Orlando Poe cont.

the lighthouse establishment. and pound any man-made creation By spring 1870, Poe’s service as into rubble within a few seasons. To engineer secretary was coming to an combat that enemy, Poe and his team end. Earlier that year, he had been designed a protective pier and inner offered a coveted position on the staff base that consisted of interlocking of his mentor, Sherman, now General blocks of stone measuring two feet of the Army. Poe declined, however, thick. The base and the bottom 30 as he and his wife were more than feet of the tower were built in such a ready to leave Washington politics and manner as to become one solid mass return to family and friends in Detroit. of stone. Instead, he accepted a promotion As work progressed, nature to chief army engineer of the Upper continued to be Poe’s biggest enemy. Lakes Lighthouse District. It was a Winter and its attendant ice naturally territory that included parts of the halted all work, while damage from Detroit River, along with lakes Saint gales during the shipping season was Clair, Huron, Michigan, and Superior. also a threat. When the Spectacle Reef Poe’s district was immense, and light was finally illuminated on June 1, featured 82 active lighthouses and 1874, the finished tower stood 93 feet lighted beacons. In this new position, tall and its base measured 32 feet in he was responsible for maintenance diameter. At a final cost of $400,000, to existing lights and towers, new it was one of the most expensive construction, and oversight of the lighthouses ever built in the United various harbor and river projects States. in eastern Michigan, as well as on the St. Marys River in the Upper Offshore construction challenges New Presque Isle Peninsula. Additionally, he was expanded the building period of While Poe was supervising the required to issue an annual report Spectacle Reef to four years. work at Spectacle Reef, he began with recommendations for locations Courtesy of the Library of Congress. plans for a new light at Presque Isle, of new lighthouses. a T-shaped strip of land on the Lake Huron coastline between Rogers City Spectacle Reef the Lighthouse Board that an offshore and Alpena. Poe’s most intimidating mission tower was required. Asserting that Prior to 1870, most light stations was building a new light in Lake the reef was “probably more dreaded consisted of a keeper’s cottage with Huron, at a deadly point known as by navigators than any other danger a short tower jutting up out of the Spectacle Reef. The reef was more than now unmarked throughout the entire roof or side of the cottage. But Poe’s 10 miles from the nearest island— chain of lakes,” Congress agreed in 109-foot-tall design for Presque Bois Blanc—and 17 miles from the 1869 to the board’s request for the Isle—almost 20 feet in diameter at the mainland. Its distinguishing feature then-princely sum of $300,000 for base, gently sloping inward to about was two rocky projections that rose construction costs. 12 feet at the top—broke that mold. to just seven feet below the surface. The work began in 1870, with Poe The gallery was supported by corbels Looked at from above, the deadly reef overseeing the design and construction (structural brackets), and each of the gave the appearance of a giant pair of team. Offshore lights had been built four windows featured a rounded arch. eyeglasses, thus earning its identifying before, but never in an area where These elegant, Italianate elements name. weather would be such an issue. Lake distinguished what would later be The reef was a sailor’s nightmare, as Huron’s ice floes often grew to two called the “Poe style” of lighthouses. it was easily capable of slicing through feet thick and covered thousands of A relatively small residence, one- the hull of any ship that sailed too near. acres. Strong winds generated waves and-a-half stories high and just 31 feet One disaster after another convinced that could easily move those floes square, was attached to the tower by a Page 10 • Sable Points Beacon • December 2016 The Great Lakes Lighthouses of Orlando Poe cont.

covered passageway. built in 1874; these were situated at opposite ends of Lake Superior. South Manitou Island The first—at Outer Island—was Not for any grand artistic vision, constructed on a high bluff at the most but rather to save money, Poe reused remote point of Wisconsin’s Apostle the tower design from Presque Isle Islands chain, to guide ships past the at South Manitou Island, part of archipelago to the rapidly growing the Beaver Archipelago off Lake ports of Duluth and Superior. A two- Michigan’s northeastern coast. and-a-half-story brick house with South Manitou already had a tower, clipped gables provided a substantial built in 1858 atop a brick keeper’s shelter to keepers and assistants who cottage. But its light was considered staffed the station. too dim and insufficient to guide the The second light was erected at lake traffic passing by its beam. The Big Sable Point, later known as Au district’s previous engineer called for Sable, near Grand Marais, Michigan. a replacement from the Lighthouse For years, no light existed along the Board, but Poe went further in his 80-mile stretch of Lake Superior recommendation: “The importance shoreline between Grand Island and of his station demands even a better Whitefish Point. Considered one of light than proposed…with a lens of The Grosse Pointe light station the most picturesque areas along the the Third Order.” Poe’s comments includes Poe’s largest keeper’s Great Lakes, it was also known as prompted an appeal for additional quarters. “the shipwreck coast” to 19th-century funds, which Congress granted in Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. mariners. “In all navigation of Lake March 1871. Construction began at Superior, there is none more dreaded South Manitou a few months later. by the mariner,” wrote a reporter for A 65-foot tapered tower was his biggest, designed as a duplex with the Marquette Mining Journal. erected on the site. In a cost-saving matching wings. At Poe’s direction, the Au Sable move, the keeper’s cottage was reused. light station followed the same general Outer Island and plan as that of Outer Island; the two Grosse Point Au Sable towers were only a foot different in Poe’s next design project was the height and the keeper’s residences Two more Poe lighthouses were Grosse Point Lighthouse, located were identical. about 13 miles north of Chicago on Lake Michigan’s southwestern coast. The point was a key landmark for lumber ships heading south to rebuild Chicago, which had been mostly destroyed by its great fire of 1871. Work on the light commenced in September 1872, but various delays prompted a stoppage in November. Construction ramped up the following April and was finished on March 1, 1874. At 113 feet, this tower was the tallest to carry Poe’s imprint, and only the second (after Spectacle Reef) to feature a second order Fresnel lens. Wisconsin’s Outer Island tower is Poe’s most northern and western lighthouse. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. The adjacent keeper’s house was also Sable Points Beacon • DECEMBER 2016 • Page 11 The Great Lakes Lighthouses of Orlando Poe cont. Little Sable Point 107 feet tall and boasted a third order The last of Poe’s 1874 lighthouses lens installed on a rotatable raceway. was erected at Petite Pointe Au Sable The corresponding keeper’s quarters on Lake Michigan’s eastern coast. mirrored those at Outer Island and Merchants serving the lumber trade Au Sable. had lobbied for one at that location for Poe had shown himself to be a years, and when Poe visited the area very busy man in the post-Civil War in 1872, he fully concurred. However, period. In addition to personally building what would become known designing and overseeing the as the Little Sable Point lighthouse construction of seven lighthouses, would prove to be a daunting task, his duties had extended far beyond since the location of the tower was a those particular lights. During his world away from the nearest supply few years in Michigan, Poe had been base, with no roads leading to the site. responsible for the oversight of more Virtually all men and materiel had to than 100 working lighthouses, another be brought in via Lake Michigan. 15 that were in the appropriations or construction process, seven lightships, three tenders (including one named for him), and close to 100 buoys. Now it was time for another change. In late 1872, Poe’s old superior Little Sable Light Station again came calling with an offer to join him in Washington. Sherman was still to finish up the ongoing work at the Army’s highest-ranking officer, Spectacle Reef and planning for a new and a position on his staff brought lock along the St. Marys River Canal. with it enhanced pay and the public “It would be very hard for me to turn recognition that Poe desired. Poe my back upon some of my works here accepted the offer, but asked Sherman which are now almost like children if he might stay in the field a bit longer to me,” he admitted. Sherman readily

Little Sable Light Station Plan Drawing.

Initial construction began in April 1873, with Poe’s plans calling for 109 one-foot diameter pilings to be driven to a depth of nine feet below ground in order to form a solid base within the sandy soil. When the slender red brick tower was finished in time for the 1874 shipping season, it stood Page 12 • Sable Points Beacon • December 2016 The Great Lakes Lighthouses of Orlando Poe cont. agreed, with the understanding that Though Poe had not been actively Poe would report for his new duty by engaged in lighthouse design for May 1, 1873. more than two decades, he was Despite his elevation to Sherman’s called upon in 1892 to revive a staff, Poe retained his relationship with foundering lighthouse project at Seul the Lighthouse Board. He oversaw Choix Pointe, near Gulliver on Lake the completion of the towers he had Michigan’s northern coast. His review designed while chief engineer and of the project revealed poor planning served as a member of the governing and questionable accounting practices. body for the next 10 years. Among Additionally, what construction had his accomplishments during this begun was compromised by shoddy period was the 1880 construction of materials. Poe was forced to scrap the the 108-foot-tall Wind Point light at entire project and start over, all the Racine, Wisconsin on Lake Michigan’s while requesting an additional $11,000 western shore. to see the project through. When Following Sherman’s retirement the appropriation request stalled in in 1884, Poe returned to Michigan Congress, the engineer identified as superintendent of iron and harbor funds that had been set aside but not works for the Great Lakes region. His yet used by the lighthouse district. overarching mission was to ensure These monies were enough to get Seul that waterways were wide and deep Choix restarted and completed in the Little Sable Light Station enough to handle the ever-increasing fall of 1895. freight. It was a duty that included Weeks later, Orlando M. Poe National Cemetery in Washington, design and construction oversight passed away at his Detroit home at the D.C. of the then-largest shipping lock in age of 63, succumbing to an infection Though 140-plus years have passed the world, at Sault Ste. Marie. This contracted during his work at the since Poe began his lighthouse design engineering achievement would be Sault. For his service to the country, career, all of the beacons he created are named “Poe Lock” in honor of its in wartime and peace, he was buried still standing tall as symbols of safety creator. with full military honors at Arlington for mariners and working monuments to a man of rare vision.

Paul Taylor is the author of six books pertaining to the Civil War era, including “Orlando M. Poe: Civil War General and Great Lakes Engineer” and “‘Old Slow Town’: Detroit during the Civil War.”

This article is reprinted from Michigan History, a magazine published by the Historical Society of Michigan, Vol. 98 No. 5, September/ October 2014. www.hsmichigan.org. Used by permission.

Thanks to Gary Grinwis for the header and contributed photos of Little Sable Point. Photo courtesy of Gary Grinwis Sable Points Beacon • DECEMBER 2016 • Page 13 AMAZON SMILE Thirsty for PROGRAM Stories About Amazon Smile is a simple way for you to support the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association every Michigan? time you shop at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com you’ll find the exact low prices, vast selection and the same convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to SPLKA. Already have an Amazon account? Use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. com, your shopping cart, wish list wedding or baby registry and other account settings are also the same. Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. Sign up today at AmazonSmile and specify your charitable giving be given to Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association. We thank you for this! Fill up on the Great Lakes State’s past with Michigan History magazine. hsmichigan.org • (800) 366-3703 Published by the Historical Society of Michigan

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Association A s so cia tion Check us out on Need reminders Facebook! of our Bus Days or other special events?

Keep up to date with all the SPLKA Search “Sable Points Lighthouse happenings by visiting Keepers Association” and LIKE us! our Facebook page. Or, scan the QR code with your smartphone!

Page 14 • Sable Points Beacon • December 2016 LeaveLeave a a Print Print

Help us preserve Big Sable Point Lighthouse SPLKA announces the expansion of our inin thethe SandSand“Leave a Print in the Sand” fundraising and Tower by purchasing a Trex® board. initiative. Started in July 2014 this ongoing These boards will become the new walkway effort by the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association (SPLKA) has risen around Big Sable Point. over $22,000 which has been added to our Capital Campaign fund for the ongoing repairs that need to be done at our four iconic Lake Michigan lighthouses. SPLKA‘s mission is to “preserve, promote, educate the public and to make our lighthouses accessible to all.

Help us preserve our lighthouses by purchasing a personalized engraved Trex board. These boards are becoming the new walkway around Big Sable Point Lighthouse and now the new walkway between the Little Sable Merchandise trailer and the cement walkway. The cost of the engraved boards is $100.00 each. Each Trex board can be engraved with up to 25 characters on one line, including commas and spaces with a two line maximum.

Most of you have fond memories of being keepers or visitors at the Big Sable Light, the Little Sable Light or both and climbing up each towers 130 stairs to one of the most spectacular views in the area. What better way to remember your time spent there than to donate a board or two. These also make great Christmas, birthday or to recognize a special event gifts. Please share this with those in your circle of friends who love lighthouses so that they can take advantage of this as well. Brochures are available for downloading and printing on our web site. (www.splka. org). You now have the opportunity to specify, on your form, where your board or boards are to be placed. Sable Points Beacon • DECEMBER 2016 • Page 15 le Points ab Li S gh th o u s e

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A s so cia tion MEMBERS Listed below are the members who have made a lifetime membership commitment to the Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association. We want to thank you for your past and current support of SPLKA and the four lighthouses that we are care takers of. With changes over the years in staff we might have missed one or two you. If you feel that you have been left off this list for some reason please let the SPLKA office know.

John & Mary Anderson M. Kay Hannah Jonnie Mladonicky Tom & Sheryl Anderson Al Hardman Richard & Margaret Moehl Mike & Julie Babcock Diane Hazen Michael Montgomery Judy Bach Ronald Heidrich Daniel Moons Bill & Megan Baker Richard & Cecilia Heller John R. & Carol Morava Bob & Becki Baltzer Randy & Barb Hemstad Dan & Christine Nelson Thomas Beck Mary Hokanson Jane Pashby Heinz & Judy Bertram L.W. Holmes Richard & Annetta Pawlak Jerry & Pat Biggs Garth & Corlene Holmquist Alvin & Marge Ramthum Raymond & Kristen Biggs Gary & Grace Hughes Phillip & Connie Reece David Bromer Ronald & Grace Hutchinson Dorothy Reed Joy Bruce Jim & Robyn Jadrich Budde & Sheryl Reed Jack & Elaine Buege Mary James Paul Rehfuss Doug & Carol Buikema Lenore Janman Andre & Maryanne Renier Leslie Campbell Nancy & Thom Jones Dave & Carol Rodwell Mary Chandler Mike & Donna June Sue Ann & Gary Schniker Herbert & Arlene Chinworth Everett Keller Sandra Silver Gary & Carolyn Chisholm David & Paula Kelley Janet Sliwoski Bob & June Markus Clearwater Eugene Ketchum Richard Smith John Cooney Penny & DJ King Dick & Ruth Smith Gary Dancz Keith & Colleen Klobucar Tom & Sharon Synder Edna De Lair Max & Lorrine Knuth Ciro & Rita Sotelo Jean Deal Thad & Judy Larsen Anette Steenwyk Donald Dunlop David Layton Jeff duPuis Craig & Susan Leatrea Allan & Roberta Thiele Cynthia Enbody Peter &Marian Lemere Jack & Gerry Thornton Ruby Endres Barbara & Kirk Lindquist Shirley Torrance Carl Essex Howard & Florence Loomis Ron & Maedean Tower Anne Essien Nancy Lubeski Stephen & Grace Truman Caryl Ferguson Mark Ludington John Truxell Debra Delp & Sue Foster Carl Luther Robert & Gayle Turnwald Sandra Frank Barbara Maclean Ken & Barbara Valliey Leona Frederick Bruce & Marcia Martin Bruce & Sandy Van Wingen Susan Griffin Rick Land & Deanna Martinez Linda Wagner Sergio &Nancy Grijalva/Houts Dale Mattis Dick & Marcia Walsworth Jennifer Hallenbeck Doug & Beth McBride Jeff Westbrook Mark & Nancy Hallenbeck Earl & Susan McCullough Bruce Wilbur Edward Hallin Leslie & Arlene Meverden Bonnie Wilkinson Donna Hallin Virginia Miller Cynthia Lynn Wilson Ray Mamel Ed Missiaen Deborah Wittkowski Pat & Bob Hames Bill & Shirley Mitchell John A. Young

Page 16 • Sable Points Beacon • December 2016 top of the tower with the brass We are planning on having a new Lighthouse tubes holding the light now being roof installed on Big Sable in the Maintenance brightly polished. spring as the current roof has served A thank you to Pat Perry for us well but is in desperate need of News: his assistance in this project. Little replacement. Stay tuned for more Sable also saw the installation news on that front. of a new gift shop this year. Ludington North Breakwater If you’ve been out to any of our For years guests have asked for Light didn’t get forgotten. The lights this year you will see that a someplace to buy merchandise and lighthouse has a new roof to keep lot of work has been happening to souvenirs. We have never been able Lake Michigan where it belongs, on get all of the structures in top shape. to accommodate the requests. This the outside. It also has interior lights Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers year we were able to give it a go with for the first time in many years on Association (SPLKA) is very our new, 1965 Avion trailer that was the first floor gift shop. Unobtrusive thankful to all of our dedicated and converted to do duty as a gift shop. solar panels have been installed and hardworking volunteers who help The response has been superb and enough electricity is being generated maintain our lights and residences. now visitors can get their t-shirts to keep the lights shining on the first Here’s a rundown of some of the and merchandise right here to floor. The navigational light at the highlights at each of our lights: commemorate their visit. top has been powered for years by The second floor museum at Big Sable Point Lighthouse has a solar panel that was supplied and White River Light Station was a new coat of paint on most of the maintained by the Coast Guard. The reconfigured and expanded before outside and numerous new storm new solar panels for the first floor opening this year and the response windows. The remaining storm lights were supplied and installed by has been tremendous. There is a windows and the last of the exterior SPLKA. better flow of traffic and more space painting should be completed in the This is just a small example of for displaying artifacts for all to see. spring. Just in time for the 150th the work that is done by our staff anniversary of the opening of Big and volunteers. Don’t worry though. Sable Point Lighthouse and the If you didn’t get a chance to help Lighthouse Festival which is being on any of these projects there is held in Ludington next year. A no shortage of opportunities. Just very special thanks to Ken Reeves, give our Supervisor of Restoration Bob Baltzer and Bob Everett for and Maintenance a heads up at their selfless and dedicated labor [email protected] to help make the grand lady look and we’ll get you scheduled for a presentable. workgroup.

Work is set to begin shortly on renovating the original workshop used by Captain Robinson into more museum display space and a media center for showing instructional videos. Little Sable Point Lighthouse has had a new and improved light mounting bracket installed at the

Sable Points Beacon • DECEMBER 2016 • Page 17 STRANGE GOINGS ON AT BIG SABLE ighthouses football. A new couple from Ohio and naturally big L decorate our Ohio State fans began bragging their team up to the seashores and veteran keepers with whom they were serving. In the quietly have existed middle the night the first women keeper awoke to find for centuries. the downstairs lights on. She went down, turned them off Many haunted and went back to join her husband in bed. Shortly after lighthouses have getting in bed they both were startled as the downstairs seen multiple smoke alarm went off. As soon as they went downstairs lifetimes of sea- they smelled lingering cigar smoke and as suddenly as faring history. the alarm went on, it went off. In the morning as they Much of that were recalling these events to the other keepers, who history is good, had not heard the smoke detector, the veteran keepers such as saving the laughed and said that Henry was just checking out these lives of sailor’s new keepers from Ohio. They believed Henry was a through aid of Michigan man and had probably set the alarm off with the lighthouses’’ his cigar. Occasionally, the smell of bread baking in the beacons. Other oven, or coffee brewing when nothing is being prepared lighthouse history in the kitchen are other signs that Henry is around. is tragic, such as In the south bedroom a keeper claimed to be when ships were awakened by a small young boy who was upset and not able to find the life- saving lamps only to be found crying because his father had just spanked him. Other broken up on the rocks, unaware of their impending unusual sightings have occurred in that bedroom as doom. well. On a stormy November evening when the thunder Some lighthouses are haunted due to the tragedies was crashing and the lightning flashing, a frightened of ships, horrible pirate attacks from both land and sea, young teenage girl appeared and asked to climb in bed and other hardships keepers and families endured. Many with the resident keeper couple because she was scared people believe that lighthouses are haunted by former a of the storm. keeper which is the case at the Big Sable light. I thought Other events that have been reported have been of a in this article I will share a few tales from the keepers. book levitating in the gift shop in front of two keepers Henry Vavrina was one of the last head keepers at and a customer, attic covers in the East bedroom and in Big Sable. His tour was from 1955 to 1965 at the Big the small living room pulsating, moving and spinning, Sable light. We display Henry’s uniform, which is on a scratching noises coming from the closet in the East mannequin, in the display case located in the gift shop living room, lights in the basement being turned on at Big Sable. The keepers claim Henry is still around. He after hours, keys to the Coast Guard door appearing in likes to play tricks on the resident keepers so they know the morning and the door being locked after the keeper he is there. At times in the night he will turn his showcase had misplaced the keys and were unable to lock the door light on after everyone has turned in. A keeper reported at closing. to waking up in the night with all the lights in her room A Keeper insisted that she felt pressure on her feet on. She then saw a man in a red and white striped shirt and legs several times during her two week stay. It felt walk across her room. Others have reported hearing like someone was sitting at the foot of the bed during footsteps or other sounds coming from upstairs when the night. She also claimed to see “spirits” of a man and staying in the downstairs apartment. Going upstairs to a woman walking around upstairs during the night. She investigate they found all the doors unlocked so they said this type of thing happened to her all her life and locked all the doors only to go back downstairs and she was sensitive to the spirit world! She said our spirits hearing the noises again. Upon going back upstairs they are not upset or angry…just making sure the lighthouse found all the doors unlocked and doors to rooms they is being taken care of. They were pleased with how had closed opened. Keepers have reported smelling things were. cigar smoke during the evening serval times. Smoking As our season comes to a close this year I want to is not allowed in the lighthouse any more, but Henry remind you that we have two week volunteer keeper always liked a good cigar. opportunities available where you stay in the old keeper’s It was getting close to football season, during the quarters at the light. Are you brave enough to volunteer? day the keeper’s conversation turned towards college

Page 18 • Sable Points Beacon • December 2016 Renew Your 2017 SPLKA Membership Today! Your support of the Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers three of our lights, voting privileges at the annual Association means a great deal to S.P.L.K.A. and to membership dinner meeting, membership card, the lakeshore communities. We would like to remind window decal, semiannual newsletters, unlimited you that now free admission to is a great time all four lighthouses to renew your Sable Points for one year and for membership for memberships head the 2017 season. Lighthouse Keepers keeper level and above, merchandise Your Association discount at all of membership, SPLKA gift shops. along with MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR 2017 hundreds of associate membership...... $30 Your partnership is others, makes sincerely appreciated it possible for individual membership...... $60 and we couldn’t do us to fulfill this without you. our important couple/family membership...... $100 If you have already mission to renewed your 2017 preserve, head keeper...... $175 membership please promote, consider giving the educate and business/corporate sponsor. . . . . $250 gift of membership make accessible to a friend or Michigan’s lifetime individual membership. . .$750 relative who would Maritime History be interested in to all through our couple/family lifetime membership . . . $1,000 joining our cause. lighthouses.

Advantages of being a member include being eligible Thank you for your continued to be a day keeper,(associate membership) or resident commitment to our historic structures keepers,(all other membership level categories) at and our communities’ Maritime History.

Meet SPLKA Bookeeper, Carol Cooper Hi, my name is Carol Cooper In addition, I am an adjunct business faculty at West and I am excited to be the new Shore Community College and have taught a wide range of bookkeeper for SPLKA! I am business courses, including accounting and computerized taking over the position from accounting. Prior to that, I also taught at Ferris State Shirley Mitchell who was the University and Lansing Community College. My bookkeeper for many dedicated educational background includes an associate’s degree in years. Shirley has been Court and Conference Reporting and a bachelor’s degree invaluable to me in training and in Business Education from Ferris State University and a making sure there is a smooth master’s degree in Business & Distributive Education from transition of duties. Michigan State University. My background includes My favorite activity is spending time with my family experience performing similar and enjoying special activities with them. And, of course, bookkeeping work for other organizations, including I also enjoy learning more about and visiting the SPLKA a golf course, doctor’s office, and non-profit camp. It is lighthouses. exciting for me to serve in this capacity for SPLKA also I have been welcomed at SPLKA and enjoy working with and to be part of an organization dedicated to preserving the staff, board, members, and volunteers and appreciate and protecting our natural history and beauty. the opportunity to be part of this great organization. Sable Points Beacon • DECEMBER 2016 • Page 19 le Points ab Li S gh th o u s Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association NON PROFIT ORG e

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