Algoma Light

Algoma Pierhead Light
Location Algoma, Wisconsin
Coordinates 44°36′25.092″N 87°25′45.513″W / 44.60697000°N 87.42930917°W / 44.60697000; -87.42930917Coordinates: 44°36′25.092″N 87°25′45.513″W / 44.60697000°N 87.42930917°W / 44.60697000; -87.42930917[1]
Year first lit 1932
Automated 1973
Foundation Pier
Construction Steel
Tower shape Red cylindrical tower[1]
Height 48 feet (15 m)[1]
Original lens Fresnel lens
Range 16 nautical miles (30 km; 18 mi)[1]
Characteristic Red, Isophase, 6 sec. HORN: 1 blast ev 10s (1s bl). Operated from Apr. 1 to Dec. 1 and other times as required by local conditions.[1]
USCG number 7-20975ref name=uscg7/>

The Algoma Light or Algoma Pierhead Light is a lighthouse located near Algoma in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.

The lighthouse was first established in 1893 as a set of range lights. It was rebuilt in 1908 at which time it was a conical tower built of 5⁄16-inch (7.9 mm) steel plate, 8 feet (2.4 m) in diameter at the base and 7 feet (2.1 m) in diameter at the parapet. It stood 26 feet (7.9 m) high.[2] In 1932, it was modified again and the entire structure was raised to a height of 42 feet (13 m) by placing the older tower on a new steel base 12 feet (3.7 m) in diameter, that increased the focal height to forty-two feet.[2] The station was automated in 1973.[3] It is listed as number 20975 in the USCG light lists.[4]

History

The lighthouse was first established in 1893 as a set of range lights. In 1895, a fifth-order lens replaced the original lantern; increasing the effective range of the light to 11 miles.[2][5] In 1907, with the keeper's accommodations still unbuilt, the wooden tower was in a significant state of distress and the decision was made to replace the tower.[2] It was rebuilt in 1908.[2] It stood 26 feet (7.9 m) high. The original lens has been replaced by a plastic lens.

Keepers

The Light has had several keepers throughout its long history even prior to the construction of the tower. Ole Hansen was the first to man the light from 1893 – 1895.[5] Charles E. Young followed in 1895 and remained until 1899.[5] The third keeper was Nelson Knudsen who manned it from 1899 to 1901.[5] In 1901, Gustavus Umberham transferred to Algoma from the Cedar River Lighthouse; bringing his five children with him.[5] Umberham drowned on February 3, 1913, during a boat trip with three acquaintances, he was swept overboard by a large wave.[2] Eugene Kimball, a close friend of Umberham was transferred to the station in April 1913.[2][3] Kimball was manned the light until 1923 when he was transferred.[5][3] After Kimball left, Carl J. Graan manned the lighthouse from 1923 to 1944.[5]

Images

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Light List, Volume VII, Great Lakes (PDF). Light List. United States Coast Guard. 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Algoma Pierhead Light - Main". Terry Pepper. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 "Algoma Pierhead Light keepers". Terry Pepper. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  4. ↑ Light List, Volumes 1-7. United States Coast Guard.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Algoma Pierhead, WI". Lighthouse Friends. Retrieved 5 December 2013.

Additional reading

  • Havighurst, Walter (1943) The Long Ships Passing: The Story of the Great Lakes, Macmillan Publishers.
  • Oleszewski, Wes, Great Lakes Lighthouses, American and Canadian: A Comprehensive Directory/Guide to Great Lakes Lighthouses, (Gwinn, Michigan: Avery Color Studios, Inc., 1998) ISBN 0-932212-98-0.
  • Pepper, Terry. "Seeing the Light: Lighthouses on the western Great Lakes". 
  • Sapulski, Wayne S., (2001) Lighthouses of Lake Michigan: Past and Present (Paperback) (Fowlerville: Wilderness Adventure Books) ISBN 0-923568-47-6; ISBN 978-0-923568-47-4.
  • Wright, Larry and Wright, Patricia, Great Lakes Lighthouses Encyclopedia Hardback (Erin: Boston Mills Press, 2006) ISBN 1-55046-399-3.

External links

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