July 22, 2021

Today was trip 8, a day trip aboard Gwen and Doug Noren’s Victory. They had a full load of people…so much so that they’d doubled checked with the manufacturer of their boat to make sure they were within limits with seven passengers plus the welding set on the return trip.

After yesterday’s disappointments, was delighted when the Rollins’ daily check in was titled “Best day ever!” This project has its ups and downs, likely magnified by the difficult logistics. Bruce writes “Doug was able to remove all the remaining stops and the 2 remaining right hand rails so all 3 tower windows can have sash installed when ready. Enjoyed all the visitors, Ric and Andrew anxious to help and did some heavy lifting. Kathy enjoyed working with Doug on window covers. All around great day.”

A little further explanation….we have been trying since 2017 to remove the stops from the Skeletal Tower stairway windows. Doug’s first try July 2 was unsuccessful also. So, success is huge. We can move forward. We have most of the sash restored or recreated (#5 of 6 is in Wells basement with resto underway, #6 will be recreated this fall or winter by another volunteer.) Will need to figure out fasteners, but hopefully we should be able to reinstall the windows in 2022.

Maritime historian Ric Mixter has been trying to make it to the station for years. Believe Andrew is from Whitefish Point. Asked them if they could help us get started on restoration of the 1867 lantern room. We lack expertise to do it. We’re hopeful these well-connected guys may be able to point us the right direction.

Yes, Bruce is right, a great day!