Historic Dock
The historic dock was an important feature of the station, allowing for the delivery of materials, equipment, supplies, and personnel to the station. A pier of some kind likely dates to 1867 during initial construction of the station. Lighthouse reports suggest it was improved and extended over time, but few details exist. A marine archeological study in 2011 determined that it extended eastward 195 feet from the boathouse, then angled 90 degrees northward and extended another 16 feet. Underwater remains of the pier suggest it had been constructed of a series of wooden cribs, filled with rocks and rubble, reinforced with sheet metal, and finally filled with concrete. Sunken steps and a large anchor block with metal ring and 1928 scribed in the block were also found during the survey.
A small stub of the historic pier is still present, but parts are mostly under water and sufficiently damaged that the dock is not usable and restoration is not feasible. Plans call for the construction of a modern dock at the historic location. Feasibility studies are ongoing though any construction is likely many years away.
Outbuildings
Remains of a garden shed, the two pump houses, and a smoke house are present but limited documentation exists as to their original appearance. Archaeological investigation could provide information about these structures and their historic significance. A storage barn has been built in the general area of the original but is smaller and not historically accurate. The purpose of the unknown still-like structure is a mystery yet to be solved.
These short videos visit the garden shed and smoke house.
Retaining Wall/Sidewalks
Presumably as part of the sidewalk construction in 1917, retaining walls were constructed along the sidewalk leading from the main grounds to the fog signal building, behind the assistant keepers quarters and along the south wall of the boathouse. There are over 600’ of sidewalk connecting all the buildings.
Gravesite
A grave site containing two burials is located behind the Assistant Keepers Quarters. One grave is marked with a Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) grave marker. The second marker is “Leader” known to be Keeper Allen Cain’s dog who died in a hunting accident. The site is marked by a Michigan Department of National Resources sign that states: “Grave Site Do Not Disturb.” Under provisions of the land transfer from the U.S. Government to the State of Michigan, the gravesite must be maintained.
One theory is that the second grave belongs to Keeper William T Lewis who died on the island in 1885 after a fall and was supposedly buried in a coffin made of driftwood. Research suggests he wasn’t a civil war veteran, but a later newspaper article about his death described him as such. It may have led to the marker even though the local GAR has no records of a veteran having been interred here.
Alternate research suggests the grave may belong to Henry Turner, Captain of the Schooner James Platt, that foundered on the island November 25, 1881. His body was not found until August 10, 1882 and he was reportedly buried on the island. Correspondence indicates his grave was disturbed in June 1899 and that he was reburied in the vicinity of the station. While there was a Captain Henry Turner who had been in the Civil War, that Henry Turner died in 1879 and is buried in Appleton, WI.
Minor Features
The station has a number of interesting relatively smaller features that add to the character of the site:
- Clothesline posts stand beyond the lighthouse, located in a perfect spot for sun and wind.
- A light post with fixture, but no electricity, guides the way from the housing area to the skeletal tower and fog signal.
- A flagpole base was found between the Oil House and 1867 Light. A wood replacement pole was installed in 2008, approximately replicating the original.
