1867

• Congress grants $18,000 for a light station on South Fox Island.
• The height of the tower from the base to the top of the ventilator is 45 feet. The revolving 4th order Fresnel lens was fixed red with a red flash. It was 68 feet above lake level.
• It was first lit on November 1, 1867 by lighthouse keeper, Henry J. Roe.

Information on keepers can be found here.

1880

• To prevent drifting sand and snow, Keeper Willis Warner builds a board fence around the light station, 320 feet long and five feet high.

1890

• New landing docks are built, consisting of sunk cribs. The Boathouse is moved closer to the docks.

1892

• Keeper Louis Bourisseau builds 600 feet of wooden walkways, two feet wide to connect buildings,

1895

• After years of delays, a Fog Signal building is erected with a 10-inch steam whistle fog signal.
• A brick Oilhouse is built with a capacity of 360 gallons of kerosene to replace the prior lard oil.

1897

• A new Boathouse is built.

1898

• A well with Pumphouse is dug to provide a better water supply for the fog signal.
• New wooden walkways are built to connect the Boathouse and the Pumphouse to existing wallways.
• A new dock including a derrick is built next to the new Boathouse.
• A wood frame Assistant Keepers’ Quarters (five rooms for two keepers) is built
• The station was open year round the winter of ’98-99 at the request of ferry companies. The fog signal was in operation some 581 hours and consumed about 42 cords of wood and 43 tons of coal.

1900

• A steam launch replaces the open sailing skiff that had served as the station’s official craft.

1905

• A second well is sunk east-northeast of the original well dug in 1898.

1906

• A post office is built at the Plank farm on the southeastern side of South Fox Island.

1910

• The wooden Assistant Keepers’ Quarters is replaced with a two-story red brick building. The new building was built with indoor plumbing, quite a luxury in those days.
• The yellow bricks of the Light Tower are whitewashed.

1911

• The island’s post office is closed. Mail is delivered only once or twice a month.

1915

• Deer are introduced to the island.

1916

• The light is converted to oil vapor, increasing the intensity of the light.

1920s

• Farming on the island is abandoned.

1928

• Edward Guest, a construction engineer of the lighthouse service, and his assistant, Francis Kimball, build a dock in November.

1929

• The light is electrified. The steam fog signal is replaced with a Tyfon air fog-signal with duplicate horizontal air compressors and a gasoline engine-driven electric generator.

1933

• The Skeletal Tower on Sapelo Island, Georgia, a square pyramidal cast iron skeletal tower of the ’Sanibel’ class, built in 1905, is disassembled and the components are shipped to South Fox Island.

1934

• Workers from Northport reassemble the Skeletal Tower on the southern tip of South Fox Island, southwest of the old lighthouse, closer to the shoreline. The focal plane is 129 feet above the lake, sixty-two feet higher than the old lighthouse. The 4th order lens produced a white flash every thirty seconds.

1939

• The US Lighthouse Service becomes part of the US Coast Guard.

1954

• The Fog Signal is discontinued.

1958

• The light station is converted to an automatic light. Allen Cain, the last official lightkeeper of South Fox Island, leaves the island.

1959

• The last crew leaves the South Fox Island Light Station. The equipment of the lantern room, including a 4th order Fresnel lens, is moved to Old Presque Isle Light on Lake Huron.

1962

• The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) introduces more deer to the island.

1968

• The automatic light system is shut down. Electronic navigation has rendered it obsolete.

1971

• The U.S. Department of Interior transfers the southernmost 115 acres to the DNR for public park and recreation “in perpetuity.”

1975

• A DNR maintenance crew of five make a trip to the island to clean out and secure the buildings, repair the roofs, tear off old porches, kill poison ivy and sundry other projects.

1978

• A report by the DNR Waterways Division states the agency’s goals for the site: “Waterways Division acquired this property with the idea of developing it in the future as a harbor of refuge. Such a facility would accommodate the boater with a rustic and historical surrounding. The historical significance of the island could be used to advantage with tours through the buildings and area… The deed of the property charged us with certain responsibilities. One is to protect the gravesite from desecration… The property was obtained from the U.S. Government for public purposes… Our biggest problem at this time is to provide minimum maintenance to the property in order to preserve and protect it until a harbor is developed.”
  Although the harbor of refuge project was dropped, the remaining goals still apply.

1982

• The DNR visits in May, finding a number of buildings have been broken into and that two panels in the tower had been shot out. Plans are made to secure things on a return trip.

1984

• The DNR engages the Traverse Bay Area Area Vocational Center ito clean up and secure the station.   Bradley Boese supervises 10 members of the Michigan Youth Corp in doing the needed work.

1994

• David V. Johnson purchases North Fox Island after another party proposed building a $100 million, 642-unit luxury housing project on the island. “I couldn’t stand by and watch North Fox Island be destroyed,” Johnson told the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

1995

• The Natural Resources Commission announces the possible acquisition of North Fox in a trade with Johnson, who also owns two-thirds of South Fox. Johnson proposes trading the entire 832 acres on North Fox to the state in exchange for the remaining third of South Fox, which the state owns. Total land in public ownership is 1,140 acres.

1996

• The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians opposes the proposal, citing ancestral ties to the island, a tribal cemetery, and treaty rights to hunt, fish, and gather vegetation on public land in areas its ancestors ceded to the government in an 1836 treaty. DNR’s district office opposes the swap, saying South Fox is more important than North Fox for ecological reasons, public recreation, and accessibility.

1997

• In view of much public opposition, the DNR rejects Johnson’s swap proposal. Instead, DNR director K.L. Cool proposes the purchase of North Fox. In December, the state’s Natural Resources Trust Fund approves the purchase for $2 million for use as a natural area open to public access and for ecological research.
• Gordon Kiker establishes a website for the South Fox Island Lighthouse Project.  He proposes a 501(c)(3) to raise funds and begin restoration.

2000

• The Grand Traverse Band offers to take ownership of the south tip of South Fox Island, including the former light station. The federal government rejects the proposal, citing the 1949 Federal Lands to Parks law, which does not mention tribes as possible recipients.
• DNR files a request to allow a road to be built through critical dune land on South Fox to enable repairs to the light station. According to the land swap draft, Johnson would have to restore and maintain the lighthouse. Opponents fear the road would be used to link Johnson’s house to the lighthouse and the southern beach area.
• Inspired by a trip to the station, Catherine Allchin, Brad Boese, and friends call a meeting at the Leland Library and FIEA (Fox Island Education Association) is formed, the latest of several attempts to preserve the station.

2001

• Despite strong opposition from a standing-room-only crowd, the Leelanau Township Planning Commission recommends that the Leelanau Township Board not oppose the special exception permit for the construction of the road on the island. The DEQ cannot issue the permit unless the township approves.
• The Michigan United Conservation Club board adopts a resolution opposing the land swap between David Johnson and the State of Michigan swapping N. Fox for plots on S. Fox to allow more concentrated property. In March, the Leelanau Township Board votes to oppose the road permit, leaving the swap issue unresolved.
• In September, the DNR bans hunting on the southernmost 115 acres of South Fox to prevent vandalism to the historic lighthouse.
• In December, the DNR and Johnson eventually reach a swap agreement that does not include the 115 acres transferred to the state in the 1970s. The Grand Traverse Band files a lawsuit against David Johnson opposing the deal, citing the tribe’s treaty land claims on the island.

2002

• The Michigan Land Use Institute joins the Grand Traverse Band’s lawsuit, stating that the DNR did not follow its own policies for transferring state lands.
• State Attorney General Jennifer Granholm rules that she cannot approve the swap because of Indian land claims that “cloud” the title on 200 of the 219 acres to be traded.
• David Johnson files a counter-suit against the Grand Traverse Band and the Michigan Land Use Institute.
• In November, Leelanau Circuit Court Judge Thomas Power rules against some of the tribal claims. This clears the “cloud” over the title and allows the swap to proceed.

2003

• The Michigan Land Use Institute holds a forum in Traverse City in an attempt to drum up opposition to the land swap. However, on March 7, Attorney General Mike Cox certifies the transfer.

2004

• The Fox Island Lighthouse Association (FILA) is established. Joerg Rothenberger from Switzerland launches the southfox.org website. Public meetings are held and actions begun toward organizing public support and non-profit status.

2005

• Stephanie Staley, director of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, sets up a public awareness campaign with a series of activities involving school classes. Public presentations are held at the Maritime Academy in Traverse City in March and in Northport in April.
• At the end of April, FILA learns that a boat will be donated as soon as non-profit status is obtained.
• In May, the South Fox Island Restoration Project Exhibit is opened to the public at the GT Lighthouse Museum.
• In early June, the FILA website is chosen as the Website of the Week by Leelanau Communications, Inc.
• For the rest of the year, FILA concentrates on cultivating important contacts and resolving technical issues concerning the boat, purchasing a trailer, and researching possible transport to the island.

2006

• In January, the FILA website is chosen by Leelanau Communications as the Northern Michigan Site of the Year 2005.
• In February, FILA achieves non-profit status, and it becomes a member of the Michigan Lighthouse Alliance. Presentations of the lighthouse project are given at a Grand Traverse Bay Power Squadron meeting and at the Chicago Maritime Festival.
• In May, the donated boat is moved to Northport to be reconditioned. Thanks to volunteer skippers, several trips to the light station are made in May and June. An assessment of the state of the buildings is followed by basic repairs (windows, metalwork of the lantern room, etc.).
• In June, the Board of Directors of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum approves a resolution that establishes close cooperation with FILA.
• In August, the boat is launched, but it still has to undergo some engine work. FILA presents its project at various public events. The thicket around the light station buildings is cleared by volunteers and FILA members.
• In September and October, various repairs are made on metal structures, roofs, and chimneys.
• In November, the results of the work and a task list for 2007 are presented to the Department of Natural Resources. The DNR issues an extension of the use permit through the end of the 2007 season.
• The annual assembly in December introduces the new bylaws and the board of directors is re-elected.

2007

• The two engines of the Lightkeeper, FILA’s boat, are rebuilt. Several board meetings are held in cooperation with the Board of Directors of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum. FILA gets office space and a phone number at the GTLHM. A presentation is made at the Chicago Maritime Festival.
• A benefit concert, featuring Chicago maritime musician Lee Murdock, is held in Suttons Bay on February 28.
• Starting in June, regular work trips to the island are made whenever the weather cooperates. They include participation of GTLHM volunteer lightkeepers.
• The Lightkeeper is launched in July.
• In late August, Team Nickerson, three generations of descendants of the family that owned most of the island decades ago, spends a week working at the light station and put a new roof on the boat house.
• In September, the first Fall Harvest Festival with Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction is held at the Leelanau State Park pavilion next to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum in Northport.
• In October, the light station buildings are secured for winter.
• Team Nickerson gives a great presentation of their work week at FILA’s Annual Assembly in December.

2008

• This year sees FILA’s boat, the Lightkeeper, in full action. Many trips to the island are made starting in May.
• In June, FILA takes part in the Michigan Lighthouse Association annual conference held in Traverse City. Five local artists (three painters, one writer, and one photographer) spend a day at the light station to capture scenes for an art show in Northport.
• A new flag pole is erected in the original stanchion next to the 1867 lighthouse. In July, a group of Boy Scouts from Charlevoix spends four workdays camping at the station.
• The video camera on top of the Skeletal Tower is connected to the mainland via directional radio. The pictures captured are displayed at the South Fox exhibit at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse.
• In August, the overgrown site of the Pumphouse is found in the thicket near the southern beach. Team Nickerson completes another outstanding workweek on the island. The Boathouse is re-roofed, the workshop is painted, and additional walkways are dug out.
• In September, FILA holds the second Fall Harvest Festival at the GT Lighthouse Museum.
• The last trip to the station is made on October 12.
• The Annual Meeting in December brings an expansion of the board.

2009

• FILA gets encouraging financial support from the state and cultivates positive relationships with the Department of Natural Resources. Outings to the island begin in late May.
• June’s board meeting is visited by US Coast Guard representatives, who provide important advice concerning emergencies on the island and on the water.
• During the summer, many work parties leave and return safely to Northport, and an emergency radio connection to the Leelanau County Police is established.
• State officials (DNR and State Historic Preservation Office) are taken to the island.
• Team Nickerson repairs and re-shingles the deteriorating roof of the workshop. Some of the wood is custom cut and donated by the Buckley Engine Show.
• FILA members present restoration project work to the public at several major events in the area, including the third Fall Harvest Festival at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum in Northport.
• The season ends with a project to free walkways from humus, rocks, and overgrowth.

2010

• In March, FILA is awarded the MRPA Community Service Award by the Michigan Recreation & Parks Association (MRPA) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at a ceremony in East Lansing.
• A project for a safe harbor at the station is initiated by the Michigan Waterways Commission, while the DNR commits to getting FILA listed with the National Register.
• The FILA board approves the bid for the Historic Structures Report from Upper Peninsula Engineers & Architects in Marquette.
• Many work trips to South Fox Island are made. As in previous years, crews are occasionally isolated on the island for several days due to bad weather preventing the FILA boat from recovering them.
• Ken Czapski and his assistant, Heather Landis conduct onsite research for the Historic Structures Report. Joerg Rothenberg spends a week on the island gathering thousands of measurements for even more accurate maps.
• FILA continues to deliver presentations at various regional events to raise public awareness.
• The 1867 Lighthouse gets a completely new temporary roof, having outlived patching repairs.
• The very successful year is rounded off by the Annual Meeting at the Traverse City District Library including a Holiday Potluck with live music for the board and numerous supporters.

2011

• FILA continues its relationship with Ken Czapski of U.P. Engineers & Architects Inc. for the preparation of the Historic Structures Report.
• The board decides maintaining Lightkeeper has become prohibitively expensive and decides to sell the boat.
• Summer trips include an archeological dive trip by the State Marine Archeologist.
• FILA continues to publicize the island’s story at events in the Grand Traverse area, and, in October, works with Leelanau State Park to organize the 5th Fall Festival.
• FILA earns a Special Merit Award from the History Center of Traverse City
• In November, board members Phil von Voigtlander and Don Stauffer purchase a boat, which they make available to FILA for transportation.
• In December, the traditional Annual Meeting concludes the year at Center Pointe in Grelickville.

2012

• FILA collaborates with a team at the Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City to develop a logo and video.
• The Historic Structures Report (HSR) is finalized and submitted to the State Historical Preservation Office.
• Negotiations with authorities concerning the development of a safe harbor continue, citing the need for safe transport of crews and materials.
• Summer work trips to the Light Station continue despite inclement weather.
• The Lightkeeper, FILA’s original boat, is purchased by a board member, Joerg Rothenberger, with the intent to recommission her on FILA’s behalf after some technical changes.
• FILA continues to present at various regional events, such as the Classic Boat Show in Suttons Bay, the Port Oneida Fair, the Leland Heritage Festival, and, of course, the 6th Leelanau State Park Harvest Festival.
• An Annual Meeting with elections and potluck is held at the Traverse Area District Library.

2013

• The group’s historical material is made available at the Bentley Historical Library of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the Leelanau Historical Society Museum in Leland.
• In spring, plans are made for a dock, based on donated floating dock sections.
• After two years in storage, the refurbished Lightkeeper is recommissioned in July and serves two more work trips. Seven work trips of as many as four days are completed.
• FILA continues to present at various area events, with a 30-minute interview with Vice President Catherine Allchin on UpNorth TV.
• FILA signs a 25-year lease contract with DNR.
• The year ends with the traditional Annual Meeting, featuring, besides elections and a potluck meal, a walk-about video of the station from the early 1990s.

2014

• In spring, FILA members attend the DNR Friends Summit at Grayling and the Michigan Lighthouse Alliance Conference in Traverse City. The first work trip to South Fox Island aboard the Islander ends with a blown cylinder head gasket and a ride home on the 6 HP emergency outboard engine. Technical problems keep the SlickCraft, donated to FILA the year before, ailing as well.
• The Lightkeeper, FILA’s steps into the breach, although limited by windy weather that often makes island trips impossible for weeks.
• In August, the Lightkeeper makes two work trips of three days each, transporting window sash to the mainland, to be used for window restoration classes organized by John Wells in conjunction with the Michigan Historic Preservation Network & SHPO in September.
• Public relations work continues, with participation in the Suttons Bay Classic Boat Show, the Port Oneida Fair, the Traverse City Schooner Fest and the annual Harvest Festival at Leelanau State Park.
• The Annual Meeting in December sees the celebration of FILA’s 10th anniversary, with a BIG birthday cake.

2015

• In February, another interview of FILA vice president Catherine Allchin is aired on UpNorth TV. In April, five FILA members attend the DNR Friends Summit. FILA’s Website sees its 100,000th visit.
• The first island trip is made in mid-June to open the buildings, assess winter damage, and develop detailed plans for the complete reconstruction of the lean-to at the rear side of the 1867 Lighthouse.  Kathy and Bruce Rollins from Bullard, TX, set up their camp at the Light Station as the first participants in the FILA Camper Keeper Program. For a whole month, the Station is manned 24/7, for the first time since 1959.
• In July, heavy materials are transported to the Station by the DNR, NPS, and contractor personnel using several vessels. As the Rollins break camp, Jerry Spears and his construction crew remove the collapsing lean-to and reconstruct. Recreated doors for the Boathouse are installed as well.
• August sees several work trips, mainly for installing the window sashes restored on the mainland by John & Karen Wells. With a total of 10 work trips, this 10th summer of FILA activity is by far the most successful to date.
• FILA takes part in the Great Lakes Celebration in Suttons Bay and the Fall Festival at Leelanau State Park.
• The year is rounded off by the traditional Annual Meeting, featuring the 100th Board Meeting.

2016

• Preparations for a new landing dock at the Light Station are intensified by the DNR and other authorities.
• In cooperation with the DNR, a FILA team travels to Muskegon to pick up 300 additional cream-colored bricks to be used in repairs at the station.
• The first work trip to the island is a five-day operation focusing on restoration and installation of windows on the 1867 Lighthouse. Other work trips follow, one culminating in severe damage to the drivetrain of the Islander boat. The first Camper Keeper couple has to be delivered by volunteer Doug & Gwen Noren’s boat.
• In early August, the bricks, tongue-and-groove paneling for the lean-to, and two representatives of potential bidders for the reconstruction of the Lighthouse dock are taken to the station aboard the NPS landing craft.
• The Lightkeeper is recommissioned and subsequently used for several trips to realize the roll-over of the Camper Keeper teams and transport of bulky items to the station. On one of those crossings of the Manitou Passage, the 75th work trip and the 5000th nautical mile on behalf of South Fox Island are celebrated with champagne.
• FILA participates in the Port Oneida Fair and holds the annual Pancake Breakfast at Leelanau State Park. The season at the station is concluded with a trip aimed at gathering more information for the construction of a new docking facility.
• The attendance at the Annual Meeting in December is unusually poor due to winter road conditions.

2017

• FILA members attend the DNR Friends Summit in Roscommon, MI. John & Karen Wells and friends continue “off island” window restoration. The first work trip occurs May 11,  a new record.
• In early June, an outhouse, built by the DNR, is installed, marking the end of the legendary Lilac Garden Throne era. Details for the replacement of the Fog Signal Building roof and of the docking facility at the Boat House are evaluated. Several rooms in the 1867 Lighthouse and the Assistant Keepers’ Quarters are ridded of the old flaking lead paint to make them habitable. Restoration work on the 1934 Skeletal Tower is begun as well.
• Aside from a brief break in early June, the Light Station is continuously manned from May 23 through August 24, setting a new record. The first Camper Keeper couple of 2015, Kathy and Bruce Rollins, spend another four weeks at the Station, their third stay, now totaling 12 weeks, yet another record. Several other great Keeper teams contribute significant volunteer work as well, all expressing a desire to return.
• Several events celebrating the station’s sesquicentennial are held, including FILA’s participation in the 165-year anniversary of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse in June and the creation of a FILA coloring book.
• The Annual Meeting in November is held at the Leland Township Public Library, with an amazing attendance despite wintry road conditions.

2018

• After verifying the DNR never moved forward with the National Register, Karen Wells initiates writing the necessary application.
• The Fog Signal Building gets a new roof and major repairs to heavily damaged wall sections in May and June by Jerry Spears and assistants. They remove the fence and clear under the 1934 Skeletal Tower.
• In late June, the Lightkeeper takes the first Summer Keeper team, Kathy and Bruce Rollins, to the station. Their fourth stay, of “only” three weeks this time, kicks off a permanent occupation by five Keeper teams until late August. A final, somewhat shaky, close down visit occurs in mid-September.
• The Light Station again sees several visits by the schooner Inland Seas  plus one by visitors from Switzerland. The latter is connected to the wedding of two founding members, a big lighthouse party with attendance from both sides of the Atlantic.
• During the summer, it becomes clear that the progress of the dock project will significantly slow due to more on-site research needed to satisfy legal requirements.
• As usual, FILA members continue to support local and regional events, and the traditional Annual Meeting concluded the year with a review of yet another year of records: most work trips, most material transported, biggest construction / restoration progress, longest period of occupation, most Summer Keeper teams, first whitewash in many decades on the 1867 Lighthouse, first wedding between two FILA board members, and probably a few more. Certainly FILA’s most successful year to date in nearly every respect.

2019

• “Off season” carpenters continue with projects including window and door restoration; these projects continue to be coordinated by John & Karen Wells.
• Youth Works, a program of Child and Family Services of Traverse City, sends three teams to the island. They do a mix of carpentry and grounds projects, contributing youthful energy and enthusiasm.
• An “on island” carpentry team continues with shutter installation, window restoration, plaster stabilization, and painting projects. Andy Thomas installs the recreated front door for the 1867 Lighthouse.
• STEM students from Hope Academy in Chicago camp overnight on the island, receiving tours and impromptu lessons on maritime subjects from the onsite team, Separately, entomologist David Roubik and author Kathleen Stocking visit. Kathleen later writes an article about her experience on the island.
• A new picnic table and grill are installed, funded by a DNR “Friends” Group grant, a nice improvement for both volunteers and visitors
• An international study names South Fox Island one of the most pristine night sky spots in the U.S., meeting the requirement to have less than 1% “artificial brightness.”
• The year concludes with the annual meeting in December.

2020

• Youth Work returns for a second year helping construct a maintenance shed and performing grounds projects.
• The South Bend, Indiana based carpentry team returns, assisting in completion of the maintenance shed, shutter installation, plaster stabilization, and other projects.
• The first “all women’s team” enthusiastically takes on painting and grounds projects, discovering a previously unknown historic garden.
• Notable visitors include MSU Extension Hops expert Rob Sirrine and his son Waylon who take samples of historic hops.
• Record high water threatens the boathouse. Phil von Voigtlander works with the DNR to construct a barrier to protect the boathouse doors, coordinating its installation during the final trip to the station.
• Volunteers Linda Posler, Shawn Denton, and Kathy Sanders join the Board.
• In December, Cheri Szcodronski, owner and architectural historian of Firefly Preservation, takes on the final rewrite of the National Register application.
• A virtual annual meeting is held due to COVID.

2021

• The National Register application was presented in May with official recognition conferred in August
• Contractors Carl & Dori Behrend, along with mason Mark Lee, tuckpointed and whitewashed the 1867 tower along with additional painting and masonry work
• 41 individuals participated in island projects this summer; 19 of whom were first time volunteers
• This year marked a return to a more traditional season with the station open almost continuously from mid-June through mid-August.
• Volunteer projects included installing updated window coverings on ten of the Assistant Keepers’ windows, window restoration, masonry repairs on the 1867 lighthouse, and a variety of painting projects.
• Lightkeeper blew an engine on a late July trip. Ironically, the incident happened on Joerg & Lightkeeper’s 50th trip to the station.
• The final trip of the season saw the first transport of a work team via Tallship via MHA’s Champion.
• Post-season, the Michigan Natural Features inventory team made use of the station for several days while doing research on public lands on the island.
• The year concluded with an “in person” annual meeting in Northport in November.

2022

• This was our first year using the landing craft Bear as our primary transport
• The 1867 lighthouse basement exterior entry was recreated, tuckpointing completed, tower interior wall restoration begun, the missing “office” window was recreated, along with interior painting.
• The long-missing skeletal tower stairway windows were installed by new volunteers Tom McBride & Marty Rosalik.
• Boathouse exterior painting was completed
• Grounds work included the removal of several dead trees as well as clearing the cemetery and hillsides.
• A party at Peterson Park in July to celebrated the National Register. A virtual annual meeting was held.

2023

• The season kicked off in May, with a contractor removing stone around the boathouse
• Restoration projects included reroofing the the Assistant Keepers east portico, further work on the 1867 tower interior, tuckpointing the workshop chimney, painting the 1867 parlor, removing rusted sheet metal from the 1867 lantern room, stair and retaining wall repair, painting the workshop exterior, re-installing a panel in the skeletal tower lantern room and finding and restoring the lighthouse front screen door.
• A four-panel solar station was established.
• The lighthouse complex was manned at least one week each month from May through August.
• The annual meeting was held in Northport in December.

2024

• An article in the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s publication on Sanibel Island class skeletals brought national attention to our light. Lighthouses of the Great Lakes and Michigan Lighthouses 129 Facebook pages have also provided exposure this year.
• FILA initiated a Lighthouse Passport stamp featuring both lights.
• The season kicked off in May again, with improvements to the water system and an outhouse move. Several trips followed including grounds work, sidewalk repair, painting, upgrading five of the 1867 light’s lantern room with Lexan, floor joist repairs in the Assistant Keeper’s and several additional carpentry projects.
• Due to scheduling issues, the station was unoccupied most of July & August. Plans to offer public trips to the station also fell by the wayside.

Thanks to inaugural webmaster Jeorg Rothenberger for compiling historical information through the 2018 season.