HistoryThe original lighthouse on Castle Bluff on Flowerpot Island, built of hand-hewn timbers, stood so high its rays could be seen from its tall imperial lighthouse relatives along the shoreline. The lighthouse was built on the north-easterly point of the island in 1897, during the heyday of the Great Lakes shipping industry. A square wooden tower, it stood 88' above the water and was first tended by Donald Smith, paid $300 a season for his duties as lightkeeper. A season ran from April till December. This lightstation retained a lightkeeper for 90 years. In 1901, a two-story lightkeeper's dwelling was built. In 1959, a one-storey dwelling was built. Before its construction, the assistant lightkeeper made his quarters at the lighthouse. In 1909, a fog building and fog alarm were constructed at the cliff site, replacing the less-effective bells and hand-horns. Today's observation deck is the site of the original fog building. The boathouse and workshop were added to the light station in 1963. A severe winter storm destroyed the concrete dock in 1987, the remains of which can still be seen underwater from the cobble beach in front of the keepers' homes. |
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