HOLLAND HARBOR (SOUTH PIERHEAD)

Type:
Year Established:
1873
Existing:
Yes
Holland Harbor MI
Download:
File Type:
jpg (image/jpeg)
Photo Date:
2005
Photo Credit:
Thomas Tag
Photo Courtesy of:
US Lighthouse Society Archives
Collection / Donor:

LOCATION

Location:
BLACK LAKE/LAKE MICHIGAN
Latitude:
42° 46.21'
Longitude:
86° 12.44'
City / Town:
HOLLAND
U.S. State:
Michigan
Location County:
OTTAWA
Country:
United States

OWNER & ACCESS

Open to Public:
Yes
Light List Data:
  1. HOLLAND HARBOR (SOUTH PIERHEAD)
Light list data courtesy Gary Riemenschneider

STRUCTURE

Year Tower Established:
1936
Tower Construction Material:
WOOD
Tower Foundation:
PIER
Height of light above mean high water, in feet:
52
Height, in feet, from base of structure to center of lantern:
32
Tower Shape:
SQUARE
Fog Signal Building?:
No
Keeper's Quarters?:
Yes
Year Keeper's Quarters:
1907
Keeper's Quarters Style:
TWIN GABLE (INTEGRAL)
Keeper's Quarters Construction:
BRICK

OPTICS

Active Aid to Navigation?:
Yes
Current Optic:
250 MM
Original Optic Type:
FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL
Year Original Lens Installed:
1907
Private Aid:
No
USCG Access to Optics:
No
Comments:

Historical Information:

  • Reverend A. C. Van Raalte was searching for a permanent settlement for himself and his Dutch followers. He decided on Black Lake. The entrance to Black Lake from Lake Michigan was blocked by a sand bar. He turned to the government to help. When that avenue failed the Dutch settlers dug the new channel themselves. 

  • 1867: Two piers were built to protect the channel. It was recommended a light be put at the end of the piers to mark the channel for vessels. A 27 foot tall timber beacon was built on the longer south pier. The upper part of the structure was enclosed to give the Keeper a bit of protection if he was at the light in unfavorable conditions.

  • 1874:  Waves frequently washed over the pier so the need arose for a raised walkway and it was added. 

  • 1902: A steel tower replaced the wooden light.

  • 1903: The wooden walkway was also replaced by steel.

  • 1904: A storm caused the water to move the crib the light was built on. Fearing the tower would fall, the tower was dismantled and sent off for repairs. When the tower was fixed it returned to its place at the end of the pier.

  • 1907: A fog building was built. The style of the building pays homage to the Dutch heritage in the area. Even though a Keeper’s house was already built on land, living space was added to the second story of the fog building.

  • 1916: A second tower was added to the breakwater to form range lights.

  • 1932: The lights were electrified and automated.

  • 1936: A square tower was built on the west end of the fog building roof and the steel beacon was removed from the pier.

  • 1956: The Coast Guard painted the structure red and the locals gave it the nickname “Big Red”.

  • 1970: The Coast Guard recommended the structure be abandoned. The local citizens founded the Holland Harbor Historical Lighthouse Commission to preserve and restore the light. The original Fresnel lens is on display at the Netherlands Museum in Holland, Michigan.

Entered by:
t.wheeler
Entered Date:
Jul 20, 2017