Middle Island

Type:
Year Established:
1905
Existing:
Yes
Middle Island
Download:
File Type:
jpeg (image/jpeg)
Photo Date:
2002
Photo Credit:
Mike and Carol McKinney
Photo Courtesy of:
US Lighthouse Society Archives
Collection / Donor:

LOCATION

Location:
BETWEEN THUNDER BAY ISLAND/PRESQUE ISLE/LAKE HURON
Latitude:
83° 19.3'
Longitude:
45° 11.6'
City / Town:
ALPENA
U.S. State:
Michigan
Location County:
ALPENA
Country:
United States

OWNER & ACCESS

Open to Public:
Yes
Light List Data:
  1. Middle Island
Light list data courtesy Gary Riemenschneider

STRUCTURE

Year Tower Established:
1905
Tower Construction Material:
BRICK AND STUCCO
Tower Foundation:
DRESSED STONE/TIMBER
Height of light above mean high water, in feet:
78
Height, in feet, from base of structure to center of lantern:
71
Tower Shape:
CONICAL ATTACHED TO SERVICE ROOM
Fog Signal Building?:
Yes
Year Fog Signal Building Constructed:
1905
Fog Signal Bldg Construction Materials:
BRICK
Keeper's Quarters?:
Yes
Year Keeper's Quarters:
1905
Keeper's Quarters Style:
DUPLEX
Keeper's Quarters Construction:
BRICK
Other Structures:
OIL HOUSE, 2 BRICK PRIVIES, WOODEN WOODSHED/GARAGE (1905), RUINS OF LIFESAVING STATION (1881)

OPTICS

Active Aid to Navigation?:
Yes
Original Optic Type:
FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL
Private Aid:
No
Year Automated:
1961
USCG Access to Optics:
No
Comments:

Historical Information:

  • 1896: Lighthouse Board first recommended a lighthouse for this location.
  • 1902: Congress finally approves the request.
  • 1904: $25,000 appropriated for the construction of the lighthouse.
  • 1905: Lit for the first time.
  • 1906: Oil building built.
  • Circa 1928: 4th order Fresnel lens replaced with a third order lens.
  • 1939: Daymark changed to white tower with horizontal black band.
  • 1961: Light automated.
  • 1992: Middle Island Lightkeepers Association formed.
  • 2001: Light station operated as bed and breakfast inn.
Entered by:
t.wheeler
Entered Date:
Jul 20, 2017