South Fox Island Old

Year Established:
1867
Existing:
Yes
Source:
LL-1901
Download:
File Type:
jpeg (image/jpeg)
Photo Date:
2013
Photo Courtesy of:
US Lighthouse Society Archives
Collection / Donor:

LOCATION

Location:
APPROACH TO STRAITS OF MACKINAC/LAKE MICHIGAN
Latitude:
45° 22'30"
Longitude:
85°50'26"
City / Town:
TRAVERSE CITY
U.S. State:
Michigan
Location County:
LEELANAU
Country:
United States

OWNER & ACCESS

Open to Public:
No
Light List Data:
  1. South Fox Island Old
Light list data courtesy Gary Riemenschneider

STRUCTURE

Year Discontinued:
1934
Year Tower Established:
1867
Tower Construction Material:
BRICK
Height of light above mean high water, in feet:
68 FT ABOVE WATER
Height, in feet, from base of structure to center of lantern:
39 FT
Tower Shape:
SQUARE - BADLY DETERIORATING
Fog Signal Building?:
No
Keeper's Quarters?:
No
Year Keeper's Quarters:
1867
Keeper's Quarters Construction:
BRICK

OPTICS

Active Aid to Navigation?:
No
Year Original Lens Installed:
1867
Private Aid:
No
USCG Access to Optics:
No

Comments:

Historical Information:

  • 1867: Congress granted $18,000 for construction of the lighthouse. Tower is square with 13 inch thick walls, with circular iron stairs with two landings leading to the lantern room.
  • 1880: A board fence was constructed around the station to help keep drifting sand and snow from interfering with access to the stations buildings.
  • 1895: A fog signal building was erected and a ten inch steam whistle fog signal was put into operation. Also, a brick oil house was built for kerosene for the new lantern that replaced the lard oil lantern.
  • 1897: A new boat house was built.
  • 1898: A well was dug and a pump house constructed for supplying the fog signal. A wood frame assistant keepers dwelling consisting of five room for two keepers was constructed.
  • 1910: The assistant keepers dwelling was replaced with a red brick building. During this time period the tower was given a coat of white brick to protect the tower from wind and rain. Other historical structures include a carpenter’s shop in the former summer kitchen, a well house, and privy.
  • 1916: The intensity of the light was increased to show fixed light and flash, with duration of flash at five seconds.
  • 1929: The light was changed to electricity, provided by generators and the steam fog signal was replaced with an air diaphone signal.
  • 1933: Due to its location the station was difficult to maintain and the decision was made to replace the use of the brick tower with a more permanent structure. (See South Fox Island New).

Entered by:
t.wheeler
Entered Date:
Jul 21, 2017