Preservation Progress

Just when we were all beginning to think we would never get the tower repaired before it tumbled over – we did it!

It looks beautiful. Cusack Masonry Restoration began deploying men and equipment on July 14, 2004 and by August 16 their work was complete.

It is such a fulfilling experience to visit the island and see the tower in pristine condition for the first time in many years. The keepers dwelling and copper chimney cap are quite a sight as well. The final engineering site visit went well, and on September 1st we had the final site inspection from the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, and received a thumbs up!

Many people worked hard for more than three years on various fund raising efforts. Funds came from Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan, Wal-Mart, and the Besser Foundation, as well as from private donations and sales of Steve Tongue’s book “Lanterns and Lifeboats.”

Again, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Herb Palmer for his generous use of his boat to transport people and equipment during the grant work, and for our regular work trips.

Restoring the tower was a huge undertaking, and we all take great pride in the accomplishment.