Posted By: Digger
Meldrum Bay, Ontario - 03/24/99 03:36 AM
I know there are far more significant lighthouses, but this quaint little sentinel sits at a pretty historical location.
Located on the western tip of Manitoulin Island (the largest fresh-water island in the world), it guided vessels through the very narrow and hazardous northern passage on Lake Huron. History has it that at this spot, the "Griffon", the first sailing vessel in the Great Lakes sank. Besides discovering parts of the ship, skeletons were discovered in a cave near the area which were believed to be survivors of the tragic event.
Replaced now by a automated tower, the small lighthouse has been converted to a museum. The rooms remain as they did when the lighthouse proudly served with furniture and clothing belonging to the last keeper. Artifacts believed to be from the "Griffon" are also on display along with photos of the skeleton cave.
Donations from visitors keep the old lighthouse restored, but being at such a remote location few people visit the area, thus the lighthouse is slowely giving way to its harsh environment. Not much chance of it becoming a HL but just a nice piece of Great Lakes history.
Digger
[This message has been edited by Gravedigger (edited 03-23-99).]
Located on the western tip of Manitoulin Island (the largest fresh-water island in the world), it guided vessels through the very narrow and hazardous northern passage on Lake Huron. History has it that at this spot, the "Griffon", the first sailing vessel in the Great Lakes sank. Besides discovering parts of the ship, skeletons were discovered in a cave near the area which were believed to be survivors of the tragic event.
Replaced now by a automated tower, the small lighthouse has been converted to a museum. The rooms remain as they did when the lighthouse proudly served with furniture and clothing belonging to the last keeper. Artifacts believed to be from the "Griffon" are also on display along with photos of the skeleton cave.
Donations from visitors keep the old lighthouse restored, but being at such a remote location few people visit the area, thus the lighthouse is slowely giving way to its harsh environment. Not much chance of it becoming a HL but just a nice piece of Great Lakes history.
Digger
[This message has been edited by Gravedigger (edited 03-23-99).]