I worked out at the lighthouse on Thursday doing grounds upkeep. There is a lot of grass to cut and the riding mower was out of service, but it is always nice to be out at the light regardless of the work to be done.

Another work session is scheduled for Saturday morning. We will be continuing the interior work: pulling plaster and lath. The second floor is nearly clear and will be ready for drywall soon. We will then start stripping the walls and ceiling on the first floor.

On an interesting and exciting note, during removal of the ceiling on the second floor, near an attic access hatch, some great treasures were found. Six lantern wicks in unused condition were found. Also found were old U.S.L.H.S. manuals and books. The most exciting find was the red glass chimney globe used to change the color of the light from white to red. The color of the light was changed in 1891 due to ship captains becoming confused with much taller light towers displaying white lights in Bay City parks and the range lights themselves.

Hopefully as the work proceeds, more discoveries will be made.

The first public tours were held at the lighthouse in May and June. While the number of people bused out to the site was limited by Dow and they were not allow to enter the lighthouse itself, many people were given their first exposure to a light that has been off limits for many years. Close to $400 was raised for the restoration effort.

-Todd

WOW some great finds there Todd. Thanks for keeping us updated.

That sounds like a pretty neat find. Treasures indeed. I'll have to check and see if any keeper left anything like that in the attic at Pottawatomie. We did find a glass chimney, but that was from a room lamp. Todd do you have any photos? Hope to see you up in Alpena again.
Jim

Todd - those are fabulous finds! Will they be put on display once the light is finished? Thanks for sharing that news with us -

Barb

Sorry, but I do not have any photos of the finds yet. That is the key word - Yet.

These items will be put on display when the restoration is complete and the light is opened to the public.

-Todd

How exciting for all you that are working on the light..to find pieces of history tucked away waiting for your eyes to find. Todd you are doing a great work. Thanks for keeping us informed of the progress and we look forward to the pictures.

Derith