This is the “new” Presque Isle Lighthouse, even though it was built in 1870, because the old Lightouse on the other side of Presque Isle was built and 1840. Built by Orlando M. Poe, it is one of three Great Lakes towers built from the same plans. The conical brick tower rises 113 feet from a limestone foundation and one of the tallest on the great lakes. The Third Order Fresnel lens was made by Henri LePaute of Paris. Patrick Garrity, the keeper of the harbor light, lit the lamp for the first time for the opening of the 1871 navigation season. Garrity served here until 1885 when he became keeper of the Harbor Range Lights. His wife, Mary, sons Thomas, Patrick, and John, and daughter Anna all served as light keepers and his son Thomas became the head light keeper in 1891 and remained so until 1935.
Elmer C Baynes was transferred from Point Iroquois Lighthouse to take over as head light keeper in 1935. His Children decided they could use a little extra money, and without their father knowing it, they would hang out in the parking lot and would tell visitors the lighthouse was closed, but for a little money, they would let them climb the tower. Once their father found out about the money making scheme, he grounded his kids for a week. Accepting gratuities for tours was strictly forbidden, and Keeper Byrnes was afraid he could lose his job.
The Lighthouse Tower is the tallest tower accessible to the public, and if you want to visit it, you can find more info at the museum website HERE
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