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Coordinates: 42°3′50″N 87°40′34″W / 42.06389°N 87.67611°W / 42.06389; -87.67611
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| yeardeactivated = 1941<ref name="nhlsum"/> but reactivated 1946 as Private Aid to Navigation<ref name="Wobser"/>
| yeardeactivated = 1941<ref name="nhlsum"/> but reactivated 1946 as Private Aid to Navigation<ref name="Wobser"/>
| foundation = Stone/Concrete<ref name="LHIL"/>
| foundation = Stone/Concrete<ref name="LHIL"/>
| construction = [[Cream City Brick]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/michigan/grossepoint/grossepoint.htm|title=Terry Pepper, Seeing the Light, Grosse Point Light.}}</ref> encased in concrete<ref name="LHIL"/> [[Italianate]] [[bracketing]]
| construction = [[Cream City Brick]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/michigan/grossepoint/grossepoint.htm |title=Terry Pepper, Seeing the Light, Grosse Point Light. |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529053908/http://www.terrypepper.com/Lights/michigan/grossepoint/grossepoint.htm |archivedate=2008-05-29 |df= }}</ref> encased in concrete<ref name="LHIL"/> [[Italianate]] [[bracketing]]
| shape = [[Frustum]] of a [[Cone (geomoetry)|Cone]] tower attached to storage building<ref name="LHIL"/>
| shape = [[Frustum]] of a [[Cone (geomoetry)|Cone]] tower attached to storage building<ref name="LHIL"/>
| marking = yellow w/red trim & red roof<ref name=maritime-light>{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/history/Maritime/light/grossept.htm|publisher=[[National Park Service]] |title=Grosse Point Light|work=Maritime Heritage Program, Inventory of Historic Lights|accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref><ref name="navcen.uscg.gov">{{cite uscgll|7|2007|}}</ref>
| marking = yellow w/red trim & red roof<ref name=maritime-light>{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/history/Maritime/light/grossept.htm|publisher=[[National Park Service]] |title=Grosse Point Light|work=Maritime Heritage Program, Inventory of Historic Lights|accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref><ref name="navcen.uscg.gov">{{cite uscgll|7|2007|}}</ref>
| height = {{convert|113|ft|abbr=on}} tower<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/lists/towers.htm |author=Pepper, Terry |work=Seeing the Light |title=Database of Tower Heights |publisher=terrypepper.com}}</ref>
| height = {{convert|113|ft|abbr=on}} tower<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/lists/towers.htm |author=Pepper, Terry |work=Seeing the Light |title=Database of Tower Heights |publisher=terrypepper.com }}{{dead link|date=March 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
| elevation = Focal plane - {{convert|119|ft}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/lists/focalheight.htm |author=Pepper, Terry |work=Seeing the Light |title=Database of Focal Heights |publisher=terrypepper.com}}</ref>
| elevation = Focal plane - {{convert|119|ft}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/lists/focalheight.htm |author=Pepper, Terry |work=Seeing the Light |title=Database of Focal Heights |publisher=terrypepper.com }}{{dead link|date=March 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
| lens = Second order [[Fresnel lens]]<ref name=nhlsum/>
| lens = Second order [[Fresnel lens]]<ref name=nhlsum/>
| currentlens = Second order Fresnel lens
| currentlens = Second order Fresnel lens
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| range = Original: {{convert|21|mi|nmi km|disp=flip}}<ref name="house"/>
| range = Original: {{convert|21|mi|nmi km|disp=flip}}<ref name="house"/>
| characteristic = 2 white [[Flashing light|flashes]] every 15 seconds<ref name="navcen.uscg.gov"/><ref name="Pepper"/>
| characteristic = 2 white [[Flashing light|flashes]] every 15 seconds<ref name="navcen.uscg.gov"/><ref name="Pepper"/>
| ARLHS = USA-359<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wlol.arlhs.com/lighthouse/USA359.html|title=Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society, Grosse Point (Lake Michigan) Light ARLHS USA-359}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://arlhs.com/awards/U_list.html|title=Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society, World List of Lights.}}</ref>
| ARLHS = USA-359<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wlol.arlhs.com/lighthouse/USA359.html|title=Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society, Grosse Point (Lake Michigan) Light ARLHS USA-359}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://arlhs.com/awards/U_list.html |title=Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society, World List of Lights. |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421203756/http://arlhs.com/awards/U_list.html |archivedate=2009-04-21 |df= }}</ref>
| USCG = 7-20190
| USCG = 7-20190
{{Infobox NRHP
{{Infobox NRHP
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}}}}
}}}}


The historic '''Grosse Point Light''' is located in [[Evanston, Illinois]]. Following several shipping disasters near Evanston, residents successfully lobbied the federal government for a lighthouse. Construction was completed in 1873. The lighthouse was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] on September 8, 1976.<ref name=nris>[http://www.nr.nps.gov/nrloc1.htm NRIS Database]{{NRIS dead link|date=May 2012}}, National Register of Historic Places. Retrieved on 2007-02-09.</ref> On 20 January 1999, the lighthouse was designated a [[National Historic Landmark]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/history/nhl/designations/Lists/IL01.pdf|title= National Historic Landmarks Survey, National Park Service, Listing of National Historic Landmarks by State|format=PDF}}</ref> It is maintained under the jurisdiction of the Evanston Lighthouse Park District, an independent taxing authority.<ref name=nhlsum>{{cite web|url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=-2093369363&ResourceType=District |title=Grosse Point Lighthouse|work=[[National Historic Landmark]] |publisher=[[National Park Service]]|accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/nhl/designations/Lists/LIST07.pdf |format=[[PDF]] |title=List of National Historic Landmarks |pages=27 |date=November 2007 |publisher=[[National Park Service]] |accessdate=2008-07-20 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080624205928/http://www.nps.gov/nhl/designations/Lists/LIST07.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-06-24}}</ref><ref name="nhlnom">{{cite web|url={{NHLS url|id=76000707}} |format=[[PDF]] |title=National Historic Landmark Nomination: Grosse Point Light Station |date=1998-08-03|author=Terras, Donald J. |publisher=[[National Park Service]]|accessdate=2008-07-20}} - {{cite web|url={{NHLS url|id=76000707|photos=y}} |format=[[PDF]] |title=Accompanying 9 images}}</ref>
The historic '''Grosse Point Light''' is located in [[Evanston, Illinois]]. Following several shipping disasters near Evanston, residents successfully lobbied the federal government for a lighthouse. Construction was completed in 1873. The lighthouse was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] on September 8, 1976.<ref name=nris>[http://www.nr.nps.gov/nrloc1.htm NRIS Database] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080923080753/http://www.nr.nps.gov/nrloc1.htm |date=2008-09-23 }}{{NRIS dead link|date=May 2012}}, National Register of Historic Places. Retrieved on 2007-02-09.</ref> On 20 January 1999, the lighthouse was designated a [[National Historic Landmark]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/history/nhl/designations/Lists/IL01.pdf|title= National Historic Landmarks Survey, National Park Service, Listing of National Historic Landmarks by State|format=PDF}}</ref> It is maintained under the jurisdiction of the Evanston Lighthouse Park District, an independent taxing authority.<ref name=nhlsum>{{cite web|url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=-2093369363&ResourceType=District |title=Grosse Point Lighthouse|work=[[National Historic Landmark]] |publisher=[[National Park Service]]|accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/nhl/designations/Lists/LIST07.pdf |format=[[PDF]] |title=List of National Historic Landmarks |pages=27 |date=November 2007 |publisher=[[National Park Service]] |accessdate=2008-07-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624205928/http://www.nps.gov/nhl/designations/Lists/LIST07.pdf |archivedate=2008-06-24 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref><ref name="nhlnom">{{cite web|url={{NHLS url|id=76000707}} |format=[[PDF]] |title=National Historic Landmark Nomination: Grosse Point Light Station |date=1998-08-03|author=Terras, Donald J. |publisher=[[National Park Service]]|accessdate=2008-07-20}} - {{cite web|url={{NHLS url|id=76000707|photos=y}} |format=[[PDF]] |title=Accompanying 9 images}}</ref>


==History==
==History==


===Impetus===
===Impetus===
The United States government agreed to construct the [[lighthouse]] at Grosse Point after several maritime disasters near the area showed need for it. [[Shoals]] were a real hazard, and ship traffic was increasing concurrent with development in the [[Midwest]], the growth of Chicago, the aftermath of the [[1871 Great Chicago Fire|Chicago Fire]], and the increased trade and exploitation of natural resources throughout the [[Great Lakes]].<ref name=house>{{cite web|url=http://www.grossepointlighthouse.net/history.html |title=Grosse Point Lighthouse - History| publisher=Lighthouse Park District at grossepointlighthouse.net|accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref> Particularly influential was the 1860 sinking of the ''[[PS Lady Elgin|Lady Elgin]]'', a disaster which claimed more than 300 lives.<ref name=house/><ref name=claims>Claims vary as to the exact number killed in the sinking of the ''Lady Elgin''. Estimates of 300 are available in the January 1990 issue of ''[http://www.lib.niu.edu/ipo/1990/Ii900124.html Illinois Issues]'' via Northern Illinois University Libraries. The estimate was reasserted by [http://mesh.medill.northwestern.edu/mnschicago/archives/1999/04/northside_man_r.html Northwestern University's Medill News Service] on April 15, 1999. An [http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?page=470 excerpt from the 1860 diary] of Fannie Seward indicates that the reports of the day stated 300 dead. However, other sources such as information hosted on Stanford University's servers estimates 470 dead.</ref> The citizens of Evanston petitioned the government for the light station, but the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] (1861-1865) delayed any funding for the project.<ref name=nrhp>{{cite web|url=http://gis.hpa.state.il.us/PDFs/200705.pdf|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Grosse Point Lighthouse|format=[[PDF]]|publisher=[[Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]]|work=HAARGIS Database|accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref> Lighthouses in Chicago proper were proving themselves insufficient, so there was a perceived need for action.<ref name=Pepper>{{cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/michigan/grossepoint/grossepoint.htm |author=Pepper, Terry|title=Grosse Point Lighthouse |work=Seeing the Light: Lighthouses on the western Great Lakes |publisher=terrypepper.com |accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref>
The United States government agreed to construct the [[lighthouse]] at Grosse Point after several maritime disasters near the area showed need for it. [[Shoals]] were a real hazard, and ship traffic was increasing concurrent with development in the [[Midwest]], the growth of Chicago, the aftermath of the [[1871 Great Chicago Fire|Chicago Fire]], and the increased trade and exploitation of natural resources throughout the [[Great Lakes]].<ref name=house>{{cite web|url=http://www.grossepointlighthouse.net/history.html |title=Grosse Point Lighthouse - History| publisher=Lighthouse Park District at grossepointlighthouse.net|accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref> Particularly influential was the 1860 sinking of the ''[[PS Lady Elgin|Lady Elgin]]'', a disaster which claimed more than 300 lives.<ref name=house/><ref name=claims>Claims vary as to the exact number killed in the sinking of the ''Lady Elgin''. Estimates of 300 are available in the January 1990 issue of ''[http://www.lib.niu.edu/ipo/1990/Ii900124.html Illinois Issues]'' via Northern Illinois University Libraries. The estimate was reasserted by [http://mesh.medill.northwestern.edu/mnschicago/archives/1999/04/northside_man_r.html Northwestern University's Medill News Service] on April 15, 1999. An [http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?page=470 excerpt from the 1860 diary] of Fannie Seward indicates that the reports of the day stated 300 dead. However, other sources such as information hosted on Stanford University's servers estimates 470 dead.</ref> The citizens of Evanston petitioned the government for the light station, but the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] (1861-1865) delayed any funding for the project.<ref name=nrhp>{{cite web|url=http://gis.hpa.state.il.us/PDFs/200705.pdf|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Grosse Point Lighthouse|format=[[PDF]]|publisher=[[Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]]|work=HAARGIS Database|accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref> Lighthouses in Chicago proper were proving themselves insufficient, so there was a perceived need for action.<ref name=Pepper>{{cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/michigan/grossepoint/grossepoint.htm |author=Pepper, Terry |title=Grosse Point Lighthouse |work=Seeing the Light: Lighthouses on the western Great Lakes |publisher=terrypepper.com |accessdate=2008-07-20 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529053908/http://www.terrypepper.com/Lights/michigan/grossepoint/grossepoint.htm |archivedate=2008-05-29 |df= }}</ref>


===Construction===
===Construction===
The project to construct a lighthouse began in 1872, supervised by [[Orlando Poe|Orlando Metcalf Poe]], who designed the buildings.<ref name=Terras>{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/history/maritime/nhl/grossept.htm |author=Terras, Donald J.|title=Grosse Point Light Station - National Historic Landmark Study |work=Maritime Heritage Program, Maritime Landmarks |publisher=[[National Park Service]]|accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref> Most of the construction was completed by June 30, 1873, although the lamp would not be lit for several months. Finally, in March 1874, the light commenced operation.<ref name=nrhp/> The building is designed in [[Italianate architecture]].<ref name="maritime-light"/>
The project to construct a lighthouse began in 1872, supervised by [[Orlando Poe|Orlando Metcalf Poe]], who designed the buildings.<ref name=Terras>{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/history/maritime/nhl/grossept.htm |author=Terras, Donald J.|title=Grosse Point Light Station - National Historic Landmark Study |work=Maritime Heritage Program, Maritime Landmarks |publisher=[[National Park Service]]|accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref> Most of the construction was completed by June 30, 1873, although the lamp would not be lit for several months. Finally, in March 1874, the light commenced operation.<ref name=nrhp/> The building is designed in [[Italianate architecture]].<ref name="maritime-light"/>


In summer 1865 Colonel Poe became the [[United States Lighthouse Board|Lighthouse Board]]'s chief engineer; in 1870 he was promoted to the position of Chief Engineer of the Upper Great Lakes 11th Lighthouse District. In this capacity he designed eight "Poe style lighthouses" and oversaw construction of several. Poe was named District Engineer for the Eleventh Lighthouse District, Those lights are [[New Presque Isle Light]] (1870) on [[Lake Huron]], [[Lake Michigan]]'s [[South Manitou Island Light]] (1872), Grosse Point Light (1873) in [[Evanston, Illinois]], [[Lake Superior]]'s [[Au Sable Light]] (1874), [[Racine, Wisconsin]]'s [[Wind Point Light]] (1880); [[Outer Island Light]] (1874) in the [[Apostle Islands]], [[Little Sable Point Light]] (1874) on Lake Michigan, [[Manistique, Michigan]]'s [[Seul Choix Light]] (1895) and [[Spectacle Reef Light]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lighthouse.boatnerd.com/gallery/Huron/poereef.htm|title=Wobser, David, Boatnerd.com, Orlando Poe.}}</ref>
In summer 1865 Colonel Poe became the [[United States Lighthouse Board|Lighthouse Board]]'s chief engineer; in 1870 he was promoted to the position of Chief Engineer of the Upper Great Lakes 11th Lighthouse District. In this capacity he designed eight "Poe style lighthouses" and oversaw construction of several. Poe was named District Engineer for the Eleventh Lighthouse District, Those lights are [[New Presque Isle Light]] (1870) on [[Lake Huron]], [[Lake Michigan]]'s [[South Manitou Island Light]] (1872), Grosse Point Light (1873) in [[Evanston, Illinois]], [[Lake Superior]]'s [[Au Sable Light]] (1874), [[Racine, Wisconsin]]'s [[Wind Point Light]] (1880); [[Outer Island Light]] (1874) in the [[Apostle Islands]], [[Little Sable Point Light]] (1874) on Lake Michigan, [[Manistique, Michigan]]'s [[Seul Choix Light]] (1895) and [[Spectacle Reef Light]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lighthouse.boatnerd.com/gallery/Huron/poereef.htm |title=Wobser, David, Boatnerd.com, Orlando Poe. |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517024955/http://lighthouse.boatnerd.com/gallery/Huron/poereef.htm |archivedate=2008-05-17 |df= }}</ref>


===Deactivation and conversion to private aid to navigation===
===Deactivation and conversion to private aid to navigation===
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The second order [[Fresnel lens]] {{IPAc-en|f|r|eɪ|ˈ|n|ɛ|l}} is the largest lens (one of five) placed on the [[Great Lakes]], which underscores the importance of this light.<ref name=Wobser>{{cite web|url=http://lighthouse.boatnerd.com/gallery/Michigan/GrossePoint.htm |author=Wobser, David| title=Grosse Point Light |publisher=boatnerd.com|accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref> The lens was manufactured by Henry-Lepaute Company of Paris.<ref name="Pepper"/> It is still in place, which makes it unique;<ref name=Terras/> it has been said that this is the single remaining 2nd Order Fresnel lens that is still in place and in service on the Great Lakes.<ref name="Wobser"/>
The second order [[Fresnel lens]] {{IPAc-en|f|r|eɪ|ˈ|n|ɛ|l}} is the largest lens (one of five) placed on the [[Great Lakes]], which underscores the importance of this light.<ref name=Wobser>{{cite web|url=http://lighthouse.boatnerd.com/gallery/Michigan/GrossePoint.htm |author=Wobser, David| title=Grosse Point Light |publisher=boatnerd.com|accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref> The lens was manufactured by Henry-Lepaute Company of Paris.<ref name="Pepper"/> It is still in place, which makes it unique;<ref name=Terras/> it has been said that this is the single remaining 2nd Order Fresnel lens that is still in place and in service on the Great Lakes.<ref name="Wobser"/>


This is one of only 70 such Fresnel lenses that are still operational in the United States, sixteen of which are in use on the [[Great Lakes]] of which eight are in Michigan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/docs/CG_Classical_Lens_in_Operation.pdf|title=United States Coast Guard, Fresnel Lenses Still in Operation|format=PDF}}</ref>
This is one of only 70 such Fresnel lenses that are still operational in the United States, sixteen of which are in use on the [[Great Lakes]] of which eight are in Michigan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/docs/CG_Classical_Lens_in_Operation.pdf |title=United States Coast Guard, Fresnel Lenses Still in Operation |format=PDF }}{{dead link|date=March 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


==Grosse Point legends==
==Grosse Point legends==
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* Lopez, Victor. "This Old Lighthouse: Chicago Harbor Beacon Gets a Facelift." Coast Guard (September, 1997), pp.&nbsp;24–25.
* Lopez, Victor. "This Old Lighthouse: Chicago Harbor Beacon Gets a Facelift." Coast Guard (September, 1997), pp.&nbsp;24–25.
* Mayer, Harold M. (1957) ''The Port of Chicago'' [[University of Chicago Press]].
* Mayer, Harold M. (1957) ''The Port of Chicago'' [[University of Chicago Press]].
* {{cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/index.htm |author=Pepper, Terry|title=''Seeing the Light: Lighthouses on the western Great Lakes''}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/index.htm |author=Pepper, Terry |title=''Seeing the Light: Lighthouses on the western Great Lakes'' |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080130074143/http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/index.htm |archivedate=2008-01-30 |df= }}
* Rice, Mary J., ''Chicago: Port to the World'' ([[Follet Publishers]], 1969).
* Rice, Mary J., ''Chicago: Port to the World'' ([[Follet Publishers]], 1969).
* Sapulski, Wayne S., (2001) ''Lighthouses of Lake Michigan: Past and Present'' (Paperback) (Fowlerville: Wilderness Adventure Books) ISBN 0-923568-47-6; ISBN 978-0-923568-47-4.
* Sapulski, Wayne S., (2001) ''Lighthouses of Lake Michigan: Past and Present'' (Paperback) (Fowlerville: Wilderness Adventure Books) ISBN 0-923568-47-6; ISBN 978-0-923568-47-4.
Line 103: Line 103:
*[http://www.nps.gov/history/maritime/nhl/grossept.htm Terras, Donald J., "Grosse Point Light Station Study", National Historic Landmark, 1999.]
*[http://www.nps.gov/history/maritime/nhl/grossept.htm Terras, Donald J., "Grosse Point Light Station Study", National Historic Landmark, 1999.]
*[https://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=42.063878,-87.676032&spn=0.002055,0.003369&t=h&z=18&om=1 Satellite view of Grosse Point Light,] [[Google earth]]
*[https://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=42.063878,-87.676032&spn=0.002055,0.003369&t=h&z=18&om=1 Satellite view of Grosse Point Light,] [[Google earth]]
*[http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/michigan/grossepoint/grossepoint.htm Terry Pepper, Seeing the Light, Grosse Point Light.]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080529053908/http://www.terrypepper.com/Lights/michigan/grossepoint/grossepoint.htm Terry Pepper, Seeing the Light, Grosse Point Light.]


{{Lighthouses of Illinois}}
{{Lighthouses of Illinois}}

Revision as of 15:41, 25 March 2017

Grosse Point Light
Grosse Point Light Station
Map
Location2601 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, Illinois
Coordinates42°3′50″N 87°40′34″W / 42.06389°N 87.67611°W / 42.06389; -87.67611
Tower
Constructed1873[1]
FoundationStone/Concrete[4]
ConstructionCream City Brick[9] encased in concrete[4] Italianate bracketing
Automated1935[4]
Height113 ft (34 m) tower[5]
ShapeFrustum of a Cone tower attached to storage building[4]
Markingsyellow w/red trim & red roof[10][7]
HeritageNational Historic Landmark, National Register of Historic Places listed place Edit this on Wikidata
Light
First lit1874[1]
Deactivated1941[2] but reactivated 1946 as Private Aid to Navigation[3]
Focal height36 m (118 ft) Edit this on Wikidata
LensSecond order Fresnel lens[2]
Intensity68,000 candlepower
RangeOriginal: 18 nautical miles; 34 kilometres (21 mi)[6]
Characteristic2 white flashes every 15 seconds[7][8]

The historic Grosse Point Light is located in Evanston, Illinois. Following several shipping disasters near Evanston, residents successfully lobbied the federal government for a lighthouse. Construction was completed in 1873. The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 8, 1976.[14] On 20 January 1999, the lighthouse was designated a National Historic Landmark.[15] It is maintained under the jurisdiction of the Evanston Lighthouse Park District, an independent taxing authority.[2][16][17]

History

Impetus

The United States government agreed to construct the lighthouse at Grosse Point after several maritime disasters near the area showed need for it. Shoals were a real hazard, and ship traffic was increasing concurrent with development in the Midwest, the growth of Chicago, the aftermath of the Chicago Fire, and the increased trade and exploitation of natural resources throughout the Great Lakes.[6] Particularly influential was the 1860 sinking of the Lady Elgin, a disaster which claimed more than 300 lives.[6][18] The citizens of Evanston petitioned the government for the light station, but the Civil War (1861-1865) delayed any funding for the project.[1] Lighthouses in Chicago proper were proving themselves insufficient, so there was a perceived need for action.[8]

Construction

The project to construct a lighthouse began in 1872, supervised by Orlando Metcalf Poe, who designed the buildings.[19] Most of the construction was completed by June 30, 1873, although the lamp would not be lit for several months. Finally, in March 1874, the light commenced operation.[1] The building is designed in Italianate architecture.[10]

In summer 1865 Colonel Poe became the Lighthouse Board's chief engineer; in 1870 he was promoted to the position of Chief Engineer of the Upper Great Lakes 11th Lighthouse District. In this capacity he designed eight "Poe style lighthouses" and oversaw construction of several. Poe was named District Engineer for the Eleventh Lighthouse District, Those lights are New Presque Isle Light (1870) on Lake Huron, Lake Michigan's South Manitou Island Light (1872), Grosse Point Light (1873) in Evanston, Illinois, Lake Superior's Au Sable Light (1874), Racine, Wisconsin's Wind Point Light (1880); Outer Island Light (1874) in the Apostle Islands, Little Sable Point Light (1874) on Lake Michigan, Manistique, Michigan's Seul Choix Light (1895) and Spectacle Reef Light.[20]

Deactivation and conversion to private aid to navigation

In 1935, the federal government turned over the grounds and the buildings, except for the lighthouse tower and light, to the city of Evanston. In 1941, the Grosse Point Light Station was decommissioned by the United States Coast Guard as a precaution against possible air raids in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor. After the decommissioning, the city received the tower and the light.[1] But the lease allows the government to take the light station back if they ever needed it for official use.[1]

The light was reignited in 1945 and has served as a secondary navigational aid ever since.[6] The lighthouse is operated by the Lighthouse Park District of Evanston, Illinois, once known as the Northeast Park District, but since renamed in honor of the lighthouse.[1][6]

Illinois has two well-known and historic light stations in the Chicago area, plus two pierhead lights.[21] Chicago has no area lighthouse preservation group, and this light has been the primary beneficiary of preservation efforts in the area. The Calumet Harbor Light—just across the border in Indiana, and one of eleven past or present lighthouses in Indiana,[21][22] was demolished in 1995.[21]

Architecture and design

Light tower

The Gross Point Light's primary structure is the conical light tower. The tower stands on a concrete foundation with wooden piles that reach to a depth of 30 feet (9.1 m). The tower's two outer walls include an inner air space between them. The inner wall has a thickness of 8 inches (200 mm) and rises vertically. The outer wall, at a thickness of 12 inches (300 mm), rises at a slight incline and gives the tower its conical shape. The tower begins with a 22-foot (6.7 m) circumference at its base and 13 feet 3 inches (4.04 m) at its parapet. The tower lantern is of glass and iron construction and is topped by a copper sheeting roof.[17]

Lantern and optics

The second order Fresnel lens /freɪˈnɛl/ is the largest lens (one of five) placed on the Great Lakes, which underscores the importance of this light.[3] The lens was manufactured by Henry-Lepaute Company of Paris.[8] It is still in place, which makes it unique;[19] it has been said that this is the single remaining 2nd Order Fresnel lens that is still in place and in service on the Great Lakes.[3]

This is one of only 70 such Fresnel lenses that are still operational in the United States, sixteen of which are in use on the Great Lakes of which eight are in Michigan.[23]

Grosse Point legends

The site of the Grosse Point Lighthouse is the purported site where Father Jacques Marquette landed in 1674 during his trip down the west side of Lake Michigan to visit various Illinois Native American tribes. This tale is largely anecdotal as there is no real historical proof that this ever occurred.[1]

Current activities

The light is 13 miles (21 km) north of Chicago, just north of Northwestern University. Notwithstanding that it is outside the corporate limits of Chicago, it is said: "The keeper's house is Chicago's only maritime museum; one fog signal building serves as a visitor center while the other houses a nature center"[21] The dwelling and tower are opened during summer weekends for tours.[24]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Grosse Point Lighthouse" (PDF). HAARGIS Database. Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Retrieved 2008-07-20.
  2. ^ a b c "Grosse Point Lighthouse". National Historic Landmark. National Park Service. Retrieved 2008-07-20.
  3. ^ a b c Wobser, David. "Grosse Point Light". boatnerd.com. Retrieved 2008-07-20.
  4. ^ a b c d "Historic Light Station Information and Photography: Illinois". United States Coast Guard Historian's Office. Archived from the original on 2017-05-19. Retrieved 2008-07-20.
  5. ^ Pepper, Terry. "Database of Tower Heights". Seeing the Light. terrypepper.com.[permanent dead link]
  6. ^ a b c d e "Grosse Point Lighthouse - History". Lighthouse Park District at grossepointlighthouse.net. Retrieved 2008-07-20.
  7. ^ a b Light List, Volume VII, Great Lakes (PDF). Light List. United States Coast Guard. 2007.
  8. ^ a b c Pepper, Terry. "Grosse Point Lighthouse". Seeing the Light: Lighthouses on the western Great Lakes. terrypepper.com. Archived from the original on 2008-05-29. Retrieved 2008-07-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ "Terry Pepper, Seeing the Light, Grosse Point Light". Archived from the original on 2008-05-29. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ a b "Grosse Point Light". Maritime Heritage Program, Inventory of Historic Lights. National Park Service. Retrieved 2008-07-20.
  11. ^ Pepper, Terry. "Database of Focal Heights". Seeing the Light. terrypepper.com.[permanent dead link]
  12. ^ "Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society, Grosse Point (Lake Michigan) Light ARLHS USA-359".
  13. ^ "Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society, World List of Lights". Archived from the original on 2009-04-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009. Cite error: The named reference "nris" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  15. ^ "National Historic Landmarks Survey, National Park Service, Listing of National Historic Landmarks by State" (PDF).
  16. ^ "List of National Historic Landmarks" (PDF). National Park Service. November 2007. p. 27. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-06-24. Retrieved 2008-07-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ a b Terras, Donald J. (1998-08-03). "National Historic Landmark Nomination: Grosse Point Light Station" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved 2008-07-20. - "Accompanying 9 images" (PDF).
  18. ^ Claims vary as to the exact number killed in the sinking of the Lady Elgin. Estimates of 300 are available in the January 1990 issue of Illinois Issues via Northern Illinois University Libraries. The estimate was reasserted by Northwestern University's Medill News Service on April 15, 1999. An excerpt from the 1860 diary of Fannie Seward indicates that the reports of the day stated 300 dead. However, other sources such as information hosted on Stanford University's servers estimates 470 dead.
  19. ^ a b Terras, Donald J. "Grosse Point Light Station - National Historic Landmark Study". Maritime Heritage Program, Maritime Landmarks. National Park Service. Retrieved 2008-07-20.
  20. ^ "Wobser, David, Boatnerd.com, Orlando Poe". Archived from the original on 2008-05-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ a b c d Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of the United States: Illinois". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
  22. ^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of the United States: Indiana". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
  23. ^ "United States Coast Guard, Fresnel Lenses Still in Operation" (PDF).[permanent dead link]
  24. ^ "Anderson, Kraig. Lighthouse friends, Grosse Point Light".

Further reading

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Grosse Point Lighthouse.
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