Two Rivers Light
 the Two Rivers Light in service (USCG) | |
 | |
| Location | originally at end of north breakwater in Two Rivers, WI; relocated to museum |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 44°8′34.03″N 87°33′37.66″W / 44.1427861°N 87.5604611°W (original);[1] 44°09′12″N 87°33′45″W / 44.1532°N 87.5624°W (current)[2] |
| Tower | |
| Constructed | 1886[3] |
| Foundation | Wood |
| Construction | Wood |
| Height | 36 feet (11 m) |
| Shape | Skeletal tower |
| Markings | Red with white lantern |
| Light | |
| Deactivated | 1969[3] |
| Lens | Sixth order Fresnel lens |
| Characteristic | fixed red |
The Two Rivers Light (also known as the Two Rivers North Pierhead Light) is a lighthouse formerly located at the harbor entrance to Two Rivers, Wisconsin. It is now located in a museum in the city.
History
This light was preceded by a brick structure on shore, one and a half stories with a cupola.[2] This light was erected in 1852 and lasted only until 1858.[2]
A project to improve the harbor was begun in 1870, including the construction in stages of a pair of breakwaters defining the entrance channel.[2] In 1886 a lighthouse was built at the end of the northern breakwater. A simple pyramidal wooden tower was constructed, consisting of a watch room on an open timber framework surmounted by the lantern.[2] A sixth-order Fresnel lens was provided as the light source, displaying a fixed red light.[4]
This light contained no dwelling.[2] The Rawley Point Light keeper tended it, accessing the light via a long catwalk running the length of the pier.[3][4]
The light was damaged in the first month of operation when a vessel struck the pier.[2] In 1907–1909 a dwelling and oil house were constructed on the site of the former shore light.[2] At the same time a fog bell was added to the light, its mechanism powered by a generator which was housed in a shed at the other end of the pier.[2] This arrangement was found unsatisfactory, and a diaphone was added sometime between 1926 and 1931.[2] During repairs in 1928 to fix storm damage, the light was rebuilt to run off electrical power.[3][2] It continued in operation until 1969, when it was replaced with a steel tower.[3][2] The older building was saved, however, and in 1975 the house portion was donated to the Rogers Street Fishing Village, a museum encompassing the old coast guard lifesaving station.[2][4] The old building now stands on a platform similar to its original foundation, though it is now surrounded by a raised walkway.[2] Unfortunately during the move the lens was broken, but a 2006 grant provided funds for its repair and restoration, and it was returned to display in 2009.[2]
References
- ^ Light List, Volume VII, Great Lakes (PDF). Light List. United States Coast Guard. 2012. p. 197.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Anderson, Kraig. "Two Rivers Lighthouse". Lighthouse Friends. Retrieved 2012-02-15.
- ^ a b c d e "Historic Light Station Information and Photography: Wisconsin". United States Coast Guard Historian's Office. Archived from the original on 2017-05-01.
- ^ a b c Pepper, Terry. "Two Rivers Pier Light". Retrieved 2012-02-17.
