South Bass Island, OH

Photographer: Keith W. Churill

South Bass Island South Bass Island, OH
Built : 1897 Construction : Square, brick Status : Inactive Location : Southwestern tip of South Bass Island, Ohio Height : unknown Access : Boat, Miller Boat Line Ferry from Catawba Point to the Lime Kiln Dock on South Bass Island. This provides the best overall view. Note: The land is now owned by Ohio State University and used as a private residence for researchers. It is posted and visitors are not allowed on the property.

Lighthouse History : With an increase in shipping traffic and subsequent ship wrecks, the U.S Lighthouse Board appropriated funds to begin construction of a lighthouse on South bass Island in February of 1893. In 1895 property was purchased from Mary and Alfred Parker on the Southwestern tip of the island. The lighthouse was completed and went into service in 1897.

The square brick tower supporting the lantern room is attached directly to the Queen Anne style keeper's house. A fourth-order Fresnel lens was originally fitted to the tower and is now on display in the Lake Erie Island Historical Museum. The light was replaced with an automated steel tower in 1962. This beautiful brick structure with numerous windows is still very well maintained.

Based on historical records, the keepers of this lighthouse over the years were as follows:

1897 to 1899 Harry H. Riley Left due to mental health problems.

1899 to 1900 Enoch W. Scribner

1900 to 1908 Colonel J. Mason Transferred to the Ashtabula lighthouse.

1908 to 1925 Charles B. Duggan Fell from a cliff on the West end of the Island.

1925 to 1926 Lyle Duggan Charles Duggan's son

1926 to 1939 Captain William J. Gordon Retired

1939 to 1941 Frank Larose

1941 to 1944 Robert Jones

1944 to 1947 Kenneth Nester

1947 to 1962 Paul F. Prochnow The final keeper of the light with his retirement.