|
 History
of the Light:
Grosse Point has provided a major landmark for ships operating in and
out of Chicago's harbor. It received it's name from French fur traders
of the eighteenth century. Shoals just off the point created a major
hazard for the shipping commerce. By 1870 Chicago had over 1,000 vessels
a month entering the harbor.
In
March of 1871, congress provided $35,000 and an additional $15,000 in
March of 1873 for construction of a lighthouse at Grosse Point.
This is another of the "Tall
Five"
Great Lakes towers all constructed from the same plans with the
classic "Poe" style.
The
light station was to have a Coastal type tower with a Second Order Fresnel lens. Construction was completed with the light going into
operation in 1873.
A 90 feet tall conical brick tower is integral with the duplex keeper's
dwelling. In 1880, two fog signal buildings were constructed of brick
housing a pair of steam sirens. In 1892, the steam sirens were replaced
with two 10 inch steam whistles. The flashing beacon was visible for 21
miles in clear weather with a lens focal plane of 121 feet above lake
level. The lamp was originally a three wick kerosene lamp with a
weighted clock-work mechanism operating the rotating lens.
In
1914, because of deterioration, the light tower was covered with 4
inches of concrete and in 1922, the steam fog signals were removed. In
1935, the light was automated and converted to electricity. At that time
the station was turned over to the city of Evanston.
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Photographer:
Marcia Adamski (March
2000)
|
Photo
courtesy of: U.S. Coast Guard
The
tower and lighting apparatus was later turned over to the city in
1941. The
Evanston Historical Society has since restored the light station
and is currently maintaining it as a private aid to navigation.
The tower still houses it's original lens with the station
primarily used as a historical museum. |
|
Built :
1873
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