Crisp Point, MI


Photographer: Keith W. Churill Photo courtesy of: U.S. Coast Guard Photographer: Keith W. Churill Photographer: Keith W. Churill	Crisp Point Crisp Point, Michigan Built : 1904 Construction : Cylindrical, Brick Status : Active Location : Crisp Point, MI Height : 58 feet Access : Car, with parking near the light, from M-123 just West of Tahquamenon Falls, take CR-500 North approximately 12 mile to CR-412. Turn right (East) and follow for approximately 7 miles. Note: the road gets rather narrow, keep an eye on the signs that mark the county roads. Lighthouse History : This light was constructed to keep vessels heading for Whitefish Point from deviating off course. Prior to the construction of this light many vessels had done so and wrecked at this point of land. In 1875, one of the (4) original Lake Superior Life Saving Stations was constructed at this point and operational in 1876. The station usually consisted of a keeper responsible for the equipment, buildings and a crew of (6) to (8) "surf men". They maintained watches from towers and patrolled miles of beach looking for vessels in distress. They were ready to put their life saving skills and equipment into action on a moments notice. A lighthouse was proposed for this point of land in 1896. This proposal continued every year until finally being approved in 1902. A deed dated May 21, 1903 shows the purchase of (15) acres at the price of $30.00. The fog signal building was the first to be constructed, built in 1903. It was a brick structure, measuring 22' x 42', with a tin tile roof. In that same year a storm destroyed the boiler. A new fog signal with machinery was installed with a chime whistle replacing the standard type whistle. Construction on the lighthouse itself began in 1903 with it becoming operational on May 5, 1904. The tower stands (58) feet from the base to the top of the ventilator ball. The conical tower measures (14) feet in diameter at the base tapering to (9) feet in diameter at the parapet. It's concrete foundation is measured at (10) feet deep. The lighthouse originally exhibited a 360° red Fourth Order Fresnel Lens manufactured by Sautter & Lemonnier of Paris. The light has since been replaced with a plastic lens of 300 millimeters producing a lens focal plane at (58) feet above the mean low water lake level. It's octagonal cast iron lantern room has an inscribed diameter of (7) feet. In 1906 a brick service room connected to the lighthouse was constructed. In 1907 a landing crib was built off the shoreline. At one time Crisp point consisted of a lifesaving station with quarters, a brick (2) family light keeper's dwelling with basement, a brick fog signal building, oil house, two frame barns, boathouse and landing, tramway, lighthouse tower and brick service room entrance. In 1965 all but the light tower was destroyed by the Coast Guard. For more information, contact: CRISP POINT LIGHT HISTORICAL SOCIETY P.O. Box 229 Paradise, MI 49768 phone: (906) 492-3206
The CRISP POINT LIGHT HISTORICAL SOCIETY has been formed to restore and preserve the light for ours and future generations to learn and enjoy as a non-commercial historical attraction. There is much restoration and preservation work to be done with erosion being the biggest and most costly problem. Contact them at the above address or phone number to see how you can help in their efforts.