Munising Range Lights, MI


Photographer: Keith W. Churill Photographer: Keith W. Churill Located off Munising Bay, these lights guide ships through a narrow channel East of Grand Island into much needed shelter off Lake Superior. The lower photograph is of the shorter rear range light which stands on a hill.	Munising Range Lights Munising, Michigan Front Range Light Built : 1908 Construction : Conical, steel Status : Active Location : Munising, MI. Height : 33 feet Access : Car, with parking near the Light. Once in Munising the Light is just off M-28, two blocks East of the High School. Rear Range Light Built : 1908 Construction : Conical, steel Status : Active Location : Munising, MI. Height : 58 feet Access : Car, with parking near the Light. Take Hemlock St. South of the Rear Range Light a short distance. Photographer: Roy B. Westin Photographer: Keith W. Churill
History : Champion Iron Company of Cleveland Ohio completed construction of both range lights in August of 1908 for $15,000. The rear range light is constructed of 5/16", riveted steel plates standing 33 feet tall. It has a base diameter of 10 feet 9 inches and a diameter of 8 feet at the base of the lantern. The lantern is 7 feet in diameter with a single window measuring 34 inches wide by 42 inches tall. The light is visible in only one direction, with a lens focal plane of 107 feet above lake level, thus the need for only one glass panel. Though shorter than the front range light, it stands on a hill producing a higher focal plane. The front range light is also constructed of 5/16", riveted steel plates standing 58 feet tall. It has a base diameter of 12 feet and a diameter of 8 feet at the base of the lantern. The lantern is octagonal with a 7 feet inscribed diameter. A two story, 20 feet by 35 feet, brick keeper's dwelling with a gabled roof is next to this light. Originally both lights were fitted with 23 inch Adam and Westlake reflectors. They are now equipped with locomotive style headlamps. "Golden Glow, Essco, Phila" is inscribed on both lamps. Photographer: Keith W. Churill