Marblehead Lighthouse
Marblehead Lighthouse is located on the northernmost tip of the Marblehead Peninsula in Marblehead, Ohio. It is the oldest continuous working lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The history of this lighthouse begins when Congress allocated $5,000.00 in 1819 for the construction of a lighthouse to assist in the safe navigation of the entrance to Sandusky Bay . Construction began in 1821 and was completed in 11 weeks. Construction cost when completed was $7,232.00.
William Kelly was the contractor on the project and worked with two men to build the lighthouse out of limestone on the exterior walls quarried nearby on the peninsula. The lighthouse measured 25 feet with five thick walls at the base; stood 50 feet tall with a spiral staircase. The top tapered to 12 feet in diameter with walls two feet thick. The first light for beacon came from 13 small whale oil lamps with wicks and a set of sixteen inch diameter reflectors. Whale oil lamps served until 1858 has the light source, when the oil lamps were replaced by a single kerosene lantern, magnified by a Fresnel lens. In 1880 the limestone exterior was covered with stucco and painted white. In 1897, a 15 foot brick addition was added to the top of Marblehead. The tower then stood 65 foot tall and accommodated a watch room. In 1923 the kerosene lantern was converted to electrical power.
The first lighthouse keeper was Benajah Wolcott. Mr. Wolcott was a Revolutionary War veteran. He and his family lived near the lighthouse in a home also constructed by Mr. Kelly. Wolcott served for ten years at Marblehead until his death in 1832. Wolcott?s duties included lighting the whale oil lamps and keeping records of all vessels passing, weather conditions and assisting in organizing rescue efforts. His duties were taken over by his wife, Rachel. She was the first female lighthouse keeper on the Great Lakes. Loderick Brown served as keeper of Marblehead Lighthouse from 1849 to 1853. Mr. Brown?s wife was Margaret Kelly Brown. She was the daughter of William Kelly, who constructed the lighthouse. A second female keeper, Mrs. Johanne McGee served from 1896 to 1903. In 1943 Edward Herman, resigned as the last civilian keeper after ten years of service. The U.S. Coast guard took over the duties of the keepers and then in 1958 automated the light.
The lighthouse, keeper?s house and grounds surrounding the building are currently owned by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The U. S. Coast Guard continues to operate and maintain the lighthouse beacon. Since taking ownership of the property ODNR has invested in restoring the property. Today the lighthouse is in operation and the complex can be visited by the public. The beacon flashes every six seconds a green light and is visible for 11 nautical miles.
Happy reading and shopping,
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com
William Kelly was the contractor on the project and worked with two men to build the lighthouse out of limestone on the exterior walls quarried nearby on the peninsula. The lighthouse measured 25 feet with five thick walls at the base; stood 50 feet tall with a spiral staircase. The top tapered to 12 feet in diameter with walls two feet thick. The first light for beacon came from 13 small whale oil lamps with wicks and a set of sixteen inch diameter reflectors. Whale oil lamps served until 1858 has the light source, when the oil lamps were replaced by a single kerosene lantern, magnified by a Fresnel lens. In 1880 the limestone exterior was covered with stucco and painted white. In 1897, a 15 foot brick addition was added to the top of Marblehead. The tower then stood 65 foot tall and accommodated a watch room. In 1923 the kerosene lantern was converted to electrical power.
The first lighthouse keeper was Benajah Wolcott. Mr. Wolcott was a Revolutionary War veteran. He and his family lived near the lighthouse in a home also constructed by Mr. Kelly. Wolcott served for ten years at Marblehead until his death in 1832. Wolcott?s duties included lighting the whale oil lamps and keeping records of all vessels passing, weather conditions and assisting in organizing rescue efforts. His duties were taken over by his wife, Rachel. She was the first female lighthouse keeper on the Great Lakes. Loderick Brown served as keeper of Marblehead Lighthouse from 1849 to 1853. Mr. Brown?s wife was Margaret Kelly Brown. She was the daughter of William Kelly, who constructed the lighthouse. A second female keeper, Mrs. Johanne McGee served from 1896 to 1903. In 1943 Edward Herman, resigned as the last civilian keeper after ten years of service. The U.S. Coast guard took over the duties of the keepers and then in 1958 automated the light.
The lighthouse, keeper?s house and grounds surrounding the building are currently owned by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The U. S. Coast Guard continues to operate and maintain the lighthouse beacon. Since taking ownership of the property ODNR has invested in restoring the property. Today the lighthouse is in operation and the complex can be visited by the public. The beacon flashes every six seconds a green light and is visible for 11 nautical miles.
Happy reading and shopping,
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com
posted by Gifts Etc Blog at
8:23 AM
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