Algoma Light
{{Infobox lighthouse
| name = Algoma Pierhead Light
| image = Algoma Pierhead 2015.12.jpg
| caption =
| location = Algoma, Wisconsin
| coordinates = {{coord|44|36|25.092|N|87|25|45.513|W|region:US_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}{{cite uscgll|7|2014|}}
| yearlit = 1932
| automated = 1973
| yeardeactivated =
| foundation = Pier
| construction = Steel
| shape = Red cylindrical tower
| lens = Fresnel lens
| characteristic = Red, Isophase, 6 sec. HORN: 1 blast ev 10s (1s bl). Operated from Apr. 1 to Dec. 1 and other times as required by local conditions.
}}
The Algoma Light or Algoma Pierhead Light is a lighthouse located near Algoma in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.
The lighthouse was first established in 1893 as a set of range lights. It was rebuilt in 1908, at which time it was a conical tower built of {{convert|5/16|in|adj=on}} steel plate, {{convert|8|ft}} in diameter at the base and {{convert|7|ft}} in diameter at the parapet. It stood {{convert|26|ft}} high. In 1932, it was modified again and the entire structure was raised to a height of {{convert|42|ft}} by placing the older tower on a new steel base {{convert|12|ft}} in diameter, that increased the focal height to forty-two feet. The station was automated in 1973. It is listed as number 20975 in the USCG light lists.{{cite uscgll|0|}}
History
The lighthouse was first established in 1893 as a set of range lights. In 1895, a fifth-order lens replaced the original lantern; increasing the effective range of the light to 11 miles. In 1907, with the keeper's accommodations still unbuilt, the wooden tower was in a significant state of distress and the decision was made to replace the tower. It was rebuilt in 1908. It stood {{convert|26|ft}} high.
The Fresnel lens remained the source of illumination until June 5, 2019, when it was replaced with an LED light. The Fresnel lens was placed on display at the North Point Lighthouse museum in Milwaukee.{{Cite web|last=Clough|first=Christopher|title=Fresnel lenses gone from Kewaunee County lighthouses, going to museums|url=https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/local/kewaunee-county/2019/06/12/kewaunee-county-fresnel-lenses-gone-lighthouses-going-museums/1431044001/|access-date=2021-05-08|website=Green Bay Press-Gazette|language=en-US}}
Keepers
The Light has had several keepers throughout its long history even prior to the construction of the tower. Ole Hansen was the first to man the light from 1893 – 1895.{{cite web|url=http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=254 |title=Algoma Pierhead, WI |publisher=Lighthouse Friends |accessdate=5 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817194929/http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=254 |archivedate=17 August 2013 }} Charles E. Young followed in 1895 and remained until 1899. The third keeper was Nelson Knudsen who manned it from 1899 to 1901. In 1901, Gustavus Umberham transferred to Algoma from the Cedar River Lighthouse; bringing his five children with him. Umberham drowned on February 3, 1913, during a boat trip with three acquaintances, he was swept overboard by a large wave.{{cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/michigan/algoma/algoma.htm |title=Algoma Pierhead Light - Main |publisher=Terry Pepper |accessdate=5 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703173214/http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/michigan/algoma/algoma.htm |archivedate=3 July 2013 }} Eugene Kimball, a close friend of Umberham was transferred to the station in April 1913. Kimball was manned the light until 1923 when he was transferred.{{cite web | url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/michigan/algoma/keepers.htm | title=Algoma Pierhead Light keepers | publisher=Terry Pepper | accessdate=5 December 2013}} After Kimball left, Carl J. Graan manned the lighthouse from 1923 to 1944.
Images
File:AlgomaWisconsinPierheadLighthouse2008.jpg
File:USCGalgoma1.JPG|1908 Light
File:USCGalgoma2.JPG|Seen shortly after 1932 modifications
File:Algoma Fresnel Lens.jpg|The 5th order Fresnel Lens in the Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse is lowered down the ladder to the base of the tower.
File:Algoma Light.jpg|Current flashing LED light
References
{{reflist}}
Further reading
{{refbegin}}
- Havighurst, Walter (1943) The Long Ships Passing: The Story of the Great Lakes, Macmillan Publishers.
- Oleszewski, Wes, Great Lakes Lighthouses, American and Canadian: A Comprehensive Directory/Guide to Great Lakes Lighthouses, (Gwinn, Michigan: Avery Color Studios, Inc., 1998) {{ISBN|0-932212-98-0}}.
- {{cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/index.htm|author=Pepper, Terry|title=Seeing the Light: Lighthouses on the western Great Lakes|access-date=2009-10-04|archive-date=2008-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080130074143/http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/index.htm|url-status=dead}}
- Sapulski, Wayne S., (2001) Lighthouses of Lake Michigan: Past and Present (Paperback) (Fowlerville: Wilderness Adventure Books) {{ISBN|0-923568-47-6}}; {{ISBN|978-0-923568-47-4}}.
- Wright, Larry and Wright, Patricia, Great Lakes Lighthouses Encyclopedia Hardback (Erin: Boston Mills Press, 2006) {{ISBN|1-55046-399-3}}.
{{refend}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20130817194929/http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=254 Anderson, Kraig, Lighthouse friends article]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20130703173214/http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/michigan/algoma/algoma.htm Seeing the light]
- {{cite rowlett|wi}}
- National Park Service [http://www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/light/algoma.htm Maritime Heritage Project, Inventory of Historic Light Stations - Wisconsin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209171305/http://www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/light/algoma.htm |date=2006-02-09 }}
- {{cite uscghist|WI}}
{{Lighthouses of Wisconsin}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Lighthouses completed in 1908
Category:Lighthouses completed in 1932
Category:Buildings and structures in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
Category:Lighthouses in Wisconsin