Algoma Light

The Algoma Light or Algoma Pierhead Light is a lighthouse located near Algoma in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.

Algoma Pierhead Light
LocationAlgoma, Wisconsin
Coordinates44°36′25.092″N 87°25′45.513″W[1]
Tower
Constructed1908 Edit this on Wikidata
FoundationPier
ConstructionSteel
Automated1973
Height48 feet (15 m)[1]
ShapeRed cylindrical tower[1]
Light
First lit1932
Focal height14.5 m (48 ft) Edit this on Wikidata
LensFresnel lens
Range16 nautical miles (30 km; 18 mi)[1]
CharacteristicRed, 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.[1]

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 5⁄16-inch (7.9 mm) steel plate, 8 feet (2.4 m) in diameter at the base and 7 feet (2.1 m) in diameter at the parapet. It stood 26 feet (7.9 m) high.[2] In 1932, it was modified again and the entire structure was raised to a height of 42 feet (13 m) by placing the older tower on a new steel base 12 feet (3.7 m) in diameter, that increased the focal height to forty-two feet.[2] The station was automated in 1973.[3] It is listed as number 20975 in the USCG light lists.[4]

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.[2][5] 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.[2] It was rebuilt in 1908.[2] It stood 26 feet (7.9 m) 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.[6]

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.[5] Charles E. Young followed in 1895 and remained until 1899.[5] The third keeper was Nelson Knudsen who manned it from 1899 to 1901.[5] In 1901, Gustavus Umberham transferred to Algoma from the Cedar River Lighthouse; bringing his five children with him.[5] Umberham drowned on February 3, 1913, during a boat trip with three acquaintances, he was swept overboard by a large wave.[2] Eugene Kimball, a close friend of Umberham was transferred to the station in April 1913.[2][3] Kimball was manned the light until 1923 when he was transferred.[5][3] After Kimball left, Carl J. Graan manned the lighthouse from 1923 to 1944.[5]

Images
  • 1908 Light
    1908 Light
  • Seen shortly after 1932 modifications
    Seen shortly after 1932 modifications
  • The 5th order Fresnel Lens in the Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse is lowered down the ladder to the base of the tower.
    The 5th order Fresnel Lens in the Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse is lowered down the ladder to the base of the tower.
  • Current flashing LED light
    Current flashing LED light

References
  1. Light List, Volume VII, Great Lakes (PDF). Light List. United States Coast Guard. 2014.
  2. "Algoma Pierhead Light - Main". Terry Pepper. Archived from the original on 3 July 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  3. "Algoma Pierhead Light keepers". Terry Pepper. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  4. Light List, Volumes 1-7. United States Coast Guard.
  5. "Algoma Pierhead, WI". Lighthouse Friends. Archived from the original on 17 August 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  6. Clough, Christopher. "Fresnel lenses gone from Kewaunee County lighthouses, going to museums". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Retrieved 2021-05-08.

Further reading
  • 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.
  • Pepper, Terry. "Seeing the Light: Lighthouses on the western Great Lakes". Archived from the original on 2008-01-30. Retrieved 2009-10-04.
  • 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.
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