On behalf of the Michigan Lighthouse Alliance, I was honored to serve on the organizing committee which planned and served as hosts for a very successful conference of Great Lakes lighthouse stewards and stakeholders in Traverse City last week.
At the reception in the evening of the final day, after pre-recorded messages of congratulation from Senators Levin and Stabinow, a representative of the General Services Administration officially passed the deeds of two lighthouses to their new owner/stewards.
The Charlevoix South Pierhead light was transferred to the city of Charlevoix, with plans in place and work already underway to restore the lighthouse through a cooperative effort between the City and the Charlevoix Historical Society.
The Holland Harbor lighthouse (AKA “Big Red”) was officially transferred to the Holland Harbor Lighthouse Historical Commission. Over a number of years, and largely out of the eyes of the general public, the Commission has already undertaken a complete top to bottom restoration of this lighthouse. While some potentially dangerous access limitations within the lighthouse will likely preclude opening the entire building to the public, the Commission has plans to provide some innovative methods through which visitors will be eventually be able to experience the entire building.