14 Mile Point

by **Zachary** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:30 am

....any updates or are things pretty much the same as they have been?

by **Terry_Pepper** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 12:09 pm

No changes at Fourteen Mile Point - beyond continued deterioration.

I will be passing the lighthouse on the GLLKA Lake Superior Excursion in July, and will post some updated photos.

That Escursion is sold out, but for anyone who is interested in viewing the lighthouse, The Ontonagon Chamber of Commerce will bring the KEWEENAW STAR to Ontonagon to help celebrate Lake Superior Day on July 19.

Cruises at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM will head east to Fourteen Mile Point, pulling-in as close as safely possible to offer the rare opportunity of photographing this former Queen of the Lakes. A third westbound cruise at 2:00 PM will pass the Porcupine Mountains with a park interpreter on board to provide information on this most unique state park in Michigan. Tickets prices are $15.00 each, and are available at the Ontonagon County Historical Museum and at Red Metal Minerals in Ontonagon. For further information or to purchase tickets ahead of time, call the Ontonagon County Historical Society at 906-884-6165.

by **CHUCKX53** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 3:40 pm

We hiked out there in 2004 -- at the time, the only work of any kind that had been done was the construction of a wooden landing between the first & second floors in the tower -- everything else was how I had read it described -- the old stove was still in the basement -- have not heard or read of any further attempts at any kind of repair -- It's a real shame......

The light is a hauntingly sad place, and I couldn't help thinking of the way it used to look in it's heyday, via old photos that I've accessed, and how it will never be restored -- it is just too remote and difficult to access, and unless some one with a spare couple of million would step up and commit to the place -- Maybe that young fellow from S.D. who just won that $88 million on Powerball...............

by **NoahG** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:21 am

In the case of 14 Mile Point, I think the most practical thing would be to concentrate on stabilization and restoration of the tower itself. As much as I love lighthouses and wish to see each one fully restored, I realize that isn't possible. However, aside from a wealthy an generous private donor, I think focusing on the tower is the best bet. The walls may crumble, but that tower isn't going anywhere soon.

That's just what I've been able to reason.

by **CHUCKX53** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 9:54 pm

Zachary, here is a few of the shots from when I was out there........

by **CHUCKX53** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:06 am

......And Here's Some More.....

by **NoahG** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 12:43 pm

Obviously, the light is remote and deteriorating, but quite honestly, what was your impression of the integrity of the building?

by **LighthouseNews** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 2:10 pm

So sad to see this. It reminds me of the buildings in Detroit. Particularly the last couple. And these are from 5 years ago? I'd hate to think of its condition now.

Thanks for sharing these, Chuck.

by **Terry_Pepper** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 2:10 pm

$4 million, a landing craft and a free berth in the Ontonagon River, and it could be good as new.

by **NoahG** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 2:27 pm

For some reason that number seems less than I thought it would be.

Correct me if I'm wrong but the biggest challenge in saving this light, or at least stabilization, is finding the people with the time and the power to save it, not necessarily the cost. (Quite the opposite of Ft. Gratiot, but I digress) At the very least, I feel there might be hope for a Point Peninsula type stabilization, if nothing else.

by **Terry_Pepper** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:37 pm

I know people in the area who have the ability, time and motivation - they just don't have the money, and times are especially hard in the western UP.

by **NoahG** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 8:54 pm

Thanks Terry, at the very least it's good to know it isn't forgotten. Time's are tough I know, especially in Michigan, but if there is one thing I have learned, it's to never underestimate the power of motivated people.

by **CHUCKX53** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 8:38 am

My Impression of the Integity of the structure ? I was amazed that the walls were still standing 20 years after the fire -- While I was inside doing photos, I was looking up a lot, half-expecting something would fall on me -- Imagine how bricks & mortar look after being subjected to intense heat, and you can get the idea -- And I sure didn't go whack on them to see how strong they were......

The Tower, however, seemed more stable to me, I had no qualms about being in there -- But overall the whole place was just downright EERIE -- and Ghostly Quiet......

I was out there on my own, all alone (My traveling pardner, the wife, didn't make it past Tenmile Bay) -- And It might have been different with someone else there -- But being alone out there felt just about like being on Hallowed Ground......

Here is a couple shots of the Outbuildings........

by **Blacktphoto** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:58 pm

I seem to recall reading about the property going up for sale. Does anyone else share this recollection?

by **CHUCKX53** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 4:49 pm

Shots of the upper interior walls, East and West.......

14 Mile Point

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