Middle Island Light

Middle Island Light, Middle Island, Lake Huron, 10 miles north of Alpena, Michigan

Middle Island Light, Middle Island, Lake Huron, 10 miles north of Alpena, Michigan

Built in 1905.

MIDDLE ISLAND LIGHT

BETWEEN THUNDER BAY ISLAND/PRESQUE ISLE/LAKE HURON
Station Established: 1905
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1905
Operational? YES
Automated? YES
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: DRESSED STONE/TIMBER
Construction Materials: BRICK
Tower Shape: CONICAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE WITH ORANGE BAND IN MIDDLE
Relationship to Other Structure: ATTACHED
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL

Historical Information:
 

The name comes from its location – halfway between Thunder Bay Island and Presque Isle.

1896 – Lighthouse Board first recommended a lighthouse for this location.

1902 – Congress finally approves the request.

1904 - $25,000 appropriated for the construction of the lighthouse.

1905 – Lit for the first time.

1906 – Oil building built.

Circa 1928 – 4^th order Fresnel lens replaced with a third order lens.

1939 – Daymark changed to white tower with horizontal black band.

1961 – Light automated.

1992 – Middle Island Lightkeepers Association formed.

2001 – Light station operated as bed and breakfast inn.
 

Keepers:

• Patrick Garraty, Jr. (1905 – 1917)
• Michael Nolan (1923 – 1928)
• Stanley Clark (1934 – 1939)