Even if we are in the final countdown, which is doubtful, we'll have an excellent year ahead if we seek out adventure and make our traveling dreams come true... all in West Michigan!
Exploring the sunset side of the Mitten, West Michigan Weekly features travel information, news and giveaways.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
West Michigan Bucket List
According to those pesky rumormongers, the Mayans, 2012 is our last year on this wonderful planet. If they're correct, there are only 346 days to finish everything on your bucket list, and perhaps you haven't even written your bucket list! Fret not, friends of West Michigan, WMTA is here to save the day. We're compiling a list of all the amazing things to do in West Michigan before you "kick the bucket," starting with living out your Winter Olympic dreams of riding the luge.
Come back each day and visit the West Michigan Bucket List tab above. We'll be posting new ideas continually. If you have already put thought into your list, leave us a comment, and we'll add it.
Even if we are in the final countdown, which is doubtful, we'll have an excellent year ahead if we seek out adventure and make our traveling dreams come true... all in West Michigan!
Even if we are in the final countdown, which is doubtful, we'll have an excellent year ahead if we seek out adventure and make our traveling dreams come true... all in West Michigan!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Finally Here!
Woo hoo! The 2012 Official Lake Michigan Circle Tour and Lighthouse Maps have arrived!
Make sure to order your copy today! Call our offices here at 616.245.2217 or you can order online http://www.wmta.org/publications-24/
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Featured Lighthouse #22- Old Michigan City Light, IN
This is our final featured lighthouse, which means the 2012 Lake Michigan Circle Tour and Lighthouse maps will be available tomorrow! Make sure to order your free copy today! http://www.wmta.org/
Featured Lighthouse #22- Old Michigan City Light, IN
At the bend of the Michigan City harbor stands an historic old structure whose beacon served as a guiding light for Great Lakes sailors for more than 100 years. Michigan City's first light, a simple "postlight, was erected in 1835 about 100 feet west of the present structure. Two years later, a keeper's dwelling was built, with a detached 40-foot tall whitewashed tower to house a lantern at the top. By 1858 this original lighthouse was deemed inadequate, so a new building was constructed of Joliet stone and Milwaukee brick. A lantern room on the north end of the 1858 lighthouse housed a fixed light with a Fresnel lens of the Fifth Order.
In 1871, the first beacon light was installed on the east pier, and this too was maintained by the keepers. So diligently did the keepers perform their tasks, with many tales of bravery and heroism, that the Michigan City Lighthouse became known on the Great Lakes as "Old Faithful".
The "dear old stationhouse" was enlarged in 1904 when the Lens was moved to a tower atop the East Pierhead fog signal. This was a half-mile journey out to the end of the pier and a half mile back again, so a Head Keeper and Assistant Keeper rotated watch. The keepers and their families continued to live in the Old Lighthouse until 1940 when the Pierhead Light was electrified. The building stood vacant for about 25 years, until the Michigan City Historical Society began restoring it in 1964. In 1973, the Old Lighthouse Museum opened with a replica of the original lantern room.
Featured Lighthouse #22- Old Michigan City Light, IN
At the bend of the Michigan City harbor stands an historic old structure whose beacon served as a guiding light for Great Lakes sailors for more than 100 years. Michigan City's first light, a simple "postlight, was erected in 1835 about 100 feet west of the present structure. Two years later, a keeper's dwelling was built, with a detached 40-foot tall whitewashed tower to house a lantern at the top. By 1858 this original lighthouse was deemed inadequate, so a new building was constructed of Joliet stone and Milwaukee brick. A lantern room on the north end of the 1858 lighthouse housed a fixed light with a Fresnel lens of the Fifth Order.
In 1871, the first beacon light was installed on the east pier, and this too was maintained by the keepers. So diligently did the keepers perform their tasks, with many tales of bravery and heroism, that the Michigan City Lighthouse became known on the Great Lakes as "Old Faithful".
The "dear old stationhouse" was enlarged in 1904 when the Lens was moved to a tower atop the East Pierhead fog signal. This was a half-mile journey out to the end of the pier and a half mile back again, so a Head Keeper and Assistant Keeper rotated watch. The keepers and their families continued to live in the Old Lighthouse until 1940 when the Pierhead Light was electrified. The building stood vacant for about 25 years, until the Michigan City Historical Society began restoring it in 1964. In 1973, the Old Lighthouse Museum opened with a replica of the original lantern room.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Featured Lighthouse #21- Wind Point Lighthouse- Racine, WI
Wind Point Lighthouse was completed in 1880. The 108 foot tower is attached to the keepers dwelling by means of a covered passageway, similar to other Great Lakes lights designed by the influential Orlando M. Poe. The dwelling was home to the Head Keeper and two assistants and their families. Within the tower, 144 cast iron steps, each individually anchored to the walls and supported by a central column, spiral to the lantern room.
In 1900, to aid navigation during periods of low visibility, a fog signal was added. Steam powered, this signal could be heard from a distance of 40 miles out in the lake.
The lighthouse interior is not open to the public, the grounds are open during normal business hours, and thus one can obtain a close-up view of the station.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)