Photos courtesy of Huron Island Lighthouse Preservation Association The Huron Island Lighthouse Preservation Association has completed summer work on the facilities.

The Huron Island Lighthouse Preservation Association (HILPA), working in cooperation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USF&WS), is pleased to announce that the summer work season on Lighthouse Island in the Huron Islands made significant progress to preserve the historic structures for future generations. Except for the lighthouse roof which the earlier HILPA group replaced almost 20 years ago the other structures have not been attended to in over 50 years.

Last year, HILPA volunteers and USF&WS cleared brush from several buildings and the tram structure at the north end of the island. HILPA repaired footbridge guard rails, replaced the privy roof, and painted exterior wood on the lighthouse. USF&WS contractors shored up the boat house and beefed-up security to deter recurring vandalism.

2023 season projects stabilized the other two large buildings and improved accessibility. A USF&WS contractor replaced siding on the assistant keeper’s quarters and painted the exterior. HILPA brought in K&N Contractors, a UP contractor, to replace the fog signal building’s roof. Volunteers cleared the island-wide trail, making it easier for visitors to hike end-to-end.

HILPA President Burt Mason said “If you want to get a feeling as to what life was like on this remote island in the late 1800s for the lightkeepers and their families you should visit this historic place located three miles off the mouth of the Huron River in Lake Superior. Most Great Lakes light systems have been reduced to just the lighthouse. However, the Huron Islands still has the complete system. It is amazing to see these historic structures come to life again.” Lighthouse island is in Northwest Marquette County. The nearest public boat launching points are in Skanee, in Baraga County. Witz Marina has been extremely accommodating when we required additional boat slips or storage for trailers and supplies.

Work on these structures is supported by grants and donations to HILPA and expenditures from the USF&WS along with help from many volunteers. For information or to volunteer visit www.huronislandlighthouse.org

The next monthly HILPA meeting will be October 5 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ojibwa Senior Center in Baraga, and by Zoom. Anyone wishing to learn more about HILPA’s mission is welcome, and may join HILPA as an annual or life member if desired. For information on membership contact Nancy Strohschein at (248) 892-1295 or email HILPAHuronIslandLighthouse@gmail.com. Follow HILPA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HuronIslands.