It was built more than a century ago to guide ships along Lake Erie. Now a group has plans to restore the Port Clinton lighthouse, which it says could be a big tourist attraction for history lovers.
The lighthouse was built in 1896. It was active for more than three decades, located at the end of the Portage River pier that jutted out onto Lake Erie, guiding boats into shore and round the pier.
"Then electricity came along and it was replaced. They didn't need it any more. They didn't need a keeper," says Richard Norgard, President of the Port Clinton Lighthouse Conservancy.
Long out of commission, the lighthouse has been just sitting on the property of Brands Marina.
"We've attempted to take care of it over the years, painted it and done some repairs. We've tried to keep it looking nice," says Darrell Brand, owner of Brands Marina.
A local group called the Port Clinton Lighthouse Conservancy formed to raise money and move the lighthouse to the Lake Erie waterfront at Waterworks Park downtown.
They want to restore the piece of maritime history for future generations to enjoy. The group is submitting a proposal to the City of Port Clinton to transfer ownership to the city. The conservancy would raise money and pay for all restoration, estimated at $35,000, as well as future upkeep.
"We feel that if we can get the lighthouse in the park, that's going to be a real boon to tourism, to downtown, and it's going to be a benefit to the city. It's kind of a win-win," says Norgard.
The group hopes the city approves the plan in the next three months, so as to have the lighthouse in place for the summer tourism season.
The Commanding Officer for the US Coast Guard Port Security based in Port Clinton supports the preservation plans.
"This is our history," says US Coast Guard Commander Gerald Nauert. "The US Lighthouse Service was one of the fore-runner agencies of the US Coast Guard."
Twelve miles east of Port Clinton stands the Marblehead Lighthouse. It is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes. According to the Historical Society, more than 45-thousand people visit here every year.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WICU. All Rights Reserved.
