Sturgeon Pt. Lighthouse, Lake Huron, MI

This was a fun painting to do as a friend’s mother was a lighthouse brat and lived in this light. She tells stories of how much the children loved living here. I have done a Christmas card depicting her and her sister playing in the snow near the lighthouse.
Located north of Harrisville, off Hwy 23, the lighthouse is on the tip of Sturgeon Pt. which extends one and one half miles into Lake Huron, MI. The light began operational in 1870 with a small keeper’s quarters attached. The light is 70’ tall with a large 3 1/2 Fresnel lens. In 1876, a life saving station was built and was in service 24/7 to service the 1000 plus vessels day that sailed the coast during that period. In 1915, the Coast Guard took over supervision. The light was electrified and automated in 1939.
The life savings buildings were destroyed. The lighthouse and quarters survived, but were badly vandalized. In 1982, the Alcoma Historical Society took charge of the restoration of the light and put a lovely maritime museum in the keeper’s quarters which is open June - August. The tower is open to climb for a small fee. The grounds are open year round. It is a very scenic drive up the coastline and worth the time to visit it. For more detailed history www.lighthousefriends.com. For prints and cards check out the website www.michiganlighthouseart.com