AMERICAN LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION – 2012 Lighthouse Gala Silent Auction
Auction Ends: Apr 20, 2012 10:00 PM EDT

Collectibles

Harbour Lights - Fairport Harbor Light, Ohio

Item Number
148
Estimated Value
68 USD
Sold
15 USD to mrshawk
Number of Bids
1  -  Bid History

Item Description

Fairport Harbor Lighthouse began as a solitary brick tower in 1825, located on the south shore of Lake Erie between Cleveland and Ashtabula. The present tower and red brick keeper's house were constructed in 1871. Standing 60 feet high and housing 69 steps to the top, the tower contained a third-order Fresnel lens, shining its fixed white light for 17 and on-half miles. The original  beacon not only guided vessels, but also served as one of the northern terminals of the "Underground Railway" before the civil war.

After a light and foghorn signal were erected on the west breakwater pierhead, the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse became obsolete and was discontinued in 1925. The significance of this historic sentinel did not escape lighthouse lovers, who endeavored to preserve the charm and beauty of this special beacon by founding the first Great Lakes Maritime Museum in the US within the keeper's quarters, saving the Fresnel lens and other artifacts from destruction.

Attached to the dwelling and overlooking the harbor is the former pilothouse from the Great Lakes carrier Frontenac. The museum houses navigational instruments, marine charts, pictures and paintings of ships, lanterns, the original Fesnel lens and other relics.

Item Special Note

HL #251, limited edition of 6500 introduced in June 2000 and retired in 2003. Serial #3920. In original box.