PORT WASHINGTON LIGHTHOUSE RESTORATION

THE LIGHTS OF PORT WASHINGTON

Port Washington, Wisconsin is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, half way between Sheboygan and Milwaukee. Port Washington is the location of the first completely artificial harbor built by the federal government on the Great Lakes. Its first shore or range lighthouse was built in 1849. It consisted of a small keeper's dwelling and free standing brick tower located on the north bluff of the village. In 1860 the government authorized the construction of a new dwelling and tower. The keeper's dwelling was a 2 story cream city brick structure with a wooden tower extending from the roofline. By 1889 the necessity for a pierhead light becme obvious. At the end of a 900 foot crib pier a wooden lighthouse was erected. This beacon served the people of Port Washington and the maritime traffic until 1934. During the period 1931-1935 the federal government, in cooperation with TMERL, built a completely new harbor large enough to accomodate the biggest freighters and passenger vessels plying the waters of Lake Michigan. This 1935 breakwall and art deco lighthouse still exist today.

A LOST LIGHTHOUSE

Since 1860 the lighthouse on the north bluff has stood as a reminder of Port Washington's maritime past. The building was largely ignored after its distinctive tower and lantern were removed in 1934 as the new pierhead lighthouse was under construction. It wasn't until the USCG abandoned the site in 1992 and subsequently leased it to the Port Washington Historical Society that the history and uniqueness of this maritime treasure began to reappear in the minds of the local citizenry and lighthouse enthusiasts. Through the efforts of a small but committed group of volunteers the light station as it has come to be known is now listed on the state and national registers of historic places. When the USCG declared the site and buildings excess property, another lengthy process began which culminated in Summer, 2000 when the city of Port Washington agreed to take ownership of property. The city in turn has leased the light station to the Port Washington Historical Society on a long term basis. The Historical Society is solely responsible for maintenance and restoration costs.

WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW!!

Restoration of the Port Washington Light Station has begun. Initial cost figures indicate the project will require over $275,000, and that's not a complete restoration.
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, in recognition of the many people of Luxembourg descent that live in this part of Wisconsin, is going to rebuild the tower and lantern room (cupola), in Europe, and ship it to Port Washington for assembly on site. Their gift is valued at over $100,000 and is scheduled to arrive in the USA in late March or early April, 2002. The remaining $170,000 needs to be raised by the Port Washington Historical Society. Several matching grants, totaling $40,000, have been awarded to the project. The critical word here is MATCHING. We need additional donations that exceed the grant amounts or the grant moneys will not materialize.
The completion/dedication of this project is June, 2002. Please consider a donation to this worthy project. The Port Washington Historical Society is a charitable organization with a 501c(3) tax status. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please send your donation to the:
Light Station Restoration Project
Port Washington Historical Society
P.O. Box 491
Port Washington, WI 53074

Volunteer workers are always welcome. For more information on how you can assist in this Restoration Project, please contact:
Linda M. Nenn
Construction Coordinator, Restoration Co-Chair
1859 Parknoll Lane
Port Washington, WI 53074

or visit our website:
www.portlightstation.org

Thank you for your consideration.

LINDA'S LIGHTHOUSE LINKS

LIGHT STATION RESTORATION
US MARITIME INNITIATIVE
LIGHTHOUSES OF PORT WASHINGTON

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