199 15% OFF!! Big Bay Point, MI, HL 700, unnumbered, made in China, box (#6), Certificate of Authenticity, tent card, 1st of Christmas Lights, 5,000 issued 09/1995, retired 12/1995
Each piece will be double boxed and packed for a 30' drop should that occur in handling. Shipper only insures first $50 valuation at no additional cost. PLEASE NOTE: I will only refund this amount ($50) if damage occurs unless buyer has purchased additional insurance. If buyer wishes additional insurance, the cost associated with additional insurance will be calculated and buyer will pay additional cost. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHETHER OR NOT YOU WANT INSURANCE OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PRIOR TO MAKING PAYMENT.
NOTE: Two C of As were issued for this piece–#1 indicated hand-numbered which was incorrect; #2 deleted reference to hand-numbering. This piece has #1.
“The one thing I shall always remember is the way big soft snowflakes fell through the twelve golden! rays. The majority of people never see such scenes and therefore cannot love and appreciate them as I do.”
–from the memoirs of a Lightkeeper’s Daughter
Christmas must have seemed a welcome relief to the drudgery of lighthouse keeping. The winter months must have been a particularly lonely time for Lake Superior lightkeepers ad their families. Shipping traffic comes to a virtual standstill in December, when the frigid arctic winds blow in from the north and the waters freeze over. This was a time for polishing brass, refitting lamps and cleaning lenses. But it was also a time of respite. . .for telling stories, singing carols, and roasting chestnuts on the fire.
Development along the northern coast of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula grew quite rapidly in the latter part of the 19th Century. It soon became evident that navigational aids were needd in the vicinity of Marquette County. Several light stations were built here between 1853 and 1900. In 1896, the most elaborate of these, Big Bay Point, was put into operation on a rocky bluff overlooking Lake Superior. This beautiful 2-story brick structure is comprised of 16 rooms, including 2 full size apartments and a liht tower rising from the middle of the house. A huge 3rd-Order Fresnel lens was placed in the light tower 105' above lake level.
Accommodations were provided for the families of the keeper and 2 assistants. At one point there were 11 children living on the property, and the keeper’s office was used as a schoolroom. Water was pulled from the lake by bucket and wire many times a day to provide for the steam-operated fog horn and domestic needs. Although there are many happy stories to share regarding Big Bay and its keepers, the early years were darkened by a serious tragedy. In 1902, the first keeper, William Pryor, took his own life in a moment of severe depression. Pryor was followed by several dedicated keepers who served with distinction until 1941, when the last keeper retired. The light was removed from the tower and replaced by an automated beacon in the front yard.
Big Bay Light was placed on the market in 1961 for sale to the highest bidder. Dr. Jon Pick, a well-known Chicago plastic surgeon purchased the station and lovingly restored every portion of the building. Beautiful antiques and artifacts were brought in to adorn the rooms. Dr. Pick sold the his dream house in 1979 to Dan Hitchens of Traverse City. The old lighthouse has passed through several hands since 1979, and has since been converted into a wonderful bed and breakfast inn. Guests can relax in a 19th Century atmosphere and enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Superior from the light tower. If you visit Big Bay Light during the winter season, be sure to bring your skis. You may even catch a rare glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.
MEASUREMENTS: L = 6” x W = 4¾” x H = 5”
CONDITION: Very good. Displayed for a short time in glass-enclosed curio cabinet.
Each piece will be double boxed and packed for a 30' drop should that occur in handling. Shipper only insures first $50 valuation at no additional cost. PLEASE NOTE: I will only refund this amount ($50) if damage occurs unless buyer has purchased additional insurance. If buyer wishes additional insurance, the cost associated with additional insurance will be calculated and buyer will pay additional cost. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHETHER OR NOT YOU WANT INSURANCE OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PRIOR TO MAKING PAYMENT.
If damaged in shipping, buyer must save damaged carton to show shipper’s rep condition of boxes.
NOTE: for the most part, I only collected full size Harbour Lights. GLOWS and Little Lights of Mine will be clearly identified as such should I find I have any.
Also, bottom of piece was signed “B. Younger,” but year and signature are very faint.