Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2016 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Annual Report of the Lake Carriers' Association, 1909 P. N. Bland Ptg. Co., Detroit, MI., 1910 [74-76] ELEVENTH LIGHTHOUSE DISTRICT IMPROVE- MENTS AND CHANGES FOR 1909. Isle Aux Peches Range, Mich. At the opening of navigation, the intensity of the front light was increased by changing the illuminant from oil to incandescent oil vapor, while that of the rear light was improved by a change from oil to compressed acetylene in acetone. Actual observation seems to indicate that the changes are decided improvements. Fort Gratiot Range, Mich. In July, the structure supporting the front light was replaced by a white, square, steel, skeleton mast, with a white cylindrical daymark, thus greatly improving the visibility of the front beacon. Detour, Mich. In June, the intensity of this light was increased by changing the illuminant from oil to incandescent oil vapor. West Neebish Channel Lights, Mich. Lights Nos. 7, 8 and 10 were changed from post to lens-lantern lights, with resulting increase in intensity. Early in the season, however, lights 1 and 8 were carried away by the ice and their reconstruction has since been in progress. A change in the type of structure, which ne- cessitates delay to permit final settlement and consolida- tion in the soft bottom of this portion of the river, will prevent the re-establishing of these lights until early in the season of 1910. Lower Hay Lake Cut, Rang 10 and 11, St. Mary's River In August, the intensity of these lights was increased by substituting reflector lights for the lens lanterns hith- erto in use. This change is in line with those already made in other ranges of the St. Marys River, and experi- ence has shown that the result is eminently satisfactory to navigators. Marquette Main Light, Mich. In June, the intensity of this light was increased by changing the illuminant from oil to incandescent oil vapor. Marquette Breakwater Light, Mich. In April, the intensity of this light was increased by a change from a sixth to a fourth-order lens. Duluth Harbor North Pier, Minn. The tower from which this light will be exhibited has been erected. In its general appearance it resembles the towers of the Isle aux Peches Range. Upon the recom- mendation of the officers of this district, the Light- house Board has directed that the light, when exhibited, shall be a white lens lantern light, with a 2-second flash and a 2-second dark interval. Arrangements are now in progress for the installation of the electric flashing device, and it is expected that the light which will be 46 feet above the water, will go into commission at or about the opening of navigation in the season of 1910. A photograph of this tower showing its condition at the close of operation early in December, 1909, is reproduced in this report. Split Rock, Minn. Under a formal contract, the construction of this light and fog-signal station has been under way for some time, and satisfactory progress has been made by the con- tractors. At the present time, the building for the fog signal is practically completed, and the framework of the tower has been erected, while the keepers' dwellings and the other subordinate structures pertaining to the station are practically completed. Upon recommenda- tion of the officers of this district, the Lighthouse Board has directed that this light shall be a third-order light- ning flash, with a single white flash every 10 seconds. This third-order lens is to be of the most modern type and will be considerably more powerful than that now exhibited at Whitefish Point. It is expected to order the fog-signal apparatus during the coming winter and to have it in operation early in the season of 1910. All the material for the tower is on hand, either at the station or in Detroit, and it is expected that the tower will be com- pleted before the close of June, 1910, and that the light will be in operation as soon as the lens has been received. This will probably be during the latter part of the same season. Photographs, illustrating the present condition of the station, are included in this report. Two Harbors, Minn. In July, the intensity of this light was increased by changing the illuminant from oil to incandescent oil vapor. Rock of Ages, Mich. While this station has been in operation since the fall of 1908, various subsidiary items of work necessary to complete the station had not then been finished. During the past season, this work was done, and the station is now completed in every respect, except that the perma- nent lens apparatus has not yet been received. This was ordered March 26, 1909, and should be installed soon after opening of navigation. ==========================================================================