Bois Blanc Island Light Station

In 1828, Congress appropriated $5,000 for the building of a lighthouse on Bois Blanc Island. The next year, William Philo Schovill of Cleveland built the island's first light. It was completed in August, under budget, for only $4,495.

Eber Ward was appointed the first keeper at Bois Blanc Island in the spring of 1830, at an annual salary of $350. Just two years later, his salary was increased to $400 annually.

Ward's daughter, Emily, received a real lesson in the dangers of the Great Lakes in 1837 when a storm blew in off the lake. Emily and another young relative were along at the lighthouse at the time. The lighthouse and tower were within 30 feet -- dangerously close -- to the shore and the waves. Sensing the danger, Emily made five trips up and down the tower, at 150 steps, removing the lamp and fragile reflectors. Just as she finished her final trip, the tower broke apart and fell into the water below.

Following that storm, it was decided that a new station would be built on Bois Blanc Island. Congress once again approved $5,000 for the construction of a new lighthouse, approximately 200 feet south of the first structure and 150 feet further inland. It was completed in 1838. Ward served as keeper of this light until 1842, when he was transferred to Gratiot Light at Port Huron. That light's keeper, Mr. Church, was relocated to Bois Blanc Island. It is believed that Church served until 1845.

Lyman Granger was the next keeper at Bois Blanc Island, serving from 1845 to 1854. Mrs. Charles O'Malley then served in 1855, followed by Henry W. Granger from 1855 to 1857. Mrs. Mary Granger served beginning in 1857, but it is undetermined how long she served. During her tenure, however, the tower was outfitted with a fourth order Fresnel lens.

For reasons yet undetermined, a third light was built in 1867. This is the current structure on Bois Blanc Island. This two-story brick building features orange shutters which border all the tower and house windows.

The Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse was deactivated in 1924 and a new solar powered minor light was erected in 1941. The lighthouse was sold in 1956 and is currently owned by Martin and Pat Jahn. They are attempting to write a comprehensive history of the light station. Anyone having further information about the lights on Bois Blanc is asked to write to them at 281 Shore Dr., Burr Ridge, IL 60521.

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry offers a three hour scenic easttward cruise, which takes passengers past Round Island Light, Round Island Passage Light, Bois Blanc Light, oe Reef, Fourteen Foot Shoal and Cheboygan Crib Light. Cruises include close-in viewing opportunities, although weather concerns can often dictate which can be visited. On board narration is provided by the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association and/or Great Lakes Lighthouse Museum. A portion of the proceeds will go toward their preservation efforts. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes heart-breaking, but always fascinating, the colorful anecdotes, stories, and legends surrounding these marvelous icons will amaze and captivate.

Directions: Ferry service runs from Cheboygan to Bois Blanc.

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry: 800-828-6157
Mackinaw Area Tourist Association: 800-666-0160
West Michigan Tourist Association: 800-442-2084
Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association: 313-436-9150