Little Traverse (Harbor Point) Light

This 40-foot tall square brick tower at Little Traverse "Harbor Point" Light has an attached two-story keepers dwelling. The tower is capped with an octagonal cast iron tower and features a fourth order Fresnel lens. A bell is also on the property in Harbor Springs. A modern skeletal light tower replaced the lighthouse in 1961. The Harbor Point Light was deactivated in 1963.

This lighthouse and the property on which it sits is privately owned, and highly protected. This light is only visible from the harbor outside of Harbor Springs, with ferry service available in Petoskey.

The light's first keeper was one of the famed ladies of the lakes, Elizabeth Whitney Williams. On September 25, 1884, she climbed the stairs to display the station's light. Here is her story:

West Michigan's Famous Female Lighthouse Keeper: Despite common belief, hundreds of women have served as lighthouse keepers including several at Lake Michigan beacons. Elizabeth Whitney (1842-1925) was fortunate enough to serve as keeper at two lights in Northwest Michigan: Beaver Point Harbor Light on Beaver Island and Harbor Point Light in Harbor Springs.

Born on Mackinac Island in 1842, Elizabeth grew up near a Mormon settlement on Beaver Island. She married Clement Van Riper and in 1869 the couple took over the lighthouse responsibilities at Harbor Point Light on the northwest side of the tip of Beaver Island. Although Clement was the official keeper, Elizabeth at age 27 did some of the work and was said to be delighted to do so.

"From the first the work had a fascination for me. I loved the water, having always been near it, and I loved to stand in the tower and watch the great rolling waves crashing and tumbling upon the shore.... Life seemed very bright in our lighthouse beside the sea," Elizabeth said.

In the spring of 1870, the Van Ripers welcomed a group of men who brought materials to build a new tower, repair the house and add a new brick kitchen. A new fourth order Fresnel lens was placed in the new tower and the color of the light was changed from white to red. It was about this time that Elizabeth increased her responsibilities due to Clement's declining health.

"My husband having now very poor health, I took charge of the care of the lamps, and the beautiful lens in the tower was my especial care," Elizabeth wrote in her autobiography A child of the Sea; and Life among the Mormons (1905). "On stormy nights I watched the light that no accident might happen."

But, in 1872, a maritime disaster occurred while the Van Ripers attempted to aid a ship in distress. Clement and a companion drowned while trying to save the crew.

"Life then seemed darker than the midnight storm that raged for three days upon the deep dark waters," Elizabeth wrote. Her future uncertain, 30-year-old Elizabeth sought comfort from that which she knew best.

"I was weak from sorrow, but realized that though the life that was dearest to me had gone, yet there were others out in the dark and treacherous waters who need the rays from the shining light of my tower. Nothing could rouse me but that thought, then all my life and energy was given to the work which now seemed was given me to do. At first I felt almost afraid to assume so great a responsibility, knowing it all required watchful care and strength with many sleepless nights." A few weeks later, Elizabeth was appointed official keeper of the light. She tended the light solo for three years before marrying Daniel Williams in 1875.

A short time later, Elizabeth's daily routine was governed by the federal government's Instructions to Lightkeepers. This added to Elizabeth's duties, but not necessarily to her pay. For all her hard work, Elizabeth received $150 a quarter -- just $50 a month. Her new duties required the lens be cleaned and polished daily. Elizabeth was also required to clean and fill the lamp daily. She was also responsible for the care of the buildings and grounds.

In 1884, after 15 years at Beaver Island Light, Elizabeth requested a transfer to a mainland station. Harbor Point Lighthouse had recently been built in Harbor Springs at the entrance to Little Traverse Bay. Very few details have surfaced regarding Elizabeth's career in Harbor Springs. Annual reports of the Lighthouse Board report that a 45-foot well was sunk to provide fresh water in 1887. A line to city water was established in 1891. A fog signal was added in 1896 and in 1899 a beacon was added on the breakwater.

Elizabeth did complete her autobiography in 1905 -- at the age of 60 -- while at Little Traverse Light. She served 29 years as keeper of the light, until 1913. Elizabeth lived 12 more years -- to the age of 83 -- after giving up her career as a keeper of the light.

More than half of Elizabeth's life was spent serving as either a primary or secondary lighthouse keeper. She served three years under her first husband, and then 41 years at two lights as the principle keeper. She was noted as the first female lighthouse keeper on Lake Michigan. Elizabeth was a pioneer for other female keepers like Mary Terry at Sand Point Light (1868-1886), Harriet Colfax at Michigan City Light (1861-1904), and Mary Ryan at Calumet Harbor Entrance Light (1873-1880).

Sources:
Michigan History Magazine (November/December 1981);
Women Who Kept the Lights: An Illustrated History of Female Lighthouse Keepers (Mary Louise Clifford & J. Candace Clifford);
A Child of the Sea; and Life Among the Mormons (Elizabeth Whitney Van Riper Williams).

Directions: This light is only visible from the harbor outside of Harbor Springs. Bay Water Ferry & Tours offers a close up view and history of the lighthouse via a one hour narrated nautical historic boat tour of Little Traverse Bay. Several departures are schedule daily, May through October.

Bay Water Ferry & Tours: 231-347-5550
Petoskey/Harbor Springs/Boyne Country CVB: 800-845-2828
West Michigan Tourist Association: 800-442-2084
Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association: 313-436-9150