South Pierhead Lighthouse

The Beacon

An image of maritime heritage, South Haven's lighthouse on the south pier still stands today as a vision of seemingly magical qualities. Built in 1872, this distinguished landmark has been welcoming travelers for over 125 years.

The original 37-foot wooden tower was two stories tall. The lower level was used for storage. The upper level housed the lens and a fifth order lamp which ran on mineral oil. The current tower was reconstructed of steel in 1903. It now measures 12' in diameter at the base and stands 35' tall. The ship, Hyacinth, transported the steel structure and U.S. Lighthouse Establishment workers built the light. It eventually was electrified in 1923, utilizing a 200 watt bulb.

The pier itself has undergone several transformations over the years. The originally wood structure measured 300 feet in length. The pier was rebuilt twice, once in 1888 and again in 1889. In 1913, it was extended 425 feet, making the wooden structure more than 700 feet in length. In 1925, 800 feet of steel elevated walkway was taken from the Calumet station, brought to South Haven and reinstalled on the pier. Then in 1940, today's 1200-foot concrete pier was constructed. Together, the lighthouse and its pier have taken the concept of aging gracefully to new heights.

No one knows when the first fog signal was used in South Haven. A 1900 account cites the use of a bellows-style operated by hand. In 1913, the fog signal was replaced by a 1600-pound electrified fog bell. It remained in use until 1937 when a drone-type fog horn was installed. It could be heard seven to 15 miles away, depending on the weather.

The South Pierhead lighthouse is open for public tours one weekend each year, during the annual Harborfest -- always the third weekend in June. There is no cost to tour the lighthouse.

The Keeper's Dwelling

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Black River, the South Haven Lighthouse Keeper's Dwelling offers a commanding view of the harbor and lake. Built in 1872 by the U. S. Lighthouse Service, the building was constructed to provide a home for the keepers and families who maintained South Haven's beacon. Over the years, six different lighkeepers and their families resided there. After the Lighthouse Service merged with the U. S. Coast Guard in 1939, the Lightkeeper's house remained in maritime service for 50 years as a residence for Coast Guard personnel. In 1991, the Michigan Maritime Museum leased the historic property as a curatorial annex. In 1998, the General Service Administration announced it was going to put the historic site up for bids. Public outcry prompted state and federal legislators to go into action to save the historic property from being sold to private interests.

The conveyance of the Lightkeeper's Dwelling to the City of South Haven on August 3, 2000 was the outcome of those efforts to preserve the site and continue its role as part of the city's maritime history. According to Paul Vanden Bosch, Building and Development Director for the City of South Haven, the dwelling must be used as a public monument or it will revert to federal ownership. He said there are terms in the deed for the Michigan Maritime Museum to lease the property from the City of South Haven.

The Ghost

Do you know about the ghostly tale of the South Haven lightkeeper's dwelling? This is the way it was told to me: Dr. McKenzie was given authorization from the university to search for missing documents about a former South Haven lightkeeper. She was excited to search through old records and documents while having the entire place to herself uninterrupted day and night! After searching all day, she grew tired and lay her head on the table on which she was working. She awoke to find herself in total darkness. Groping for the light switch, she clicked it on. Nothing happened! She located the telephone. No dial tone. Starting to become a little frightened, she stood there trying to think what to do next. Suddenly, a single wail, unbearably lonely, in agony, emanated from the entire room. She screeched, "Who's there?" No reply. Another wail echoed around the room. Frantic voices of men, women and children called, "Help! Over here!" "Take my child, oh, please save him!" "Goodbye, dearest love!"

Dr. McKenzie stood motionless against the wall. The voices increased in tempo becoming louder and louder. A shrill followed by a slight movement passed by. An icy blue mist clung to her skin. Horribly misshapen creatures in black hooded cloaks cackled wickedly forming a gigantic wall. Sounds of suffering, crashing waves splintering wood came from the mass. It appeared to recall a howling and tragic night on a treacherous reef, a gaping hole in a sinking ship, bodies floating and others clinging to pieces of wood. A bearded man in uniform battled the storm toward it in his small boat of terrified people. Then the creatures pushed back their hoods to reveal leathery skin drawn tightly over protruding bones, lips twisted by death in a ghastly grin. They began to lurch forward.

Suddenly, behind them, appeared a figure with a cane in one hand, his wooden leg tapping on the floor. He sprang toward the creatures who were slinking to the floor in terror. He struck them with his cane yelling, "You wretches! How could I save all of you! There were too many! And me with a wooden leg! Go to your peace. Stop tormenting me!" The demons disappeared from the room. The figure leaned over her. She recognized the face. This was the man who'd lost a leg in the Civil War and saved many shipwrecked lives in spite of his wooden leg - Trevor Tavish, the man in the boat, keeper of the light!

(This story is condensed from "Ghostly Lights" written by Annick Hivert-Carthew and published by Wilderness Adventure Books 1-800-852-8652).

Directions to the lighthouse

From I-196, Exit 20 (Phoenix Road). Turn west toward Lake Michigan, continue on Phoenix (will turn into Water Street at fourth light) to the South Beach and the lighthouse (approximately 2.5 miles from exit.) Directions to the Keeper's Dwelling: >From South Beach, head east on Water Street to the first street light on the right (St. Joseph Street), turn right on to St. Joseph. At stop sign, turn right. The Keeper's Dwelling will be the first house on the right (91 Michigan Avenue).

South Haven CVB: 800-SO-HAVEN
Michigan Maritime Museum: 800-747-3810
West Michigan Tourist Assocation: 800-442-2084
Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Assocation: 313-436-9150