St. Helena Island Light

By the time a lighthouse was built on St. Helena Island in 1873, the island was well established along the northern shore with fishermen and their families. St. Helena is located just one mile from the Upper Peninsula shoreline and seven miles west of the Mackinac Bridge.

The two-story red brick keeper's dwelling was supported by a stone basement foundation. The 78-foot brick tower was white washed to provide a better daymark against the dark trees found on the island. The cast iron lantern room was equipped with a third-and-a-half order Fresnel lens. Thomas Dunn was the first keeper at St. Helena Island, with a two year tenure until 1875.

In 1923, only 50 years after it had been built, the lighthouse was automated and its buildings were boarded up and practically abandoned. By the 1980s, holes in the roof allowed the elements inside. The building was littered with chunks of fallen plaster. And a fire started by vandals damaged the second floor.

In 1986, the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association (GLLKA) received a 30 year license from the U.S. Coast Guard to restore and maintain the light. Restoration efforts at St. Helena Island Light began in 1989, with the assistance of troops from the Boy Scouts of America (Calumet and Ann Arbor). Every summer since, volunteers from GLLKA and the Boy Scouts make the pilgrimage to St. Helena Island to restore the light and surrounding buildings. Since the project began, four scouts attained the rank of Eagle Scout, in part by developing projects associated with the saving of the lighthouse.

Numerous national, state and other awards have been achieved in this historic restoration, primarily by youth groups. Restoration of the dwelling is now nearly complete. The privy and oil house have been restored and the assistant keepers dwelling has been rebuilt by Boy Scouts according to historic standards via photographs. It is hoped that the boat house can likewise be reconstructed to complete the structures that once made up the light station. GLLKA is using the light station for educational seminars and workshops in the midst of the restoration project.

Through a legislative transfer in 1996, GLLKA received a quit claim deed for St. Helena Island Light Station and three acres surrounding it. On September 21, 1999, the U.S. House approved a bill that would authorize the Department of Agriculture to purchase all of St. Helena Island, with the exception of the three acres deeded to the GLLKA and to maintain the island as a National Scenic Area within the Hiawatha National Forest.

A Special Award: GLLKA President receives Lifetime Achievement Award Members of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association (GLLKA) have always known that Dick Moehl is someone special. But now the entire state of Michigan recognizes his lighthouse contributions as well.

Governor John Engler, and his wife Michelle, presented Dick with the top honor at the Seventh Annual Governor's Service Award ceremony on May 18. Dick received the Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Service Award for his mission to preserve and restore Michigan's lighthouses while creating a new generation of preservationists. GLLKA members definitely agree with Governor Engler's choice.

"From his yacht turned into a floating lighthouse supply barge to passenger vessel for scouts and teachers, to his leadership around the state, the Great Lakes and the nation, our longest servicing president deserves every one of the accolades of this award," said GLLKA board member Donn Werling. "He has helped us turn frustration into fruit trees that will bear new generations of preservationists for years to come."

Another GLLKA member, Sue Kuschel, said "Dick has really built GLLKA into what it is today. We have tremendous respect for him. He has certainly put us on the map." "We feel that he deserves it because of his tireless efforts for restoration or preservation of lighthouses," remarked board member Bruce Nelson.

"It's wonderful to see Dick recognized in another arena beyond lighthouse preservation organizations," added board member Jennifer Tregembo.

Through Dick's efforts, there is now a statewide awareness of the plight of deteriorating lighthouses. He has helped with the establishment of numerous nonprofit lighthouse organizations, worked on legislative improvements for lighthouse preservation and has brought the lighthouse message to educators and youth. It is the youth which he feels are the most important link in the preservation message.

"A building saved today will not persist if the next generation does not care as much as we do," said Dick.

This honor, which Governor Engler calls "the premier service recognition in the state," was presented at the banquet attended by over 1,000 statewide community leaders. The award is given in memory of Governor George Romney.

"Success in my lighthouse efforts would not have been possible without the cooperation of numerous state and federal agencies and dedicated volunteers who unselfishly gave precious time to make a difference in the cause of historic restoration/preservation. The real winners of this award are all of the people who are helping to save and restore Michigan's great lighthouse heritage," said Dick.

"These marvelous people live throughout the state, from Copper Harbor to DeTour, from Mackinaw City to Port Huron and St. Joseph. They are the unsung heroes who are working day and night for the love of Michigan's history and historic structures." "One critical ingredient for the assured future remembrance of lighthouse history will be the Great Lakes Lighthouse Museum in Mackinaw City. It will be the monument and spirit of our lighthouse history and will create excitement to carry this story into the future."

Access to this light is limited to boat travel. Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry offers a three hour scenic westward cruise, which takes passengers past White Shoal, Gray's Reef, Waugoshance Light and St. Helena Island 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.

Three times each year, Shepler's also offers a St. Helena Island walkabout cruise. Dates for 2001 are June 29, July 22 and August 3. Anchoring off-shore, passengers board a motor-driven dingy to the shores of St. Helena Island for a three hour land excursion. Visitors can explore the restored keeper's house, tower and surrounding area. At tour's end, passengers board dingies back to the ship and return to Mackinaw City.

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