1905: The Start of Operations for a Lighthouse on Middle Island in Lake Huron

June 1, 1905

A year after construction on it had begun, a lighthouse on the eastern edge of Middle Island in Lake Huron officially went into service. (Middle Island is about 10 miles [16 kilometers] north of the city of Alpena in Michigan.) The first person to serve as keeper at Middle Island Light was Patrick Garraty, Jr.; he served in this position until sometime around 1917.

Middle Island Light was built to better protect mariners traveling through a region of the Great Lakes that had long been regarded as very dangerous. This lighthouse was one of the last to be installed in that vicinity of Lake Huron.

Regular staffing for Middle Island Light ceased in 1961, when it was automated. In 2006, this lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Photo Credit: Public Domain

For more information on Middle Island Light, please check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Island_Light