ER Area Historical Society Program

Description

The Elk Rapids Area Historical Society’s third program for 2016 is, “The History and Mystery of South Fox Island Light Station.”  It will be presented by Catherine Allchin on Thursday June 2nd, 7:00 p.m. at the Elk Rapids Area Historical Museum, 301 Traverse Street at the corner of Pine Street (the former Elk Rapids United Methodist Church).
 
The First Light on Fox Island Light Station was turned on in November, 1867 and the second one in 1934. The station was decommissioned in 1969 and transferred to state of Michigan in 1971. It was permanently shut down in 1984.
 
During her 102 years of service, 67 keepers served and numerous United States Coast Guard crews tended the lights. What’s left? 2 lights, a boathouse, oil house, workshop, 2 story assistant keepers quarters with 3 apartments and one of only 2 remaining fog signal buildings of its kind in the Great Lakes.  Since 2004, the Fox Island Lighthouse Association (FILA) has worked to stabilize, restore and preserve these 7 structures
                                                     
Catherine Allchin, FILA Vice President, has been active with South Fox Light Station since 2000. She is a production coordinator for a marketing firm, supports the Traverse Health Clinic as board member (4 years), member of Maritime Heritage Alliance, Traverse Area Community Sailing (board member for 6 years), recipient of Robert Allor award 2002, and Working Mother of the Year 2000. She has a BA degree in marketing and graphic design.
 
Come see the progress and hear about the future plans for this not so forgotten jewel of Lake Michigan. 
All proceeds benefit the Elk Rapids Area Historical Society’s building preservation.