Historical Society Newsletter # 29 November 2010 450 W. Marr Road, Howell, Michigan 48855 Phone (517)230-6294 or (734)421-7512 Email cplhs@sbcglobal.net Website crisppointlighthouse.org Editor: Margaret Warren crisppoint1904@yahoo.com Construction! It is much easier to access the beach from the east end of the boardwalk now. Previously, there was a ramp to walk down, but that has been missing since last fall. This is not the first time the ramp has been washed away, so a different solution was needed. In July, a new set of stairs was constructed, with retaining walls on both sides. The walls will help protect the stairs from wind and waves, as will the large rock that will be placed nearby in the future. The finished walls and stairs. In addition, another viewing platform was constructed on the east end just before the new stairway. A great place to take pictures! Another stairway was also built this summer, at the end of the new boardwalk leading from the visitor center. Built by CPLHS member Steve Tollas, the new stairs (shown below) make it much easier to walk down to the beach. In the picture above, you can see what is left of the old ramp just above Rick Brockway starting work on the new stairs.
Newsletter # 29 November 2010 Page 2 Crisp Point Lighthouse Model 2011 CPLHS Annual Conference The 15th Crisp Point Annual Conference will take place on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at the Whitefish Township School in Paradise. If you would like to help out, please contact Rick Brockway at (517) 230-6294. 2010 Visitors According to the log books, there were 8,498 visitors to the lighthouse from January to September this year. That includes 2,780 in July and 2,783 in August. Not everyone signs the log books, so the actual total is most certainly higher. Make sure you sign one of the log books each time you visit. That s the only way we can tell how many visitors we have. The model pictured above was built by Alexis Specht and her father when she was in 4 th grade. Alexis is a student at St. Paul s Lutheran School in Ann Arbor, MI. The model is now on display in the visitor center. Electronic Newsletter Just a reminder that CPLHS members may now receive the Crisp Point newsletter in your e-mail. It will be in color, and you can print any or all of the pages. You can also have it sent to other members in your household. Each newsletter e-mailed saves CPLHS approximately $1. Your email address will be used strictly for Crisp Point business and will NEVER be shared. To change to email, just send a message to Margaret at crisppoint1904@yahoo.com. Join us on Facebook. Search for Crisp Point Light, and join the group. Visitors can post photos, comments, questions and events. Do you have a hat pin? They can be ordered on-line, or by using the order form on the back page of this newsletter.
Newsletter # 29 November 2010 Page 3 Thank You, Volunteer Keepers We would like to thank all of the members who participated in the 2010 Volunteer Keeper Program. There was a keeper on duty every day from mid-june to early October, except for three days. This allowed a record number of visitors to climb the tower, learn about the history of the light and see our preservation efforts. Providing access to as many visitors as possible also increased merchandise sales, donations and new memberships. We could not have done it without you! Another thank you to all of the volunteer keepers who took the time to complete and return the survey regarding their experience as keepers at the light. There have been some great suggestions, and some have already been implemented. Your comments will help us better serve the visitors and volunteer keepers in the future. Volunteer Keeper Program We are now signing up volunteer keepers for 2011. Visit the online calendar at www.localendar.com/public/crisppointlighthouse to check available dates. If you do not have internet access, call Rick Brockway 517-230- 6294. Only one family at a time will be permitted to reserve each date, unless a family weekend has been scheduled by CPLHS. You must be a member in good standing to act as keeper. You may schedule from one to eight days at a time. Call Rick at the number above, or email cplhs@sbcglobal.net to reserve your time. General Duties of Volunteer Keepers Thinking of becoming a volunteer keeper? The following will give you some insight into the program and your stay at the lighthouse. As a keeper, you will have the key to the lighthouse and the visitor center. Your job will include greeting visitors, answering questions, and selling merchandise in the visitor center. You may also need to sweep the buildings and boardwalk, restock and clean the restrooms, and pick up debris. You will be expected to keep the visitor center open a minimum of 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Additional hours are at your discretion. You may camp at the light. If you are using a trailer or camper, there is a concrete pad for parking near the visitor center. A fire pit is available for your use. It is illegal to bring firewood across the bridge, please buy it in the Upper Peninsula. Be aware of DNR restrictions regarding campfires. A portable barbecue grill is available. Bring your own lighter fluid and charcoal. There are hotels in Paradise and Newberry, along with other lodgings nearby, if you choose not to camp. Before You Go There are flush toilets and hand sanitizer in the restrooms. A small first aid kit is available in the visitor center. There is no drinkable water, make sure you bring enough with you. There is no electricity for personal use. Cell phones do not work, and no landline is available. The nearest ice is approximately 12 miles away, at the Rainbow Lodge. All trash must be taken when you leave, there is no trash can or dumpster. None of the buildings are heated. The good news is that you will enjoy spending time in one of the most peaceful and beautiful locations you ll ever visit.
Newsletter # 29 November 2010 Page 4 Visitor Center Fundraiser Update Thank you to all who have helped by contributing to the fundraiser for the new building. The total is over $17,000! Donations since the last newsletter are listed below. Crisp Point Landing We still have a very limited number of proofs of the print by Ruth Ann Mersino. These sell for $10 and can be ordered on-line or using the order form on the back page of this newsletter. $50 or $100 Donation Barbara Hilts Shelley Guy John & Pamela Kleinbriel Tim Pletcher & Jennifer Olsen Sponsor a Board Joyce L. Holmes Tavia Butera Theresa Brockway Sponsor Viewing Platform Roy F. Bertossi Carl & Marcia Jahn Michelle Jones Michael & Mary Woloszyn Congratulations to Dave & Rhonda Kidd, who became engaged at Crisp Point in May and were married September 25, 2010. Name Phone # Address E-Mail City State Zip Membership New Renewal 1 year Single $20.00 1 year Family $30.00 2 year single $35.00 2 year Family $50.00 Donation I would like to make a donation in the amount of $ A lifetime family membership comes with a donation of $500 (may be tax deductible, consult your tax adviser) MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO CPLHS Mail to: CPLHS, Rick Brockway, 450 W. Marr Rd., Howell, MI 48855
Newsletter # 29 November 2010 Page 5 New Merchandise Items Two new items are now available to purchase. New Members We would like to thank all of the members who have recently renewed their memberships, and welcome the following new members: Randall Allhands Sun Prairie, WI Kurt & Pam Aven Saginaw, MI Katherine Bailey Westland, MI Willis Blades Swartz Creek, MI Jamie Boyle Bath, MI Roger & Dagmar Eriksson Ortonville, MI Phillip & Nicette Fitts Albion, MI Dick & Linda Fouts Grayling, MI Cary Hensley Eau Claire, MI Kevin Hickey & Alice Cahill Silver Spring, MD Joyce Holmes Plymouth, MI Tamara Howell Lakewood, OH Steve Jensen LaPorte, IN Ann Hoopfer & Larry Lewis Suttons Bay, MI Ken & Lauri Lindquist Sawyer, MI Jan Meagher Waterford, MI Kurt & Melissa Rueterbusch Frankenmuth, MI Richard Schwarz & Mary Lou Metzger Sterling Heights, MI Thomas R Standley Bellaire, MI Kyle Underwood East Grand Rapids, MI Jack Vincent East Jordan, MI Larry & Patti Weinreis Newberry, MI T.W. Zink Fort Wayne, IN Thank You Thank you to Gerald Moore for making the lighthouse candles. Thank you to all the members who have chosen to receive their newsletter in their email. So far we have over 100, which should save us approximately $100 each newsletter. The patch above is $3.75 and the price includes shipping. A winter scene at Crisp Point is depicted on the mouse pads. The pads are made of ¼ inch thick foam and measure 8 x 9 inches. The price of $9.00 includes shipping. To order the mouse pads or patches, send your check made out to CPLHS to: CPLHS 450 W. Marr Rd. Howell, MI 48855
Crisp Point Rocks! The large rocks along the bank have protected the lighthouse for many years. The first ones were placed in 1999, and additional rocks were added in 2003 and 2007. These have served us well, but more are needed. The rocks are being undermined by the waves, and the bank on the east end collapsed during a storm in 2009. We have made arrangements for rock to be delivered by Lechner Construction, and they have generously allowed us to make partial payments. At this time, we are asking for your help, in the form of a donation that will help pay for the rocks. As a bonus, donors may receive a silhouette similar to the new sign on the visitor center. These are exclusively available to those who contribute to this fundraiser and will not be sold separately. Those who donate $60 will receive a round silhouette, 10 in diameter, while donors of $100 will receive a 14 silhouette. The silhouettes, shown at right, are made of laser cut stainless steel and are similar to the new sign shown at left. These will only be available until the end of 2011. Name Address City, State, Zip Phone Email $100 Donation (receive 14" silhouette) $60 Donation (receive 10" silhouette) $ Donation to rock fundraiser Make checks out to: Crisp Point Light Please mail check & form to: Margaret Warren, 11030 Brookfield, Livonia, MI 48150 Questions, please call (734) 421-7512 or email crisppoint1904@yahoo.com. All contributions will be recognized in an upcoming newsletter. Donations may be tax deductible, consult your tax adviser.
Newsletter # 29 November 2010 Page 7 The following article was written by CPLHS member Charlie Ziesemer and published in the Clare County Cleaver on October 21, 2010. Lighthouse Keepers The first weekend of this month Brother Rick and I made a trip up to Paradise Michigan to serve as lighthouse keepers at Crisp Point. It s a weekend that has been long anticipated since we had missed the last three years of what had been an annual trip. There is something so unique about heading up to the coast of Lake Superior to keep watch at a lighthouse. No phones, computers, or communications available other than a few radio stations (Canadian) that can be picked up on the battery operated radio. The days are filled with visitors who make their way to see the lighthouse amidst the splendor of Lake Superior, the greatest of the Lakes. We are always amazed at the numbers that come up to make the trip. Many will complain about the trip being so long on the back roads but after touring the lighthouse and walking the beach and upon leaving they say the trip was well worth it. The trip back to the lighthouse is definitely a lot easier than it used to be. When Rick and I first made the trip years ago, it took almost two hours from the main road to get to the lighthouse. There were miles of two tracks where you hoped you encountered no one coming in the other direction because there was not much room to move over especially when hauling a trailer. The trip was always worth it. Every time we make the trip up, that first view of the lighthouse standing on the shores is just as magical as the first time I saw it. The peace and tranquility of staying there is so unbelievable. Most of the peace comes as the sunsets and the night moves in. It seems like we are the only two on the face of the earth. The campfire glows as the lighthouse captures the reflection of the flames. The only sounds you hear are the waves crashing into the shore. The stars are like you have never seen before as the whole sky puts on an incredible light show. Through the efforts of the Crisp Point Lighthouse, the lighthouse is a more geared to the public. Restrooms have been installed and equipped with solar energy for light and pumping. They have also added a visitor center that sells apparel and offers visitors many historical facts about the lighthouse. The Society has also installed many boardwalks making the lighthouse area very accessible and helping to keep the erosion down. A couple of years ago they also constructed and replaced a small room attachment to the lighthouse that had been washed away by the waves of Lake Superior. Hats off to the Society and the work of many volunteers that have been led by Rick Brockway the current president of the Society. In the Visitor Center there is a large picture of the lighthouse from many years ago. All that stands is the lighthouse itself minus the buildings, docks, and other amenities that once served as a lifesaving complex and later a lighthouse. The paint is chipped off and the building s side has the waves crashing into it. The shoreline that once served as a buffer to protect lighthouse is gone and it looks like it s a manner of time before the lighthouse will fall into the Lake. Then along comes a couple, who live in Ohio, by the name of Nellie and Don Ross. They fell in love with that lighthouse. They later moved to Paradise and continued the battle to save and improve the lighthouse. During the course of time, they made the phone calls, found the money, found the volunteers, and brought in rip-rap to protect the lighthouse shore and lead the charge to save the lighthouse. They saved the same lighthouse that had saved many ships and brought them on back on course amidst the reckless storms of Lake Superior. With every improvement, they knew more people would come and with more people came that same allure and love for the lighthouse. They also created the Keeper program that Brother Rick and I are involved in. Nellie died a few years back and her husband continued the charge until the good Lord took him a year ago. While on this earth, we all would like to leave a legacy for others to remember us by. Thank you to Nellie and Don for what you have left us and for what you have taught us about Crisp Point. If you see it, you will fall in love with her. She finds a place in your heart that represents peace and security. It s only 348 days until we stay with her again.
Name Phone # Address E-Mail City State Zip Item Size Color Quantity Price Ea. Total Crisp Point T-Shirt "I Like My Beacon Crisp" on back, silk-screen lighthouse artwork on front S-M-L-XL gray-white-navy-stone blue-dk orange-sage green $15.00 XXL gray-white-navy-stone blue-dk orange-sage green $17.50 XXXL gray-white-orange $19.50 Crisp Point Sweatshirt Heavy duty 50/50 Lee top quality, embroidered letters plus silkscreened artwork of lighthouse S-M-L-XL navy $42.00 XXL navy $45.00 XXXL navy $48.00 Crisp Point Long Sleeve T-Shirt Heavy duty, silk screen of lighthouse, with embroidered lettering S-M-L-XL brick red-gray-bright orange $29.00 XXL brick red-gray-bright orange $32.50 Crisp Point Denim Long Sleeve Shirt Top quality, embroidery at front pocket S-M-L-XL denim $37.50 XXL denim $39.50 XXXL denim $45.00 CPLHS Jacket Crisp Point Light and lighthouse logo embroidered on front *SPECIAL ORDER* S-M-L-XL-XXL CPLHS MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM red-green-black-khaki-royal blue-navy blue $75.00 Tall L-XL red-forest green-black-khaki-royal blue-navy blue $75.00 Crisp Point Hoodie Screen print CRISP POINT on front in white S-M-L-XL oxford (light gray) - maroon $24.00 XXL oxford (light gray) - maroon $26.00 Crisp Point Embroidered Bucket Hat S/M or L/XL khaki $14.00 Crisp Point Denim Cap embroidered, made of stonewashed denim one size blue- green- burgundy $12.00 MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO CPLHS Crisp Point Light Hat Pin Crisp Point Lighthouse Ink Pen (black ink) Napkin Holder $3.50 $1.00 $10.00 MAIL TO: CPLHS Rick Brockway 450 W. Marr Rd Howell, MI 48855 Architectural Survey Book Coffee Mug Black Metal Silhouette 15" x 20" Black Metal Silhouette 21" x 28.5" "Crisp Point Landing" print by R. Mersino $22.00 $10.00 $25.00 $35.00 $10.00 Shipping/Handling to U.S. MERCHANDISE TOTAL Merchandise Shipping SHIPPING (SEE CHART AT LEFT) 0-$5.00 $2.95 SUBTOTAL $5.01-$25.00 $7.95 MI RESIDENTS, ADD 6% SALES TAX (X.06) $25.01-$50.00 $10.95 Questions? TOTAL $50.01-$75.00 $14.95 email: cplhs@sbcglobal.net $75.01 and up $17.95 call: 517-230-6294 or 517-546-5283