East Channel Lighthouse stabilization underway
Volunteers help strengthen historic Grand Island structure's foundation
The lighthouse is seen under construction. (U.S. Forest Service photo courtesy of Eric Drake)
A volunteer removes cement on an outer wall of the building. (U.S. Forest Service photo courtesy of Eric Drake)
A volunteer adds new mortar on an inside wall of the building. (U.S. Forest Service photo courtesy of Eric Drake)
The lighthouse is seen under construction. (U.S. Forest Service photo courtesy of Eric Drake)
A volunteer removes cement on an outer wall of the building. (U.S. Forest Service photo courtesy of Eric Drake)
A volunteer adds new mortar on an inside wall of the building. (U.S. Forest Service photo courtesy of Eric Drake)
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MUNISING -- A historic lighthouse that has stood along the shores of Lake Superior for more than 150 years has received a new lease on life thanks to a three-week preservation effort involving volunteers from across the country, according to information provided by the U.S. Forest Service.
The Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse, a familiar landmark near Munising, recently underwent foundation stabilization work coordinated by the Hiawatha National Forest in partnership with HistoriCorps, a nonprofit organization dedicated to historic preservation and public education.
Built in 1868 using locally sourced sandstone and timber, the lighthouse once guided ships through the hazardous waters near Grand Island's eastern passage. Although the light was decommissioned in 1913, the wooden structure has endured decades of Lake Superior storms and harsh weather.
The recent project focused on stabilizing the lighthouse's sandstone foundation, which had deteriorated over time because of an unsuitable mortar and the region's repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Funding makes preservation possible
Grand Island was designated a National Recreation Area in 1990 after the U.S. Forest Service acquired the land. Several privately owned properties remain on the island, and public and private organizations have undertaken stabilization efforts over the years.
Recognizing the cultural and economic importance of its historic lighthouses, Hiawatha National Forest staff applied for funding through the Great American Outdoors Act. In 2021, funding was awarded to support stabilization and preservation work on six historic lighthouses managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Volunteers travel from across the country
From Sept. 6-25, volunteers worked in three one-week sessions, traveling by boat each day from the HistoriCorps base camp on the mainland to the lighthouse. Their primary task was to remove Portland cement from between the sandstone blocks forming the lighthouse's foundation.
Portland cement is harder than sandstone and is not well suited for use as mortar in this type of historic masonry. As moisture entered the foundation and froze and thawed through seasonal temperature changes, the rigid cement contributed to cracking and surface deterioration in the softer sandstone.
Preservation work to continue next year
After three weeks of effort, the foundation stabilization work was completed, leaving the lighthouse on a more secure footing. The next phase of the preservation project is planned for next year and will focus on repairs to the lighthouse's roof, soffits and fascia.
With the foundation now stabilized and additional repairs planned, the preservation effort aims to help ensure the Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse remains a recognizable Lake Superior landmark for generations to come.