Wind Point in Racine County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Foghorn Building
Photographed By Connor Olson, June 4, 2023
1. The Foghorn Building Marker
Inscription.
The Foghorn Building. . The Wind Point Light Station has had fog signals from the very first days. The horns used a steam engine to force compressed air through the horn to make the sound. In 1880, two separate wooden structures housed the two fog horns. , In 1900, these buildings were replaced with the current brick foghorn building with twin compressed air horns. The distinguishing low frequency two-tone sound (whoo-ahhh) was derived from an organ stop used on some Wurlitzer organs. Originally powered by steam engines, the horns were later driven by hot bulb engines. Electricity drove the horns from 1924 until decommissioning in 1964. The signal could be heard 10 miles out on Lake Michigan. , Although not in use now, the foghorn resonators remain and can be seen on the eastern face of this building. A foghorn still operates on the Racine Reef Light two miles east of the Racine Harbor entrance.
The Wind Point Light Station has had fog signals from the very first days. The horns used a steam engine to force compressed air through the horn to make the sound. In 1880, two separate wooden structures housed the two fog horns.
In 1900, these buildings were replaced with the current brick foghorn building with twin compressed air horns. The distinguishing low frequency two-tone sound (whoo-ahhh) was derived from an organ stop used on some Wurlitzer organs.
Originally powered by steam engines, the horns were later driven by hot bulb engines.
Electricity drove the horns from 1924 until decommissioning in
1964. The signal could be heard
10 miles out on Lake Michigan.
Although not in use now, the foghorn resonators remain and can be seen on the eastern face of this building. A foghorn still operates on the Racine Reef Light two miles east of the Racine Harbor entrance.
Erected by Village of Wind Point.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.
Location. 42° 46.884′ N, 87° 45.473′ W. Marker is in Wind Point, Wisconsin, in Racine County. Marker can be reached from Village Hall Drive east of Lighthouse Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4725 Lighthouse Drive, Racine WI 53402, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2023, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2023, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
