Presque Isle Township in Presque Isle County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lester R. Nichols II
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 23, 2023
1. Lester R. Nichols II Marker
As an Urban Planner for the Department of Natural Resources, Les developed public parks and recreation areas, throughout northern Michigan.
His vision and diligent efforts resulted in the acquisition of land and the development of the Presque Isle State Harbor, the 1840 Lighthouse, the 1870 Lighthouse and the Range Light for use as public parks.
His grant writing generated $1,000,000 in state funding used to renovate the lighthouses and develop 134 acres for recreational use, without using tax dollars.
Erected 2008.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.
Location. 45° 21.408′ N, 83° 29.55′ W. Marker is in Presque Isle, Michigan, in Presque Isle County. It is in Presque Isle Township. Marker is on the northernmost end of East Grand Lake Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4500 E Grand Lake Rd, Presque Isle MI 49777, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Tramway & Tramway Cart (a few steps from this marker); Sanctuary Sentinels (within shouting distance of this marker); 1905 Keeper’s House
this page online
Regarding Lester R. Nichols II. He was born August 12, 1948 and died September 18, 2006. He is buried in the Presque Isle Cemetery.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 23, 2023
2. Marker and a Lifeboat from the S. T. Crapo
The Steam Transport ship Crapo was a 402˝ foot long Great Lakes bulk cement freighter that entered service in 1927 for the Huron Transportation Company. It was scrapped in 2022.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 23, 2023
3. In Memory of Stan Paavola
This memorial tablet is on a white stone in the exhibit enclosure for the S. T. Crapo lifeboat, to the left of the Lester R. Nichols tablet. It reads, “For his thousands of hours at both lighthouse parks and all of the buildings. Donated by your fellow cookie crunchers. June 16, 2018.”
Credits. This page was last revised on December 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 47 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 28, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 2, 3. submitted on December 29, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
