Haynes Township near Harrisville in Alcona County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

U.S. Coast Guard Watchtower Alarm Bell

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025

1. U.S. Coast Guard Watchtower Alarm Bell Marker

Inscription. This bell was originally mounted in the Watchtower from which the Coast Guardsmen at Sturgeon Point maintained a dawn-to-dusk lookout for vessels in trouble out on the Lake. If a vessel in distress was spotted the man on duty would ring the bell to summon the crew to launch their surfboat and render assistance. The bell disappeared when the Coast Guard Station was closed in 1941. It was returned anonymously in 2002. The four concrete footings on which the Watchtower stood are located on the grounds, South of the Lighthouse towards the lakeshore.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.

Location. 44° 42.763′ N, 83° 16.379′ W. Marker is near Harrisville, Michigan, in Alcona County. It is in Haynes Township. It is on Point Road east of Spruce Trailways Road, on the left when traveling east. From the parking lot at the trailhead, follow the trail towards Sturgeon Point Lighthouse about 400 feet. The marker and bell are under a shed next to the lighthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6071 Point Rd, Harrisville MI 48740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula

and in one of the Lake Huron Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Anchor Windlass (here, next to this marker); Rudder Unknown

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(here, next to this marker); Marine City (here, next to this marker); Rudder "Marine City" (here, next to this marker); Rudder ~ St. Tugboat "Loretta" (here, next to this marker); Loretta (a few steps from this marker); Capstan / Ice Crusher (within shouting distance of this marker); Bernice D (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisville.

U.S. Coast Guard Watchtower Alarm Bell Marker on the post. Bell is upper left of the photo image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025

2. U.S. Coast Guard Watchtower Alarm Bell Marker on the post. Bell is upper left of the photo

Closeup of U.S. Coast Guard Watchtower Alarm Bell image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025

3. Closeup of U.S. Coast Guard Watchtower Alarm Bell

As referenced in marker, 4 cement tower footings where the bell was formerly housed image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025

4. As referenced in marker, 4 cement tower footings where the bell was formerly housed

Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 104 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 5, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.