Site of 1825 Keeper's Dwelling House

Site of 1825 Keeper's Dwelling House. . On May 26, 1824 an act of Congress approved appropriation of $4,500 to construct a light tower and keeper's house at Sodus Bay. On November 20, 1824 three acres of land were purchased from William Wickham for the sum of $68.75 and construction began. In 1825 both structures were completed and the light was placed in operation. , Both structures were built of limestone and mortar. The dwelling house measured 34 by 20 feet and was divided into two rooms, each with a fireplace. The walls were 20 inches thick and there was a 12 by 14 foot scullery at the south end of the building. The light tower was 40 feet high with a 22 foot diameter at its base and 10½ foot diameter at its top. The wall was 3½ feet thick at the bottom. , An inspection of both structures in 1868 and again in 1869 determined that they were in poor condition and not worthy of repair. Consequently, at the July 15, 1870 session of Congress, $14,000 was appropriated to build the present lighthouse. When that was completed in 1871, the two original structures were torn down and the stone used to build a jetty out into the lake in hope that it would stop erosion. The four piles of stone you see here were brought up from the shore and were part of the original keeper's dwelling house. The beacon, located near the bank of the shore, was the sight of the light tower.