Five Courses Thick

Five Courses Thick. Presque Isle Lighthouse. , The final lighthouse design incorporated bricks five-courses thick to withstand the severe cold and winds off the lake. Overall, the structure cost $15,000. , Construction began in September, 1872 and was completed by the following July. Initially, the tower height was 40 feet. In August of 1896 a project to increase the tower height to 57 feet was begun to enhance the visibility of the light from the lake. The iron steps leading to the tower were fabricated in Pittsburgh and shipped to Erie by barge. , Attached to the tower is a ten-room residence that retains much of the original architectural character. Conveniences, such as running water, indoor plumbing, and electricity were added in later years. , The interior of the residence still reflects a typical 19th Century French architectural design with rounded corners and hand crafted woodwork. Most of the wood was milled from trees near the station. , The “oil room” (later the battery room) at the base of the stairway was used to store a one night supply of oil for the lamp. Keepers kept a night-long vigil to ensure continuous flashing of the light for the heavy lake traffic of the 1800’s. , The original lighthouse with a 40’ tower took seven months to build. , In 1896 the need to raise the height of the lighthouse resulted in a 17’ addition to the tower itself. , The lighthouse family area was of simple design but offered comfortable and roomy living for the family of the keeper.