Mission Point Light

The Old Mission Peninsula, in Grand Traverse Bay, Michigan, still houses this historic wooden-framed lighthouse. First lit in 1870, this beacon saw seven different keepers over its 67 years of service. One of whom was Sarah Lane, who was appointed as acting keeper when John, her husband and the light's previous keeper passed away in 1906. Although Sarah kept her position for a mere three months, women, in general, did play an integral role in assisting with the lighthouse responsibilities. Standing watch, keeping the brass polished and the light lit, equipment and building maintenance, and maintaining a daily log of events were among the duties of a keeper. Female keepers on the Great Lakes were rare, but over the years, 43 had been appointed to the role. Although their lives were often one of isolation, and the job itself life-threatening, time has told us that many lighthouse keepers and their families were devoted to their responsibilities. "May 28, 1873: A terrible hurricane to-night at about the time of lighting up (the beacon). Narrowly escaped being swept into the lake." Harriet Colfax, Keeper / Michigan City Light