Library Lines: Discover the history of Spectacle Reef Light Station
Get involved with history. That is the invitation Spectacle Reef Preservation Society’s volunteer page greets you with. Spectacle Reef Light Station is a lighthouse that stands strong in northern Lake Huron, roughly 18 miles east of Cheboygan.
The lighthouse was built between 1870-1874 and was a manned light until 1927 when it became automated, which means it can operate without the aid of a keeper. Automated lights are usually controlled by a remote control, timers, or light and fog detectors.
Later, in 1982, the lens was removed (and is now on display at the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio) and was replaced with the current light, which has been upgraded to a modern LED light that flashes red every five seconds.
The Spectacle Reef Light Station is now under the care of the Spectacle Reef Preservation Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in 2020 with the purpose “to preserve, interpret, and operate the light station as an education center for the public.”
“The goal of the Society,” as stated on their website spectaclereef.org is to “restore Spectacle Reef and open it to the public as a ‘Learning Light’ and museum where people can discover not only the history of this unique structure but also the service and sacrifice of those who manned it to keep others safe.”
And here is where you have the opportunity to get involved in history. “The restoration will be a multi-year project with the plan of being operational in time to celebrate Spectacle Reef’s 150th anniversary in 2024.” And the Preservation Society invites you to become a member and/or volunteer.
The Spectacle Reef Preservation Society will be hosting its spring meeting at the Cheboygan Area Public Library on Saturday, May 14, at 10 a.m. which is free and open to the public and will be a great opportunity to learn more about the Spectacle Reef Light Station and the Spectacle Reef Preservation Society.
Another upcoming event taking place at the Cheboygan Area Public Library is an indoor Spring-Cleaning Sale. Over the years, the Library has accumulated some extra household items as well as furniture. But now it is time to clean out so the library can continue to make use of storage space and purchase new items to benefit the community.
So, put it on your calendars. The Library’s Spring-Cleaning Sale will be taking place on Friday, May 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the gallery on the library’s lower level. Come find a treasure or two and support the Library. The Friends of the Library will also be hosting a book sale in the Book Nook, which will be open for special hours on the day of the sale.
— Emily Clare is program director of the Cheboygan Area Public Library.
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Library Lines: Discover the history of Spectacle Reef Light Station
