May and June of 2024 found Jack and Tobi at yet another of the literally hundreds of lighthouses that dot the shores of America’s Great Lakes. Having been volunteers in previous years at light stations on Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and the east (MIchigan side) of Lake Michigan, we travelled a bit farther to PORT WASHINGTON lighthouse, which is on the west (Wisconsin) side of Lake Michigan. Unlike many lights that are, or were in relatively remote locations (or were until roads were eventually built to them) Port Washington is an “in town” lighthouse, although this wasn’t the case when it was built.

As is often the case, the lighthouse here today was not the first one built. Earlier ones were typically not high enough, or not substantial enough to house the prismatic, and heavy, Fresnel lenses that became state-of-the-art illumination in the 1850s. This present structure was built in 1860 replacing the original 1850 one. ,It is often referred to as “Schoolhouse” style, had the light “tower” built into the building, Accessible from inside, it served as housing for the light keeper as well.

By the 1860s almost all lighthouses in the U.S., and likely those world-wide, were exhibiting a light created by the multi-prism “Fresnel” lenses, invented by French engineer Augustin Jean Fresnel. Although most were subsequently manufactured by multiple companies, most of which were in France, Fresnel’s name is always used when referring to them. The coming of electric power to the often remote lighthouses eventually did away with the need for resident keepers, and thus many of the structures of a light station. Frenels lenses were typically replaced with what were considered “more modern optics”. Many still remain in lighthouse lantern rooms, now lit by an electric bulb rather than the oil lamps of days gone by. Others are now on display in museums, or boxed up in a storage room somewhere. Sadly however, many were simply destroyed, or their fate remains unknown. Such was the case here at Port Washington, as the disposition of its original 4th Order lens remains undetermined. After the restoration of the lighthouse, and the lantern room on top, a major fundraiser was conducted by the Port Washington Historical Society, and a beautiful and efficient replica lens, made by the Artworks company in Florida once again shines its light out over the waters of Lake Michigan.

This lighthouse is referred to as the “1860 Lighthouse”, not only because that was the year it went into service, but also because there are two others here in Port Washington. Two long pier/jetties extend out, one on each side of the harbor, and both have a working light at the outer end. Although smaller, each has an important role in marking the harbor entrance. It was the construction of the first lighthouse on the ends of these jetties in 1889 that eventually negated the need for the 1860 light which sits high above the town and harbor. One of these jetty lights is pictured below. There are several of this design on the Lakes, but this is the only one on such a unique concrete-arched base.

Following electrification and then automation, the need for resident light keepers was negated. Many lighthouses were actually torn down, or abandoned all together. Those of course suffered much from neglect and sadly vandalism too. Thus when historic-minded groups began to form years later, the lights they took under wing were often in a sad state of repair. Such was the case at Port Washington. Since 1993 when the lighthouse and property were taken over by the Port Washington Historical Society, a tremendous job of restoration was accomplished on the house itself. A lighthouse museum was established, however the lighthouse still lacked a “tower”, a “lantern room”, and a “light” inside.

In an almost “fairy tale” story, the present wooden tower on the building roof, and the glass-enclosure called a lantern, were paid for, including their manufacture, transportation to Port Washington, and installation by the government of Luxembourg. The following is from the “Lighthouse Friends” website, authored by Kraig Anderson. “During the summer of 2000, Georges Calteux, minister of sites and monuments for Luxembourg, toured the museum during a visit to Ozaukee County, which is home to many residents with Luxembourg roots. Inspired by the society’s efforts to restore the lighthouse, Calteux offered to have a replica tower and lantern room built in appreciation for the U.S. servicemen who liberated Luxembourg during World War II. Fulfilling his promise, Calteux had the replica lantern and tower built in Luxembourg and then delivered to Port Washington in March 2002. The tower was installed in April, and a dedication ceremony was held at the lighthouse on June 16, 2002. Following the completion of the building, the replica lens pictured above was purchased and went into nightly use in the lantern room. The flag of Luxembourg is now proudly flown along with the U.S. “Old Glory” on the lighthouse flagpole. A historically accurate replica of the original 1894 Oil House, used to store the kerosene lantern fuel, is also on the lighthouse grounds.

Today the first floor of the lighthouse is furnished with items of an earlier time, while the second floor is furnished and used as quarters for visitng volunteer guides. Interested folks should contact the Historical Society office in Port Washington.