FISH CREEK, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Dust is flying as renovations continue at the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, which is located within Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek.
“These guys got on site April 24, and it’s amazing. We’re so fortunate that we found National Restoration,” said Ed Miller, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse volunteer.
Miller says the crew has been very busy.
“There was a tent around the lantern room. They were sandblasting that. In the meantime, they got it painted. It’s looking fantastic. They’ve been working on brick and mortar repairs. Right now, Josh is up working on the chimney. Dion has been working busily at getting the shutters prepped for the new paint,” he said.
The Door County Historical Society maintains and manages the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Executive Director Amy Frank says the restoration is needed.
“Right now, we’re in the immediate stabilization phase, which just means fixing a lot of the damage and repairs that occurred over time, and might possibly be irreversible. So that’s why we’re moving ahead right now. We’ve started because this stuff just can’t wait any longer,” Frank said.
Frank says improvements are expected to cost around $3.2 million, with $1 million coming from grants, and private foundations. She says they are also accepting donations to help cover the expenses.
“They installed new glass in the windows of the lantern room. They sealed everything off, and calked everything, and repainted. So it looks beautiful, but it also is preserved, and is restored, and will stay that way for a long time,” she said.
Lighthouse leaders say this part of Door County’s maritime history is worth saving.
“It served a really pivotal purpose around the late 1800s, and early 1900s. In fact, it still does today. It’s actually a navigational aid, that’s operated by the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Frank.
Meanwhile restoration continues. Exterior work is expected to wrap up at the end of July. Ed Miller says he’s sold.
“When the lighthouse service was around, they sent inspectors to inspect every light station, once a year. So, if the inspector came back today, these guys would pass the inspection with flying colors,” he said.
The next phase includes restoring some buildings on the grounds, including and a summer kitchen, and an old barn.
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