Thunder Bay falling short on matching grant

09/19/03 3:54 PM

1-800-758-1444

Michigan’s Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse Preservation Society is coming up short on its matching grant, which expires in June of this year to restore the lighthouse.

They still need to raise $17,000 to meet a 3 for 1 grant. For every $1.00 they receive, it is matched with close to $3. The total for the grant is $100,000.

There is some real urgency toward raising this balance to save the lighthouse because there is a major crack in the outer portion of the tower with lots of small cracks running out from the major one. The major crack is 2-3 inches away from the under material. If something isn’t done soon, the outer portion of the tower will be lost and then repair costs will skyrocket.

Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse, built in 1832, was the third lighthouse built on Lake Huron and is the second oldest original tower remaining on the in Michigan’s lower peninsula.

Only the donations of lighthouse lovers everywhere will save this lighthouse. Donations can be sent to: Thunder Island Lighthouse Society, Attn: Karen Melton, P.O. Box 212, Alpena, MI 49707.

This story appeared in the April 2003 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.

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