Seul Choix Light facts for kids
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| Seul Choix Light (August 2017) | |
| Location | Schoolcraft County, Michigan |
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| Coordinates | 45°55′17″N 85°54′43″W / 45.92139°N 85.91194°W |
| Year first lit | 1892 |
| Automated | 1972 |
| Foundation | Ashlar stone |
| Construction | Brick, Italianate bracketing |
| Tower shape | Frustum of a cone, attached keeper's house |
| Markings / pattern | White orig./White/black markings/red roofs |
| Height | 77 feet (23 m) |
| Focal height | 80 feet (24 m) |
| Original lens | Third order Fresnel lens (original), Vega Industries Marine LED Beacon (current) |
| Range | 16 nautical miles (30 km; 18 mi) |
| Characteristic | white flash every 6 seconds |
| Fog signal | Diaphone (not active, on display) |
The Seul Choix Light is a historic lighthouse located in the northwest part of Lake Michigan. You can find it in Schoolcraft County, Michigan. This lighthouse began operating with a temporary light in 1892. The main light started shining in 1895. It became fully automated in 1972, meaning it no longer needed a keeper to operate it.
Today, the Seul Choix Light is still an active aid to navigation, helping boats find their way. There is also a museum at the lighthouse. Both the building and the surrounding area are open for visitors from late May (Memorial Day) until mid-October.
Contents
History of the Seul Choix Light
Why the Lighthouse Was Needed
This spot was the only safe harbor along a dangerous coastline. Its French name, "Seul Choix," means "only choice." This name suggests that early French traders used it as a safe place to stop. Local people say the correct way to say it is "Sis-shwa." This was likely the common name used by both French traders, called Voyageurs, and the Native Americans they traded with.
In the 1880s, more and more boats were traveling on Lake Michigan. They went between harbors on the western shore and Green Bay, and also to the Straits of Mackinac. There were some lighthouses already, like the St. Helena Island Light and Poverty Island Light. However, there was a long, dark stretch of about 100 miles (160 km) of coastline without any lights. This was on the southern shore of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
The boating season often started and ended with dangerous storms. Waves would grow huge as they crossed the lake. Finding shelter became a matter of life or death for sailors. So, they would look for safe spots on the side of points that stuck out into the lake. These points offered protection from the wind and waves.
Building the Lighthouse
The United States Lighthouse Board wanted to mark this safe harbor. They also wanted to provide a visual waypoint between the two existing lighthouses. After a lot of research and some delays, the Seul Choix Light was finally built. The lighthouse complex also included a separate building for a fog horn and a life-saving station.
The design of this lighthouse is similar to the Au Sable Light, which was designed by Orlando M. Poe. It also looks a bit like the Grosse Point Light. The building itself is designed in the Italianate architecture style, which was popular at the time.
Lenses and Automation
The original light inside the lighthouse was a special Fresnel lens. This type of lens was very powerful and helped the light shine far. After it was removed in 1973, it was kept in a museum for a while. Now, it is part of a private collection.
When the lighthouse became automated, the old lens was taken out. A new, modern light called an aerobeacon was put in its place. This new light, a DCB-224 aero beacon, was made by the Carlisle & Finch Company. It flashes white every six seconds. This light can be seen for about 17 nautical miles (31 km) on a clear day, just like the original lens. In 1973, the Coast Guard closed the station and left the automated light to run on its own.
Other Buildings and Recognition
The lighthouse property includes several other buildings. There are two brick oil houses where fuel for the light was stored. There is also a workshop, a barn, and a cistern (a tank for collecting rainwater) inside the lighthouse keeper's house. A former boathouse is now used as a garage. There is also a second keeper's house, two outhouses, and a dock.
On July 19, 1984, the Seul Choix Pointe Light Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places important to American history. It was also listed on the state registry in Michigan in 1987.
Current Status of the Lighthouse
The Gulliver Historical Society now operates the lighthouse. They work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The lighthouse is open to the public. You can take tours, and even climb the tower! This is quite special for a lighthouse that is still actively helping boats. On display, you can see the old fog signal and a very old dugout canoe that was found on the site. Inside the keeper's house, there are "unique copper moldings around some of the interior door frames." This is a rare and decorative touch for lighthouse homes.
The lighthouse has been undergoing historical restoration work. This work is being done by National Restoration, Inc.
The grounds around the lighthouse are open all year round. The light and museum are open from Memorial Day until October 15th each year.
Some people say the lighthouse is haunted by the old lightkeeper, Joseph William Townshed.
Location of the Seul Choix Light
The lighthouse is located at the very tip of Seul Choix Pointe. This is on the shore of Lake Michigan in southern Mueller Township. You can find it at the end of Co. Rd. 431, also known as John Goudreau Road. It is southeast of Gulliver, Michigan and near Port Inland. The lighthouse is about 11 miles (18 km) east of Manistique.
