Au Sable Point Lighthouse by Mikel B. Classen

Author:Mikel B. Classen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The History Press
Published: 2014-11-24T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 6

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS AND A MYSTERY

As has been stated before, the only access to Au Sable Point Lighthouse was by boat. In 1905, however, a roadway was constructed that led to the lighthouse. Finally, occasional visits to Grand Marais to simply “get away” were now possible. Supplies would be easier to obtain as well. With the occasional crew of shipwreck victims or lifesavers dropping in, the food stores of the light keepers and their families were often devastated. Now they could go to town and restock. This was a major change for those living at Au Sable.

The road itself, a winding, sandy trail through the woods, was primitive and rough. The keepers frequently found the road impassable, especially in the spring and fall. The sand would often wash away, leaving deep ruts and washouts. Many supply trips were cut short due to the condition of the road.

If nothing else, getting away from the foghorn might have been necessary to save one’s sanity. In 1905, the fog signal blew for 382 hours, the most ever recorded at the station. All the while it was blowing, men had to be near, shoveling coal and wood to keep the steam boilers hot. The sound of the monster horn blowing every few seconds would have been deafening and seemingly endless. Yes, even the wild frontier logging town of Grand Marais looked good after several days of the foghorn.

November 1905 brought a blizzard. It was one of those thick, wet and heavy early season snowstorms. A ship called the Portage was caught in the storm and was lost. It was off course and sailing blindly when it ran into Au Sable reef. Full of salt, it settled firmly in the rocks.

The Grand Marais lifesavers were called out, but the ship was stuck, not sinking. The lifesavers and the crew worked together and began shoveling salt over the side. The lifesavers were able to coax a few workers from Grand Marais to join in. All in all, they tossed seven hundred tons of salt into the water before the Portage eased itself off the reef.

When Otto Bufe and his wife left Au Sable, they were replaced by Thomas Irvine. Irvine helped with the wreck of the Portage. In the keeper’s log, he wrote, “Steamer Portage up bound, ran on reef about ¾ mile N. of light at 9.25 P.M. 2nd Asst and myself rowed out and offered our assistance, sent 2nd Asst to Grand Marais with 2 seamen for tugs and life savers. I worked on her lightering salt.” The following day, November 21, he wrote, “Steamer Portage still on reef. Tug Westcott with 25 laborers and life saving crew arrived at 10. A.M. to lighter her cargo. Capt. Trudell and Life Savers had dinner at station. Left here 4 P.M. to stand by steamer, still working on her at mid-night. Wind S & S.W. mod to strong at night and clear.” Finally, on November 22, the efforts paid off: “Steamer Portage got off safely at 5:30 A.

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