Volume 3, Issue 2 - February 2025

President's Letter

Dear Friends,



February in Chicago means winter is in full force -- ice-covered harbors, biting winds, and a frozen lake stretching as far as the eye can see.

It’s a time when the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse stands as a resilient sentinel, just as it has for over a century, guiding vessels through the icy waters of Lake Michigan. While the cold might slow the city's pace, our work to preserve and restore this historic beacon continues to move full speed ahead.

This month’s newsletter features a fascinating history of Chicago’s lighthouses, written by our board secretary, Steve Clements, who has naturally stepped into the role of our lighthouse historian. His deep dive into our city’s maritime past helps us appreciate just how vital this lighthouse has been through every season, winter included.

We’re also honored to include an interview with retired Chicago Harbor Lighthouse Lightkeeper John Gach, made possible by a connection from our friend Barry Butler. John shares his story and reminds us of his dedication to maintaining the harbor light and fog signal to ensure the safety of vessels entering the Chicago Harbor.

While the lake may be frozen now, we’re heating up plans for National Lighthouse Day on Thursday, August 7, 2025! Our first annual in-person fundraiser event is being planned so mark your calendar for an opportunity to join us, as we celebrate the contrast between old and new, raising critical funds for the historic rehabilitation of the lighthouse. Stay tuned for more details and an exciting opportunity to support this important cause.

On the progress front, our NHLPA application is in its final review with our consultant, AltusWorks. It will be on the desk of the National Park Service in the coming days — a milestone in securing the lighthouse’s future.

This wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of so many experts. A huge thank you to Edward Torrez (Arda Design), Jack Tribbia, Berglund Construction, and David Hengesh (Lakes & Rivers Contracting), along with their incredible teams, for their countless hours spent finalizing the construction drawings and rehabilitation pricing for our NHLPA application. 

We are privileged to work with these organizations who are the best of the best and who are deeply committed to making this project a success.

Even in the dead of winter, we are making incredible strides toward preserving and celebrating the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support, enthusiasm, and dedication make all the difference.

Be Safe and Be Well!

Regards,

Kurt Lentsch

Chief Dreamer and President

A Brief History of Chicago’s Lighthouses

By: Steve Clements

As many of our readers know, the current Chicago Harbor Lighthouse was relocated from its original 1893 location to its present position in 1918 as part of a Chicago harbor improvement project.

What many don’t know is that the 1893 lighthouse was actually the third lighthouse to be established at the entrance to Chicago Harbor. Over the years, lighthouse technology and the configuration of Chicago Harbor have continued to evolve. Each lighthouse structure utilized the technology available at the time and was strategically located to meet the needs of the harbor as it grew and developed.

Chicago’s First Lighthouse – Established 1832

The history of Chicago’s first lighthouse, built in 1832, is a tale rooted in recognition of the potential for Chicago’s importance as a major port on the Great Lakes. The mouth of the Chicago River on Lake Michigan was chosen as the site for the very first lighthouse on Lake Michigan. The lighthouse was constructed to guide ships safely into the harbor. This was particularly important because the mouth of the Chicago River was obscured by a sharp bend and often blocked by shifting sandbars. 

In 1831, six years before Chicago would be incorporated as a city, Congress appropriated $5,000 for the construction of a lighthouse at the mouth of the Chicago River, near the military outpost of Fort Dearborn. According to The History of Chicago by A.T. Andreas, published in 1884, the project faced an early setback when the rubble-stone tower collapsed shortly before construction was completed. In true Chicago fashion, officials blamed the contractor, while the contractor blamed nature, claiming the site included quicksand.

In response, a replacement wooden lighthouse was immediately built on the same site, providing a more functional, albeit temporary solution. This wooden tower lighthouse utilized whale oil lamps to produce a navigational light, which guided ships safely into the harbor. Although the wooden lighthouse improved upon the original stone structure, it, too, had its limitations, requiring constant maintenance to address the wear and tear caused by the lakeside environment and weather extremes.

An 1856 daguerreotype of Fort Dearborn showing the 1832 Lighthouse and Light-Keepers House in front and to the right of the lighthouse

The significance of the 1832 lighthouse extends far beyond its brief existence—it was a groundbreaking structure that marked the first step in creating navigational infrastructure on Lake Michigan. As the first lighthouse on the lake, it symbolized the recognition of Chicago's potential as a key port and played a foundational role in the city's maritime development.

The 1832 lighthouse was instrumental in establishing Chicago as a thriving commercial port, setting the stage for the city's bright future. However, as Chicago grew into a bustling metropolis, the straightening of the river's bend and the construction of piers extending into Lake Michigan rendered the lighthouse's inland location and modest height inadequate to meet the expanding needs of the port. These changes underscored the city's evolution and the continuous adaptation of its infrastructure to support its status as a major hub for commerce and transportation.

Chicago’s Second Lighthouse – Established 1859

By 1849, Congress began appropriating funds for “the foundation and construction of a lighthouse at or near the end of North Pier at Chicago… and that the present (1832) lighthouse and the beacon light on the pier shall be discontinued from and after completion of the aforesaid lighthouse.” By the time the new lighthouse was placed into service in 1859, nearly $26,000 had been allocated for the construction of Chicago’s second lighthouse.

The long delay in completing this project was due to investigations into poor leadership at the Department of the Treasury, which was responsible for lighthouse construction and oversight. During this period, in 1852, the U.S. Lighthouse Board was established, composed of scientists, engineers, and other experts in the field. These investigations, combined with the transfer of control for lighthouses from the Treasury to the newly created Lighthouse Board, caused significant delays in the appropriation of funds and the awarding of design and construction contracts—including those for the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse project.

The 1859 lighthouse at Chicago Harbor, activated on July 9, 1859, was a skeletal iron structure situated near the end of the North Pier. This design was chosen to enhance durability against the harsh conditions of Lake Michigan. A keeper's house was erected just to the west of the tower with a bridge from an upper floor for keepers to access the elevated circular stairway that led to the watch room and lantern room.

A stereoscope image facing West shows the 1859 lighthouse and keepers' quarters, Circa 1860s, from the collection of the USLHS.

As Chicago continued to expand, an increasing number of factories emerged, producing so much smoke that it began to obscure the 1859 lighthouse beams. In response, the Lighthouse Board constructed a new Chicago “landfall light”, the Grosse Point Lighthouse, located 13 miles north in Evanston, to serve the growing city's needs. Although this new light became the primary landfall beacon for the Chicago Harbor, the 1859 pierhead light remained operational.

Over the subsequent years, North Pier was extended into the lake numerous times to offer better protection from the North East winds, which resulted in sandy shoals that formed around the entrance to the river. So, with time, the 1859 lighthouse no longer marked the end of the north pier, which extended to some 1,200 feet beyond the lighthouse. This led to comments in the Lighthouse Board’s 1869 Annual Report that “The extension of the piers at this point may require a removal of the light to another position at a not so very distant day.”

Chicago’s Third Lighthouse – Established 1893, Relocated 1918

By 1889, the Lighthouse Board noted in their annual report that “The harbor of Chicago is the most important on the lakes, with a greater average number of daily arrivals and departures during the season of navigation than any other in the United States.” Further, they proposed that a new Chicago Harbor lighthouse should be constructed offshore, at the end of a new breakwater, rather than at the crowded mouth of the river.  This placement would make the light more prominent to vessels, creating more effective aid to navigation.

Congress appropriated $36,000 for the project. With Chicago as a major port, the Lighthouse Board felt that amount was insufficient for what they had in mind and requested an additional $15,000, stating, “The [initial] amount of appropriation is quite inadequate for the purpose, admitting only of building a perishable and unsightly wooden crib with a plain iron tower on it. The woodwork [crib} should be replaced with stone, and the tower, occupying such prominent a place in port, should have some pretensions to architectural effect.”  

With $51,000 committed to the project, construction began. In March 1893, an additional $15,000 was appropriated to complete the project, including $4,300 for the mechanical device that would rotate the third-order Fresnel lens. The lens was already in possession of the Lighthouse Board after it failed to fit into the lantern room of the recently constructed lighthouse at Point Loma, California. Before its installation in the 1893 Chicago lighthouse, the lens had been exhibited at the 1879 Paris Exposition and later at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The lens won awards at each of these exhibitions.

The new structure was indeed substantial as the Lighthouse Board had planned; consisting of a cast iron tower lined with bricks. It was flanked by two buildings, each containing state-of-the-art steam engines that powered redundant steam-whistle fog signals.

The 1893 Chicago Harbor Light, shown on its stone crib, is just inside the breakwall. Note the Keeper and guests on the footbridge to the breakwall

When the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition closed on October 30th, the Fresnel lens was moved and installed in the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. On November 9th, 1893, Chicago’s third Lighthouse was lighted for the first time and has been in service since then.

Epilogue:

The 1859 Chicago Lighthouse finds a new home

From June 30, 1894 Report of Mr. G. A. M. Lilecrantz, Assistant Engineer included in the Report of the Chief Engineers, US Army:



“The U.S. Lighthouse at the mouth of the river on the north pier was erected in or about the year 1866 [note incorrect date] and is being removed from here by the U.S. Lighthouse Board to Two Rivers Point [now known as Rawley Point], Michigan [actually located in Wisconsin].”

Before being erected as the Rawley Point Lighthouse at Two Rivers, Wisconsin, the lighthouse was renovated, heightened, and transported by barge to the site which had been prepared for its installation. The lighthouse was automated in 1979 and remains in active service as an aid to navigation.

Chicago's 1859 lighthouse, shown here in its present-day configuration and location

Chicago’s 1893 Lighthouse relocated in 1918

The 1893 Chicago Harbor Lighthouse was relocated in 1918 as part of significant harbor infrastructure improvements aimed at improving capacity, navigation, and safety. The relocation was driven by the expansion of the breakwater system in Chicago Harbor, which created a more sheltered and efficient harbor layout to accommodate the increasing volume of shipping traffic in the early 20th century. Additionally, Municipal Pier No. 2, now known as Navy Pier, had been constructed north of the mouth of the river and was designed for larger ships and to add docking capacity beyond the confines of the narrow river, where the port had been centered. Extending the breakwater south would provide enhanced protection for the new pier.

To effectively mark the entrance to the newly expanded harbor, the lighthouse was relocated to its current position at the southern end of the outer breakwater. This new location, aligned with the mouth of the river, allowed it to better guide ships into the protected waters of the Chicago Harbor.

Additionally, a boathouse was constructed on the north side of the tower, and a fog signal room was added to the south. By raising the structure, the focal plane of the lens was elevated by over 20 feet, significantly increasing the distance from which the light could be seen by mariners.

Chicago Harbor showing the two locations of Chicago Harbor Lighthouse: Pink star shows the 1893 location, and the red star shows the current location

The foresight and leadership demonstrated by the U.S. Lighthouse Board in the substantial design and durable construction of the 1893 Lighthouse have been key to its remarkable endurance. For 132 years, this lighthouse has withstood the relentless forces of Lake Michigan, as well as the challenges of disassembly, modification, and reassembly at its current location. Today, it stands, in remarkably good structural condition, as an iconic testament to Chicago’s rich maritime history and the ingenuity of those who built it.

The Third Chicago Harbor Lighthouse in its current location – Photo Credit: Barry Butler

Sources:

• Kraig Anderson, Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, Lighthouse Friends
• Timothy Harrison Lighthouses At The 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, Lighthouse Digest”, September 2008
• Donald J. Terras, Lighthouses of the Chicago Harbor. Evanston, Il, Windy City Press, 2006

Summer in the City Though the Eyes of a Chicago Harbor Lighthouse Keeper

By Mary Ann O’Rourke

In the hot summer months of 1976, Chicago Harbor Lighthouse keeper John Gach recalls stunning views of Tall Ships sailing into Navy Pier for the country’s Bicentennial celebration.



“I remember thinking to myself, I sure picked a great year to be a keeper of Chicago’s only lighthouse!” he says. 

The Christian Radich, a celebrated tall ship from Norway, visits the U.S. as part of the nation’s Bicentennial celebration and docks at Navy Pier. Thousands of people visit the Pier to see her. Credit: WTTW

Gach served in Station Calumet Harbor from 1974 to 1978. Before and after his spring-summer stint at the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, he searched for and rescued mariners in distress on Lake Michigan.

He found his keeper tenure a calming respite between the high-stress job of search and rescue.



“Managing the lighthouse during spring and summer was not hard living,” says Gach. “My co-keeper and I worked the same roles in two different eight-hour shifts. On my off-duty time, I would cook meals on a small stove, play darts or pool or sit outside on one of the deck chairs and enjoy the spectacular views of the city.”

Coast Guardsman and Chicago Harbor Lighthouse Keeper, John Gach, 1976

While the keepers were ferried to and from the Lighthouse by Coast Guard colleagues, the Lighthouse maintained a small, aluminum boat that Gach remembers using often.

“If we needed some groceries or toiletry items, we would motor over to the Lake Point Towers concession shop. The short trips provided a nice break from lighthouse living.” 

Yet Gach understood the importance of his role in the safety of boaters on the lake. The flashing Fresnel lens was not only important to boaters -- but pilots also flying into Midway Airport would see the harbor light and know they were close to home. 

Gach recalls the night a pleasure boat crashed into the lighthouse’s breakwall. He quickly alerted the Coast Guard team who rescued the boaters, but the vessel was a total wreck.

Other than that incident, lighthouse living was uneventful that summer and the lighthouse interior was stark but comfortable, says Gach. 

“On the circular stairway up to the light tower, you would pass three bedrooms. Mine was in the middle adjacent to the foghorn room.”

Gach recalls a four-day dense fog event when the horn stayed on for 96 hours.

“I didn’t get much sleep during that time, but when captains couldn’t see our light, they heard the horn instead. No doubt in my mind that persistent sound saved lives.”

In 1979, the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse was fully automated. Today it continues to operate as an unmanned beacon.

After his tour with the Coast Guard, Gach worked for a computer company in Elmwood Park and then as head custodian at the Wauconda school district.

Retired and now living in Woodstock, Gach enjoys urban exploration and magnet fishing as a member of Blackdog Adventures, where he is known as Gizzard.

And yet, his time spent as a keeper on the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse is one of his most treasured adventures.

“To me, lighthouses are saviors of the lake,” says Gach. “I’m glad to know that a group of Chicagoans understand the important history of our Lighthouse and are making a great effort to save and restore it.”

The U.S. Lighthouse Society Passport Stamp Program – the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse Stamp is NOW available!

While we encourage everyone to visit the Chicago Maritime Museum in person to obtain their Chicago Harbor Lighthouse stamp and explore its outstanding exhibits, participation is also available by mail. To request by mail, send the $2 donation per stamp and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse

Attn: STAMP

122 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 1390

Chicago, IL 60603

Requests will be processed promptly.

Plan to visit the Chicago Maritime Museum soon and participate in this exciting program. While there, explore the museum’s exhibits, which showcase Chicago’s rich maritime history and the pivotal role in our city’s development. Visit www.ChicagoMaritimeMuseum.org to plan your visit!

Thank you for supporting the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and the Chicago Maritime Museum. Together, we’re keeping the light shining bright for future generations.

The Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse (FOCHL) Online Store is LIVE!

Check out our fun new t-shirt design and pick up some extra pins and stickers to share with your friends and family. The Chicago Harbor Lighthouse Model makes a great holiday gift for your favorite Chicagoan!

All proceeds from the FOCHL Online Store support our mission to Preserve, Restore, and Celebrate the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.

Visit www.SaveTheLighthouse.org/store today and show your support!

Book a Save The Lighthouse Presentation

If you are part of a group of 25 or more interested in learning more about the history of our lighthouse and our efforts, please contact Steve Clements (steveclements@savethelighthouse.org to discuss the possibility of scheduling a presentation for your group.

These presentations will discuss the Lighthouse’s rich history, present condition, and future plans to celebrate and share with the public, its significance to the legacy of Chicago history. 

Speakers Kurt Lentsch, President, FCHL and Edward Torrez, Preservation Architect, have engaged audiences throughout the city for many months with their thoughtful and inspiring presentations on the CHL.

Volunteer Your Time and Talent

Photo credit: Barry Butler

We would appreciate your help. Volunteer and join us in our mission to save the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and keep its legacy alive for generations. 

We are a passionate organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and celebrating the historic Chicago Harbor Lighthouse for future generations. Our mission would not be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers who share our passion and commitment to this iconic landmark.

As a volunteer with Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience, meet new people, and make a meaningful impact in preserving a historic Chicago landmark cherished by our city.

If you want to donate your talents and join our team, please visit our volunteer page at savethelighthouse.org/volunteer to learn more.   

We are seeking talented and experienced part-time volunteers to assist us in fundraising (especially grant writing), construction, and community outreach, helping us build and maintain our connections to local and national organizations. 

Some of the talented volunteers, who are building this dream.

If you are part of an organization that has an interest in financially supporting our efforts to Preserve, Restore, and Celebrate the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, please reach out to Nick Naber (nicknaber@savethelighthouse.org), our treasurer and a member of our fundraising working group.

Your contributions enable us to offset the start-up costs for the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and begin the preservation and restoration work that is greatly needed on this historic place... We are very grateful for your generosity.

The Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse is a 501c3 organization

so please make a tax-deductible gift to help us Save the Lighthouse!

www.SaveTheLighthouse.org

41°53'22"N 87°35'26"W

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