04/04/2007

Record-Eagle/Sheri McWhirter
Terry Pepper said this lighthouse in Cheboygan is still a functioning navigational aid for mariners and will be renovated over the next year.

Lighthouse to undergo renovation

Structure to be restored to historic condition

BY SHERI McWHIRTER

smcwhirter@record-eagle.com

CHEBOYGAN — Terry Pepper climbed several sets of winding stairs, his hand dragging along a dusty banister.

When he reached the top of the Cheboygan River Front Range Lighthouse, he pointed to where a red light shines toward Lake Huron to help direct ships into the Cheboygan River channel.

"We're going to restore the main lighthouse as it was in 1910,” Pepper said.

He's executive director of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association in Mackinaw City, which took over the Cheboygan lighthouse in June 2004 under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. The site is ready for $250,000 worth of renovations, which will begin this month and continue into next year.

"Lighthouses play a key role in the history of the Great Lakes and it's a shame to let these beautiful old buildings fall into disrepair,” Pepper said.

Cheboygan historian Quincy Leslie said he's long wanted to see the lighthouse built along the Cheboygan River in 1880 restored to its historic condition.

"The history of the lighthouses in Cheboygan is pretty important because Cheboygan's beginning was with shipping,” Leslie said.

He also said there's no question the lighthouse will become a tourist attraction once the work is finished.

Modern windows, carpet, vinyl wall panels, ceiling tiles and many other things were added to the building over the years, which must be stripped out to return the lighthouse to a historic appearance. There's also a leaky basement and a leaky roof, plus several support beams need attention.

A professional engineering study completed last year set the estimated cost of work at more than $250,000 for exterior and interior renovations, Pepper said.

The nonprofit organization intends to seek grant funding and donations, as well as raise money through membership dues and planned lighthouse cruises on the Great Lakes.

Eight guided boat cruises are scheduled between June and September, departing from Leland, Mackinaw City, Port Huron and Buffalo, N.Y.