Author Archives: Dablad1
Barcelona Lighthouse
Another Lighthouse located on Lake Erie, near the town of Westfield, NY, is the Barcelona Lighthouse, which was built in 1828. It was the first to use natural gas as the source of illumination and did so until 1851. The Lighthouse was removed from service in 1859, but remained a tourist attraction. It was in … Continue reading
Braddock Point Lighthouse
Located in Lake Ontario in New York, Braddock Point Lighthouse looks a lot like Presque Isle except the tower is twice as tall. It was finished in 1896. In 1926 a newspaper article estimated the keeper’s twice daily trips up and down the tower totaled about 700 miles during his 20-year tenure. In 1952 the … Continue reading
Split Rock Lighthouse
Split Rock Lighthouse is located in Minnesota on the west edge of Lake Superior. It was built in 1910 with all materials having to be brought in by boat. It was de-commissioned in 1969 and the site was donated to the Minnesota Historical Society, which restored it to its 1920 appearance. Split Rock Lighthouse is … Continue reading
Cana Island Lighthouse
Built in 1869, Cana Island Lighthouse is located on a nine-acre site on Lake Michigan in Door County WI. It was frequently battered by severe storms, so much so that, after 16 years, one keeper left saying it was “one of the most inhospitable and undesirable places that can well be imagined.” In 1902 the … Continue reading
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
“Old Mac” was built in 1892 in Mackinaw City, MI. where Lakes Michigan and Lake Huron meet. Completion of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957 rendered the Lighthouse obsolete since the Bridge had lights. It is now a popular tourist attraction. The first photo shows it nearing completion.
Poe Reef Lighthouse
Although Poe Reef Lighthouse is located about 20 miles from Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, it is much more remote. It lies completely in Lake Huron about two miles off shore. It was built in 1929 and frequently had waves hit its base sending water up as high as the 4th floor. It was decommissioned in … Continue reading
Notice
I recently discovered an error in uploading photos which kept them from being enlarged dating back to February 2016. I have corrected this and all photos are once again enlargeable.
Williamsburg Virginia
Here are three 18th century outbuildings at the Grissell-Hay house. From left to right they are a privy, a smokehouse, and a dairy. Judging by their appearance in this 1920’s photo, work began just in time. Restoration was done using almost all original materials. Built in 1715, the powder magazine stored arms and ammunition … Continue reading
Williamsburg Virginia
Due largely to the vision and generosity of John D, Rockefeller, Jr., there is no better place in America for then-and-now photos than Williamsburg, VA. Beginning in 1926 he quietly bought up much of the former colonial capitol of Virginia. The main road through town has long been the Duke of Gloucester Street, running one … Continue reading
Erie Canal
An idea of the magnitude of lock construction is seen in the first photo dated 1907 showing Lock #3 in Waterford NY and again in an undated photo. Click to enlarge. During winter, a favorite pastime was skating on the Canal as seen in this ca,1900 photo from Clinton Square. … Continue reading