It's a bit of a hike to get here, but the payoff is worth it. Big Sable lighthouse is a restored treasure on the Lake Michigan shore. It was saved from the ravages of water and near destruction by people. Interim Executive Director Mary James explains. "The waves were literally lapping at the base of the tower so our restoration efforts in the beggining included repairing the seawall and keeping the tower from falling into Lake Michigan. Vandals tried everything they could to get up into the tower including chopping holes into interior walls and breaking windows and breaking down doors."
Thanks to the Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association, today Big Sable stands tall, ready to welcome those eager for a lesson in lighthouse keeping, or those excited to climb the tower's 130 steps to see the view.
But what really makes Big Sable extraordinary are the volunteers who are so passionate about what they do. For two weeks at a time, three couples call Big Sable home, caring for it as if it were their own. "Their duties include things like sweeping down the tower stairs, giving tours, operating our gift shop and generally making the visit a really worthwhile trip for people who come out here" explains Mary.
While they are busy during their stay, the volunteers enjoy beautiful accomodations." It's really thrilling for our volunteers because they get to come here and be volunteer lighthouse keepers and really live in the same house that the real lighthouse keepers lived in as long ago as 1867," explains Mary. The lovely living quarters are a way of showing gratitude for all of their hard work. "Because we have all of our volunteers, all of our money our revenue gets put back into our preservation and restoration projects." So that future generations can be a part of Michigan's maritime history.
So what does it take to be a keeper? There is an application and interview process, and because of all the duties, families should wait until the kids are grown. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer keeper, Little Sable and the breakwater light in Ludington also have similar programs, click here to learn more about all three.
In your voice
