Huron-Perth Boomers Summer 2024

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HISTORY candidates for this government-appointed position, which was coveted despite its difficulty. The role included accommodation in the lightkeeper’s cottage as well as a small government pension. However, the life of a keeper was hard, with cold and isolated winters before the development of what is now a thriving cottage community. Roads and electricity weren’t even common in Point Clark until the 1940s. These conditions, combined with the hard work of, twice a day, having to climb to the top of the lighthouse with fuel and wind the light with a pulley system, proved to be a challenging job. The keeper had to always be available to relight the lantern should it go out, and record and report the weather conditions to the Coast Guard and government. Having a family was encouraged for the lightkeepers to keep their spirits up, and it was implied that family members would provide extra unpaid labour to keep the light shining on the sometimes-turbulent Lake Huron. The first of 12 Lightkeepers in Point Clark was John Young, who had the position from 1859-82. The final caretaker was Eldon Lowry, who didn’t live in the Keeper’s cottage, but nearby and kept an eye on the then-automated light from 1964-67. Unlike many Great Lakes lighthouses, the Point Clark light continues to operate, emitting a white flash every 10 seconds to guide passing ships. Recognized as a National Historic Site in 1966 and owned by Parks Canada and operated by the Township of Huron-Kinloss, the Point Clark Lighthouse underwent a comprehensive five-year restoration from 2011, aimed at preserving its significant Canadian heritage. This restoration encompassed stabilizing the tower’s exterior stones, repointing mortar joints, masonry repairs and replacements, window refurbishments, and enhanced interior ventilation. The enduring quality of the lighthouse’s original construction has stood the test of time, and is one of the few lighthouses that is still open to the public. Open daily in July and August, 18 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM
y Amy Irwin paid tours to the top are available for those looking for a challenging climb up 114 steps to a beautiful bird’seye view of the dramatic Lake Huron coastline, as well as admission to the newly renovated museum, located in the adjacent lightkeeper’s cottage. Plan a trip to Point Clark this summer to take a step back in history. Amy Irwin is the Publisher of Huron-Perth Boomers and a resident of Huron-Kinloss. Tickets to tour the Point Clark Lighthouse and newly-renovated Lightkeepers Museum are available at secretsofthebackforty.com/point-clark-lighthouse/ Enjoy Historic Walking Tours At Your Own Pace With The Tours & Trails Guide! Discover Historical Walking Tours and Trails in • Brussels • Seaforth • Vanastra • And the surrounding area! Now On Driftscape! Visit HuronEast.com/Tours for more information. To request a guide, call 519-527-0160 Ext. 36 SUMMER 2024 • 19
Page 1 and 2: A FREE magazine for adults 50+ SUMM
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Page 11 and 12: y Elizabeth Bundy-Cooper SPOTLIGHT
Page 13 and 14: HISTORY Point Clark’s Lighthouse
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Huron-Perth Boomers Summer 2024

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