I'm lucky to live only about 40 minutes (by car) from the southwestern shore of Lake Erie, so I try to visit at least once or twice during the summer months. For those who might not know, Lake Erie is the southernmost, and fourth-largest, of the Great Lakes of North America. My sister and I took a spur-of-the-moment trip to Lake Erie last week, so I want to share some photos. First: the Marblehead Lighthouse, built in 1821. It sits at the very tip of Marblehead Peninsula on a rocky outcropping of limestone. Inside, a spiraling staircase with 77 steps leads to the top of the lighthouse - but I've never climbed it (that's a lot of steps!) The views from the top are said to be fantastic, though, so I need to do it one of these times!
The very first lightkeeper was Benajah Wolcott, a Revolutionary War veteran and one of the first settlers on the peninsula. Every night, he would climb the tower to light the thirteen wicks of the lighthouse, which, at the time, were actually 13 small, whale oil lamps. His other duties were to keep records of the weather conditions and the passing ships, and to organize search efforts when needed. When Mr. Wolcott passed away in 1832, his wife took over the duties, making her the first female lightkeeper on the Great Lakes.
This is the lightkeeper's house that's just across from the lighthouse, I love the hollyhocks growing along the fence! This home was built in 1880 to replace the original lightkeeper's dwelling that had become inhabitable. You can tour the downstairs of the home, where there's also a small museum.
The very first lightkeeper was Benajah Wolcott, a Revolutionary War veteran and one of the first settlers on the peninsula. Every night, he would climb the tower to light the thirteen wicks of the lighthouse, which, at the time, were actually 13 small, whale oil lamps. His other duties were to keep records of the weather conditions and the passing ships, and to organize search efforts when needed. When Mr. Wolcott passed away in 1832, his wife took over the duties, making her the first female lightkeeper on the Great Lakes.
This is the lightkeeper's house that's just across from the lighthouse, I love the hollyhocks growing along the fence! This home was built in 1880 to replace the original lightkeeper's dwelling that had become inhabitable. You can tour the downstairs of the home, where there's also a small museum.
The rocky shoreline makes for great seating to enjoy the views, and it's also fun to climb the rocks and explore because they're filled with glacial grooves and fossils.
I also found this name carved into the rock: Jim Johans U.S.C.G. (United States Coast Guard)
Until next time,
Cindy
Linking to: Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper
Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
Time Travel Thursday at The Brambleberry Cottage
Passion Parade Friday Link Soiree
I hope you've enjoyed this little "lakeside getaway!"
Until next time,
Cindy
Linking to: Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper
Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
Time Travel Thursday at The Brambleberry Cottage
Passion Parade Friday Link Soiree
24 comments:
It is a pretty place to visit. I haven't been there for quite a while. A few years back we rode the ferry over to Kelly Island and Put-In-Bay. I enjoyed that.
Heh.
I grew up on Catawba and could see Perry's Monument from my bedroom window.
I know Marblehead well.
Next time you are there go to The Jamestown Tavern right next to the ferry that takes ya to Kelley's - it's my sister's pub. :0 )
One of these days we could always meet up there, Cindy!
I am going up next weekend for a family reunion.
3 of my sibs still live there and the 4th sib has a lake house and goes up every weekend in the summer - I am the only one who isn't there all the time.....but I like my life here a lot.
Anyway, I get terrribly homesick and miss the water A LOT in the summertime....but since Mom and Pop are gone now - well - just not the same going up there anymore, so I mostly don't....but then when I do it is extra special.
Nice post.
Hugs.
so beautiful. Wonderful to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.
- The Tablescaper
Hi Cindy!
Thanks for the beautiful pictures of the Marblehead light and the information. It was cold and rainy when I was there last fall. The lighthouse and the keepers house were closed. If it had been open I might have climed the 77 steps. The keepers house is so pretty with the hollyhocks.
Hugs,
Barb
I used to live in Rochester, NY and we used to go to Erie all the time!! I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee the photos!!!! GORGEOUS!!!!
I grew up not too far from there and now I am on Lake Michigan...life is just strange sometimes-where it takes us- xo Diana
Hi Cindy,
Your photos make me feel like I'm there with you.
Thanks for sharing this lovely place and your day.
I love the hollyhocks...beautiful.
Have a good week Barb from Australia
Your pictures are wonderful. Looks like a nice place to spend the day...Connie
It's beautiful! Oh to be so close to the water.
I lived in Sandusky for a year with my Ohio husband before moving west. I'm a west coast girl, but I loved it there!Check out Sandusky next time you go out. A very cute town with beautiful old homes.
Yes,I have enjoyed this visit very much; what a beautiful place. Both the lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper's dwelling are utterly gorgeous buildings. I wonder when Jim Johans carved his name.
I so enjoyed this post! My grandparents lived in Lyndhurst, Ohio (suburb of Cleveland). I would visit from Chicago in the summer and we went to Mentor on the Lake and I spent a lot of time on Lake Erie. I fondly remember sailing to Put-in-Bay. Thank you for bringing back such happy memories. What a pretty lighthouse too!!
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Cindy!!! Great photos!! I really, really enjoyed your little lakeside getaway! Thanks so much for sharing! Big Hugs ;o)
Cindy,
What a cute getaway. I have a friend and we use to take road trips too! I think it is so much fun. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful spot!
Blessings My Friend,
Hi Cindy,
I enjoyed your post so much! I live within walking distance of Lake Superior and just love the Great Lakes. I enjoy visiting lighthouses and I too love the hollyhocks by the lighthouse keepers fence. Have a great week!
Nancy
Hi Cindy,
I love this post and I adore lighthouses...I'm not sure if the message I just left got saved, so I'm writing again. This looks like such a special place--and wonderful summer trip!
xo
Cindy
It's as pretty as a fairytale!
I love lighthouses wherever they are. Is this one still working or has it, like most, been deactivated?
What a gorgeous place. I've never been there so I really enjoyed visiting it with you. Thanks for sharing!
Gorgeous area. Lighthouses always manage to look so picturesque.
So glad you took the time to share this lovely scene. I love getting a glimpse of the scenery in other parts of the country. So different from where I live and it reminds me of trips to those parts as a kid. Love it.
Liz
Very good photos!
New follower from the Blog Hop
-Buffi
My Wonderfully Dysfunctional Blog
The lighthouse is gorgeous, love your pics! am following you back
hugs
jutta
lighthouses have such a romance! beautiful photos Cindy. i'm glad you are so close to this beauty. happy passion parade friday! xo
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