Description: This photograph, from a yearbook dated from 1940, shows students of Brilliant High School sit in the physics class of George T. McKinstry. The student in the white shirt and in the front row has been identified as Charles Campbell. The student near the left side of the photograph appears to be reading an article from the newspaper about baseball titled: "Greetings to Rosy Rowswell, from the home town Tarentum [Pennsylvania]." Brilliant High School was located at 2nd Street in Brilliant, Ohio, in Jefferson County, Ohio. In 1952, a new building was opened at 1004 3rd Street. In 1972, Brilliant High School merged with Smithfield High School, to become Buckeye North High School. Finally, in 1990, the three schools in the district merged together to form the Buckeye Local High School in Rayland, Ohio. This photograph is one of the many visual materials collected for use in the Ohio Guide. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Works Progress Administration by executive order to create jobs for the large numbers of unemployed laborers, as well as artists, musicians, actors, and writers. The Federal Arts Program, a sector of the Works Progress Administration, included the Federal Writers’ Project, one of the primary goals of which was to complete the America Guide series, a series of guidebooks for each state which included state history, art, architecture, music, literature, and points of interest to the major cities and tours throughout the state. Work on the Ohio Guide began in 1935 with the publication of several pamphlets and brochures. The Reorganization Act of 1939 consolidated the Works Progress Administration and other agencies into the Federal Works Administration, and the Federal Writers’ Project became the Federal Writers’ Project in Ohio. The final product was published in 1940 and went through several editions. The Ohio Guide Collection consists of 4,769 photographs collected for use in Ohio Guide and other publications of the Federal Writers’ Project in Ohio from 1935-1939. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B08F06_025_001
Subjects: High school; Classrooms -- Ohio; Students; Science and Technology
Places: Brilliant (Ohio); Steubenville (Ohio); Jefferson County (Ohio)
 

Description: This photograph, from a yearbook dated from 1940, shows Brilliant High School. Brilliant High School was located at 2nd Street in Brilliant, Ohio, in Jefferson County, Ohio. In 1952, a new building was opened at 1004 3rd Street. In 1972, Brilliant High School merged with Smithfield High School, to become Buckeye North High School. Finally, in 1990, the three schools in the district merged together to form the Buckeye Local High School in Rayland, Ohio. This photograph is one of the many visual materials collected for use in the Ohio Guide. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Works Progress Administration by executive order to create jobs for the large numbers of unemployed laborers, as well as artists, musicians, actors, and writers. The Federal Arts Program, a sector of the Works Progress Administration, included the Federal Writers’ Project, one of the primary goals of which was to complete the America Guide series, a series of guidebooks for each state which included state history, art, architecture, music, literature, and points of interest to the major cities and tours throughout the state. Work on the Ohio Guide began in 1935 with the publication of several pamphlets and brochures. The Reorganization Act of 1939 consolidated the Works Progress Administration and other agencies into the Federal Works Administration, and the Federal Writers’ Project became the Federal Writers’ Project in Ohio. The final product was published in 1940 and went through several editions. The Ohio Guide Collection consists of 4,769 photographs collected for use in Ohio Guide and other publications of the Federal Writers’ Project in Ohio from 1935-1939. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B08F06_032_001
Subjects: High school; School buildings--Ohio; Ohio--History--Pictorial works; Architecture; Education; Ohio--History--Pictorial works; Federal Writers' Project
Places: Brilliant (Ohio); Steubenville (Ohio); Jefferson County (Ohio)
 

Description: This photograph, from a yearbook dated from 1940, shows five high school boys on the Brilliant High School basketball team. From left to right, the numbers on the boys' uniforms are 6, 10, 11, 8, and 12. Brilliant High School was located at 2nd Street in Brilliant, Ohio, in Jefferson County, Ohio. In 1952, a new building was opened at 1004 3rd Street. In 1972, Brilliant High School merged with Smithfield High School, to become Buckeye North High School. Finally, in 1990, the three schools in the district merged together to form the Buckeye Local High School in Rayland, Ohio. This photograph is one of the many visual materials collected for use in the Ohio Guide. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Works Progress Administration by executive order to create jobs for the large numbers of unemployed laborers, as well as artists, musicians, actors, and writers. The Federal Arts Program, a sector of the Works Progress Administration, included the Federal Writers’ Project, one of the primary goals of which was to complete the America Guide series, a series of guidebooks for each state which included state history, art, architecture, music, literature, and points of interest to the major cities and tours throughout the state. Work on the Ohio Guide began in 1935 with the publication of several pamphlets and brochures. The Reorganization Act of 1939 consolidated the Works Progress Administration and other agencies into the Federal Works Administration, and the Federal Writers’ Project became the Federal Writers’ Project in Ohio. The final product was published in 1940 and went through several editions. The Ohio Guide Collection consists of 4,769 photographs collected for use in Ohio Guide and other publications of the Federal Writers’ Project in Ohio from 1935-1939. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B13F01_022_001
Subjects: Basketball teams; Athletics; Athletes; Gymnasiums -- Ohio;
Places: Brilliant (Ohio); Steubenville (Ohio); Jefferson County (Ohio)
 

Description: This photograph, from a yearbook dated from 1940, shows the Brilliant High School basketball team. The front row of boys are sitting on a bench in their uniforms with the majority of the back row wearing what looks to be the warm-up outfits. Brilliant High School was located at 2nd Street in Brilliant, Ohio, in Jefferson County, Ohio. In 1952, a new building was opened at 1004 3rd Street. In 1972, Brilliant High School merged with Smithfield High School, to become Buckeye North High School. Finally, in 1990, the three schools in the district merged together to form the Buckeye Local High School in Rayland, Ohio. This photograph is one of the many visual materials collected for use in the Ohio Guide. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Works Progress Administration by executive order to create jobs for the large numbers of unemployed laborers, as well as artists, musicians, actors, and writers. The Federal Arts Program, a sector of the Works Progress Administration, included the Federal Writers’ Project, one of the primary goals of which was to complete the America Guide series, a series of guidebooks for each state which included state history, art, architecture, music, literature, and points of interest to the major cities and tours throughout the state. Work on the Ohio Guide began in 1935 with the publication of several pamphlets and brochures. The Reorganization Act of 1939 consolidated the Works Progress Administration and other agencies into the Federal Works Administration, and the Federal Writers’ Project became the Federal Writers’ Project in Ohio. The final product was published in 1940 and went through several editions. The Ohio Guide Collection consists of 4,769 photographs collected for use in Ohio Guide and other publications of the Federal Writers’ Project in Ohio from 1935-1939. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B13F01_023_001
Subjects: Basketball teams; Athletes; Athletics; Basketball--Ohio--History; Ohio--History--Pictorial works; Federal Writers Project
Places: Brilliant (Ohio); Steubenville (Ohio); Jefferson County (Ohio)
 

Description: This photograph, from a year book dated from 1940, shows the Brilliant High School marching band standing outside. The tuba player in the center of the back row has been identified as James R. (Bob) Gilchrist. Brilliant High School was located at 2nd Street in Brilliant, Ohio, in Jefferson County, Ohio. In 1952, a new building was opened at 1004 3rd Street. In 1972, Brilliant High School merged with Smithfield High School, to become Buckeye North High School. Finally, in 1990, the three schools in the district merged together to form the Buckeye Local High School in Rayland, Ohio. This photograph is one of the many visual materials collected for use in the Ohio Guide. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Works Progress Administration by executive order to create jobs for the large numbers of unemployed laborers, as well as artists, musicians, actors, and writers. The Federal Arts Program, a sector of the Works Progress Administration, included the Federal Writers’ Project, one of the primary goals of which was to complete the America Guide series, a series of guidebooks for each state which included state history, art, architecture, music, literature, and points of interest to the major cities and tours throughout the state. Work on the Ohio Guide began in 1935 with the publication of several pamphlets and brochures. The Reorganization Act of 1939 consolidated the Works Progress Administration and other agencies into the Federal Works Administration, and the Federal Writers’ Project became the Federal Writers’ Project in Ohio. The final product was published in 1940 and went through several editions. The Ohio Guide Collection consists of 4,769 photographs collected for use in Ohio Guide and other publications of the Federal Writers’ Project in Ohio from 1935-1939. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B08F06_024_001
Subjects: High school; Marching bands; Steubenville (Ohio); Musical instruments; Bands (Music)--Ohio; Students; Federal Writers' Project
Places: Brilliant (Ohio); Steubenville (Ohio); Jefferson County (Ohio)
 

Description: Caption on reverse reads: "District #5. 902 Municipal Bldg Akron, Ohio. April 26, 1938. Welders at work on a 100 ton trolley crane. The Morgan Engineering Company, Alliance, Ohio. (Halo is unavoidable on account of brilliant light effects from welding). The Morgan Engineering Company Plant was located at Broadway Street near the C & P.R.R. It was one of the largest manufactories of electric cranes and rolling-mill machinery in the world. One of its best products, first designed in 1894 and perfected in 1917, was the George-Morgan disappearing gun carriage, adaptable to any angle of fire and the largest gun mount ever built in the United States. Some of the company’s other products include: punching and shearing machines, cranes of all types and sizes and other heavy machinery equipment. The company was founded in 1868 by Thomas Rees Morgan, Sr. (1834 – 1897) who originally began in Pittsburgh making steam hammers. He moved to Alliance, under the name Marchand & Morgan, in 1871, due to a need for more space. Mr. Marchand retired in 1877, leaving room for Morgan to form a new partnership with Silas J. Williams and they renamed the company Morgan-Williams & Company. The 1890s saw the start of the company’s long association with the United States Ordnance Department. The company was awarded the prestigious Navy “E” Flag for its extraordinary contribution to the war effort (WW II). During the next few decades the company continue to grow, adding new facilities and machine tools. In 1964, with the retirement of W.H. Morgan, the company was sold to The United Industrial Syndicate, of New York. Much interested in enhancing the company’s reputation, funding was provided to improve facilities. During this time, several new crane designs were introduced which were considered to be a radical departure from previous designs. In 1975, the company was sold to AMCA International, and due to the failing economy during the 1980’s the company was forced to downsize. In 1987, the company was purchased by a shareholder, who repurchased the warehouse sold during the business downturn and increased manufacturing by building spare parts and subcontracting. In 1994, the original 330,000 facility was purchased by Morgan Engineering Inc. who continues to be a leading designer of overhead electric traveling cranes and other heavy machine equipment. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B08F02_025_001
Subjects: Industries--Ohio; Electric cranes; Machine tools
Places: Alliance (Ohio);
 

Description: Marblehead Lighthouse in Marblehead, Ohio, United States, is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes. It has guided sailors safely along the rocky shores of Marblehead Peninsula since 1822, and is an active aid to navigation. In 1819, the fifteenth U. S. Congress recognized the need for navigational aides along the Great Lakes, and set aside $5,000 for construction of a light tower at the entrance to Sandusky Bay. Contractor William Kelly built the 50 foot (15 m) tower of native limestone on the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula. The base of the tower is 25 feet (7.6 m) in diameter, with walls five feet (1.5 m) thick. It narrows to 12 feet (4 m) at the top with two-foot (0.6 m) thick walls. The turn of the century ushered in new technology as well as structural changes including the addition of another 15 feet (4.6 m) to the tower’s height. A clock-like mechanism was installed to rotate the lantern, creating the appearance of a brilliant flash of light every 10 seconds. This system required that the lighthouse keeper crank the weights every three hours through the night to keep the lantern turning. An improved Fresnel lens with prism surfaces created an even more brilliant beacon. An electric light finally replaced the kerosene lantern in 1923, dramatically increasing the intensity of the signal. During World War II, the lighthouse became strategically important for national defense. The last civilian lighthouse keeper resigned, and the United States Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the beacon in 1946. The beacon was automated in 1958. With its original finish tattered by time and harsh weather, the exterior of the lighthouse tower was given a fresh coat of new stucco the same year. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has maintained the property surrounding the lighthouse since 1972 and accepted ownership of the Marblehead Lighthouse tower in May 1998. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate and maintain the lighthouse beacon. Today’s 300 mm lens projects a green signal that flashes every six seconds and is visible for 11 nautical miles (20 km). The distinctive green distinguishes the lighthouse signal from white lights coming from air beacons. In 2001-2002 the state renovated the tower and keeper's house at a cost of $500,000. In 2004 the Fresnel lens was returned to the light station from the Marblehead Coast Guard Station, where it was previously on display. The Ottawa County Historical Society owns the original 1-story fieldstone keeper's house (3 miles (5 km) from the light on OH 163 in Marblehead. The lighthouse is now part of the 9 acre Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. The park features picnic tables and offers views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island and South Bass Island. The Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society operates the Marblehead Lighthouse Museum in the old keeper's house View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B08F09_035_1
Subjects: Lighthouses Ohio; Erie, Lake, Coast (Ohio); Marblehead Lighthouse (Ohio); National Register of Historic Places
Places: Marblehead (Ohio); Ottawa County (Ohio)
 

Description: Marblehead Lighthouse in Marblehead, Ohio, United States, is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes. It has guided sailors safely along the rocky shores of Marblehead Peninsula since 1822, and is an active aid to navigation. In 1819, the fifteenth U. S. Congress recognized the need for navigational aides along the Great Lakes, and set aside $5,000 for construction of a light tower at the entrance to Sandusky Bay. Contractor William Kelly built the 50 foot (15 m) tower of native limestone on the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula. The base of the tower is 25 feet (7.6 m) in diameter, with walls five feet (1.5 m) thick. It narrows to 12 feet (4 m) at the top with two-foot (0.6 m) thick walls. The turn of the century ushered in new technology as well as structural changes including the addition of another 15 feet (4.6 m) to the tower’s height. A clock-like mechanism was installed to rotate the lantern, creating the appearance of a brilliant flash of light every 10 seconds. This system required that the lighthouse keeper crank the weights every three hours through the night to keep the lantern turning. An improved Fresnel lens with prism surfaces created an even more brilliant beacon. An electric light finally replaced the kerosene lantern in 1923, dramatically increasing the intensity of the signal. During World War II, the lighthouse became strategically important for national defense. The last civilian lighthouse keeper resigned, and the United States Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the beacon in 1946. The beacon was automated in 1958. With its original finish tattered by time and harsh weather, the exterior of the lighthouse tower was given a fresh coat of new stucco the same year. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has maintained the property surrounding the lighthouse since 1972 and accepted ownership of the Marblehead Lighthouse tower in May 1998. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate and maintain the lighthouse beacon. Today’s 300 mm lens projects a green signal that flashes every six seconds and is visible for 11 nautical miles (20 km). The distinctive green distinguishes the lighthouse signal from white lights coming from air beacons. In 2001-2002 the state renovated the tower and keeper's house at a cost of $500,000. In 2004 the Fresnel lens was returned to the light station from the Marblehead Coast Guard Station, where it was previously on display. The Ottawa County Historical Society owns the original 1-story fieldstone keeper's house (3 miles (5 km) from the light on OH 163 in Marblehead. The lighthouse is now part of the 9 acre Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. The park features picnic tables and offers views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island and South Bass Island. The Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society operates the Marblehead Lighthouse Museum in the old keeper's house View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B08F08_036_001
Subjects: Lighthouses Ohio; Erie, Lake, Coast (Ohio); Marblehead Lighthouse (Ohio); National Register of Historic Places
Places: Marblehead (Ohio); Ottawa County (Ohio)
 

Description: Attached document reads: [PAGE 1] “To Americans the Washington Monument is the national symbol of Washington the city and Washington the man. As a landmark visible for miles by day, or by night when it is illuminated by brilliant floodlights, it is a fitting introduction to the Capital of the Nation. As a monument its simplicity of line and austere dignity make it an appropriate national memorial to the first President.” The actually building of this shaft has an interesting history for it was not completed until December 6, 1884, after more than a century of efforts made by vacillation, financial difficulties, political bickering, religious intolerance and even theft of the Monument itself. On August 7, 1783, even before the British troops had been evacuated from the erstwhile Colonies, Congress passed a resolution providing, “That an equestrian statue of George Washington be erected at the place where the resident of congress shall be established …. The statue should be supported upon a marble pedestal on which should be represented four principal events of the war which he commanded in person…” When L-Enfant drew up his plans for the Federal City in 1791 he included a place for the equestrian statue of Washington. The place is approximately the same spot upon which the monument was constructed. Washington, in his modesty, objected to any expenditure from the limited government resources, and the matter was dropped. After Washington’s death in December, 1799, John Marshall proposed a marble tomb. However, after two years of haggling, the appropriation failed to pass the Senate. Until 1848 nothing definite resulted from the several efforts made to raise funds for the monument [PAGE 2] In 1848, Congress granted the Washington National .Monument Society a site on public ground “not otherwide occupied.” On July 4, 1848, the cornerstone was laid with elaborate Masonic rites. Washington’s trowel, used in laying the cornerstone of the Capitol in 1793, was used by Grand Master French. George Winthrop, Speaker of the House, made the formal address. Contributions were made. Citizens of Alabam offered to quarry, cut, and dress a stone for the Memorial in lieu of a monetary donation. This plan was eagerly accepted by the Society and calls went out for contributions in kind. States, societies, fraternal orders, individuals, and even foreign powers sent appropriately inscribed stones. One block of marble from the Temple of Concord at Rome came as a gift of Pop Pius IX. All have been set in the inner walls of the shaft where visitors using the stairs may pause and read the memorial inscriptions --- all except one, the one sent by the Pope. A New anti-foreign, anti-catholic political organization, the American party, protested this “Papist” gift. When their complained were disregarded they resorted to violence. On the night of March 5, 1854, a band of masked men overpowered the night watchman at the Monument, and stole the disputed block of marble. It was never recovered. It is believed that the “Know Nothings,” as the members of the American Party were popularly called, smashed it with sledge hammers and dropped the fragments into the Potomac. This act of vandalism outraged the entire world, and donations of stones and money abruptly ceased. [PAGE 3] The monument became a political football in 1876. During this year the Centennial Exposition was held in Philadelphia. It had not been prospering as had been expected, and the Democratic House voted to meet in Independence Hall and re-enact the signing of the Declaration of Independence, hoping to stimulate interest in the exposition. The Republican Senate, pointing out that the House had been elected on an economy program now proposed to have a “grand jollification on public funds,” defeated the measure. Unhappily for the Republicans, the public took this move of the Senate as an unpatriotic gesture. The Senate then cast about for some means to redeem itself. The Washington Monument, bleak and unfinished, was there before their eyes. Senator Sherman hastily introduced a measure appropriated $100,000 to complete it, fully expecting that the Democratic House, smarting under the rebuke administered, would reject the bill. This the House would doubtless have done had not several astute members of the Monument Society appeared before the Appropriations Committee and pointed out the danger of drawing down public disapproval on the heads of the Democrats. Eventually the act was passed with an Appropriations Committee and pointed out the danger of drawing down public disapproval on the heads of the Democrats. Eventually the act was passed with an appropriation of $200,000 payable $50,000 a year for four years. The Senate passed the bill, which was approved, by President Grant on August 2, 1876. Work proceeded rapidly. On February 21, 1885, Robert Winthrop, who had delivered the formal address at the laying of the cornerstone 36 years before, dedicated the Washington Monument. On October 9, 1888, it was opened to the public. The Monument is 555 feet 5½ inches high. The elevator and a flight of 898 steps ascend to a chamber at the 500 foot level directly under the pyramidal cap. Paired windows in each wall open upon remarkable views of the city and countryside. [PAGE 4] Through the east window may be seen the Mall, the Constitution Avenue group of buildings, the Capitol, the Library of Congress, the House and Senate Office buildings, the Supreme Court Building, and the Union Station. To the south lies the waterfront of Washington, Potomac Park and River. To the west are the Army and Navy buildings, the reflecting pool, and the Lincoln Memorial. To the north are the White House, the State and Treasury buildings and to the northwest, beyond the principal residential section, the Washington Cathedral. The Monument is a hollow shaft, without decoration or embellishment other than the east entrance door and the paired windows on each side at the 500 foot level. The design is generally attributed to Robert Mills, but the present monument has little in common with Mill’s original plan The exterior blocks of marble are laid in 2 foot courses of regular ashlar, or squared stone, backed by rubble masonry, up to the 150 foot level, where government engineers begin their work. They substituted for the rubble masonry backing a solid wall of New England granite, which is carried to the 452 foot level, where through and through blocks of marble begin. At the 470 foot level the stone ribs of the pyramidion itself, starting at the 500 foot level, is composed of marble slabs 7 inches thick laid over the stone ribs. A 3,300 pound capstone secures the slab. The capstone is tipped with an aluminum pyramid 8 9/10 inches high, weighting 100 ounces, which is surrounded by 144 platinum-tipped lightning conductors. This, the largest and costliest solid block of aluminum cast up to that time, 1884, is inscribed on all four side – north, names of the members of the commission which completed the construction; west, important dates in the history of the Monument; south, the names of the technical staff; east, the Latin phrase, “Laus Deo.” View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B11F04_15_001
Subjects: Ohio State School for the Blind; Models; Washington Monument (Washington, D.C.)
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)
 

Description: Marblehead Lighthouse in Marblehead, Ohio, United States, is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes. It has guided sailors safely along the rocky shores of Marblehead Peninsula since 1822, and is an active aid to navigation. In 1819, the fifteenth U. S. Congress recognized the need for navigational aides along the Great Lakes, and set aside $5,000 for construction of a light tower at the entrance to Sandusky Bay. Contractor William Kelly built the 50 foot (15 m) tower of native limestone on the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula. The base of the tower is 25 feet (7.6 m) in diameter, with walls five feet (1.5 m) thick. It narrows to 12 feet (4 m) at the top with two-foot (0.6 m) thick walls. The turn of the century ushered in new technology as well as structural changes including the addition of another 15 feet (4.6 m) to the tower’s height. A clock-like mechanism was installed to rotate the lantern, creating the appearance of a brilliant flash of light every 10 seconds. This system required that the lighthouse keeper crank the weights every three hours through the night to keep the lantern turning. An improved Fresnel lens with prism surfaces created an even more brilliant beacon. An electric light finally replaced the kerosene lantern in 1923, dramatically increasing the intensity of the signal. During World War II, the lighthouse became strategically important for national defense. The last civilian lighthouse keeper resigned, and the United States Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the beacon in 1946. The beacon was automated in 1958. With its original finish tattered by time and harsh weather, the exterior of the lighthouse tower was given a fresh coat of new stucco the same year. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has maintained the property surrounding the lighthouse since 1972 and accepted ownership of the Marblehead Lighthouse tower in May 1998. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate and maintain the lighthouse beacon. Today’s 300 mm lens projects a green signal that flashes every six seconds and is visible for 11 nautical miles (20 km). The distinctive green distinguishes the lighthouse signal from white lights coming from air beacons. In 2001-2002 the state renovated the tower and keeper's house at a cost of $500,000. In 2004 the Fresnel lens was returned to the light station from the Marblehead Coast Guard Station, where it was previously on display. The Ottawa County Historical Society owns the original 1-story fieldstone keeper's house (3 miles (5 km) from the light on OH 163 in Marblehead. The lighthouse is now part of the 9 acre Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. The park features picnic tables and offers views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island and South Bass Island. The Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society operates the Marblehead Lighthouse Museum in the old keeper's house View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B08F08_037_001
Subjects: Lighthouses Ohio; Erie, Lake, Coast (Ohio); Marblehead Lighthouse (Ohio); National Register of Historic Places
Places: Marblehead (Ohio); Ottawa County (Ohio)
 

Description: Marblehead Lighthouse in Marblehead, Ohio, United States, is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes. It has guided sailors safely along the rocky shores of Marblehead Peninsula since 1822, and is an active aid to navigation. In 1819, the fifteenth U. S. Congress recognized the need for navigational aides along the Great Lakes, and set aside $5,000 for construction of a light tower at the entrance to Sandusky Bay. Contractor William Kelly built the 50 foot (15 m) tower of native limestone on the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula. The base of the tower is 25 feet (7.6 m) in diameter, with walls five feet (1.5 m) thick. It narrows to 12 feet (4 m) at the top with two-foot (0.6 m) thick walls. The turn of the century ushered in new technology as well as structural changes including the addition of another 15 feet (4.6 m) to the tower’s height. A clock-like mechanism was installed to rotate the lantern, creating the appearance of a brilliant flash of light every 10 seconds. This system required that the lighthouse keeper crank the weights every three hours through the night to keep the lantern turning. An improved Fresnel lens with prism surfaces created an even more brilliant beacon. An electric light finally replaced the kerosene lantern in 1923, dramatically increasing the intensity of the signal. During World War II, the lighthouse became strategically important for national defense. The last civilian lighthouse keeper resigned, and the United States Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the beacon in 1946. The beacon was automated in 1958. With its original finish tattered by time and harsh weather, the exterior of the lighthouse tower was given a fresh coat of new stucco the same year. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has maintained the property surrounding the lighthouse since 1972 and accepted ownership of the Marblehead Lighthouse tower in May 1998. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate and maintain the lighthouse beacon. Today’s 300 mm lens projects a green signal that flashes every six seconds and is visible for 11 nautical miles (20 km). The distinctive green distinguishes the lighthouse signal from white lights coming from air beacons. In 2001-2002 the state renovated the tower and keeper's house at a cost of $500,000. In 2004 the Fresnel lens was returned to the light station from the Marblehead Coast Guard Station, where it was previously on display. The Ottawa County Historical Society owns the original 1-story fieldstone keeper's house (3 miles (5 km) from the light on OH 163 in Marblehead. The lighthouse is now part of the 9 acre Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. The park features picnic tables and offers views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island and South Bass Island. The Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society operates the Marblehead Lighthouse Museum in the old keeper's house View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B08F09_044_1
Subjects: Lighthouses Ohio; Erie, Lake, Coast (Ohio); Marblehead Lighthouse (Ohio); National Register of Historic Places
Places: Marblehead (Ohio); Ottawa County (Ohio)
 

Description: Marblehead Lighthouse in Marblehead, Ohio, United States, is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes. It has guided sailors safely along the rocky shores of Marblehead Peninsula since 1822, and is an active aid to navigation. In 1819, the fifteenth U. S. Congress recognized the need for navigational aides along the Great Lakes, and set aside $5,000 for construction of a light tower at the entrance to Sandusky Bay. Contractor William Kelly built the 50 foot (15 m) tower of native limestone on the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula. The base of the tower is 25 feet (7.6 m) in diameter, with walls five feet (1.5 m) thick. It narrows to 12 feet (4 m) at the top with two-foot (0.6 m) thick walls. The turn of the century ushered in new technology as well as structural changes including the addition of another 15 feet (4.6 m) to the tower’s height. A clock-like mechanism was installed to rotate the lantern, creating the appearance of a brilliant flash of light every 10 seconds. This system required that the lighthouse keeper crank the weights every three hours through the night to keep the lantern turning. An improved Fresnel lens with prism surfaces created an even more brilliant beacon. An electric light finally replaced the kerosene lantern in 1923, dramatically increasing the intensity of the signal. During World War II, the lighthouse became strategically important for national defense. The last civilian lighthouse keeper resigned, and the United States Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the beacon in 1946. The beacon was automated in 1958. With its original finish tattered by time and harsh weather, the exterior of the lighthouse tower was given a fresh coat of new stucco the same year. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has maintained the property surrounding the lighthouse since 1972 and accepted ownership of the Marblehead Lighthouse tower in May 1998. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate and maintain the lighthouse beacon. Today’s 300 mm lens projects a green signal that flashes every six seconds and is visible for 11 nautical miles (20 km). The distinctive green distinguishes the lighthouse signal from white lights coming from air beacons. In 2001-2002 the state renovated the tower and keeper's house at a cost of $500,000. In 2004 the Fresnel lens was returned to the light station from the Marblehead Coast Guard Station, where it was previously on display. The Ottawa County Historical Society owns the original 1-story fieldstone keeper's house (3 miles (5 km) from the light on OH 163 in Marblehead. The lighthouse is now part of the 9 acre Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. The park features picnic tables and offers views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island and South Bass Island. The Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society operates the Marblehead Lighthouse Museum in the old keeper's house View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B08F09_045_1
Subjects: Lighthouses Ohio; Erie, Lake, Coast (Ohio); Marblehead Lighthouse (Ohio); National Register of Historic Places
Places: Marblehead (Ohio); Ottawa County (Ohio)