[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 173 (Thursday, October 26, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIG SABLE LIGHTHOUSE

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                           HON. BILL HUIZENGA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2017

  Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th 
anniversary of the Big Sable Lighthouse. For a century and a half, the 
Big Sable Lighthouse has been lighting up the eastern shores of Lake 
Michigan. On November 1, the people of Ludington will celebrate this 
momentous occasion.
   In July 1866, Congress appropriated funds for a new lighthouse to be 
constructed along the shores of Lake Michigan's Big Sable Point. 
Completed in 1867, the 112 foot yellow brick structure was later 
covered with steel plates to withstand the harsh elements of the 
lakeshore.
   After 100 years of service, the lighthouse was finally 
decommissioned in 1968--whereupon it fell into disrepair. Without 
upkeep, Big Sable was deemed unsalvageable by the U.S. Coast Guard in 
1986. Thankfully, a few intrepid businessmen positioned sandbags in 
front of the lighthouse and residence, shoring up the weathered 
seawall. These men would later found the Sable Points Lighthouse 
Keepers Association, whose efforts preserve and promote the now 
accessible tower.
   Today, the lighthouse has been completely restored and opens daily 
for visitors to climb. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 
the 150 years that Big Sable has been lighting the shores of Lake 
Michigan. I welcome them to make the two mile hike to Big Sable Point 
and see what West Michigan has to offer.

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