Oswego Gets Deed To West Pierhead Lighthouse
By Sue Clark on May 12, 2009 in News 
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Repairs Expected to Exceed $2 Million
After waiting more than two years, the West Pierhead LIghthouse has been transferred to the city of Oswego, New York. Unlike Port Huron officials, this transfer has city officials beaming. Working with the H, Lee White Museum, the transfer dragged on while a lease was negotiated with the Army Corps of Engineers, who own the breakwall where the lighthouse sits. The deed giving the city title to the 75-year-old West Pierhead lighthouse was filed May 8 at the Oswego County Clerk’s office. “It’s good to have ownership,” said Oswego Mayor Randy Bateman in a story at Syracuse.Com.
The immediate concern is the mess left by the birds, which have infiltrated the light station. That, and the fact there has been no maintenance for fifteen years since the light was automated by the Coast Guard. The immediate work will cost around $500,000 but the city and museum have a grant for $250,000 in hand from the New York State Canal Corp. to get started. Besides the birds, painting will be a priority.
No Access Yet For Public
Eventually, maybe five years down the road, there will be access to the lighthouse. But for now, it’s pretty much inaccessible, even with the breakwater. The city and museum will be thinking about harbor cruises by the light. And when the lighthouse does open up its doors for occasional tours, it will certainly not be for the “faint of heart or those out of shape,” said Mary Vanouse, the city’s community development director. With its narrow stairs, slim ladders and tight passage ways, the lighthouse won’t be accessible to everyone. A kiosk at the museum will provide information to visitors about the lighthouse and its history.
Museum director Mercedes Neiss indicated that area colleges, including the State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse and State University College at Oswego are considering establishing weather and lake monitoring stations in the lighthouse.
After seeing red about Port Huron’s refusal to take ownership of its historic lighthouse, this story completely inspired me. It is great to know that at least one city on the Great Lakes knows how to do it right. Congratulations Oswego, on your lighthouse, and we wish you much fundraising success.
Photo Credit: West Pierhead Lighthouse by BMcgann1. Some rights reserved.
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