Toledo Harbor Lighthouse Ramp Found
By Sue Clark on Jul 2, 2009 in News 
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Underwater At Lighthouse
Toledo Lighthouse Society members and architects preparing to do restoration work found one of the presumed stolen boat ramps that disappeared from the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse this past April. As they dropped anchor in the waters next to the light, they hit something, and not the bottom. Divers from Toledo Fire and Rescue Operations and Jerusalem Township were in the area went in and found the 4 foot by 40 foot ramp that had been missing since April 11, slightly damaged but still in usable condition after some repairs. The ramp was thought to be removed for its aluminum content. The other 8 foot by 28 foot dock is still missing.
The Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association and the Toledo Harbor Society offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of the ramp and dock, but some, myself included, never thought it was taken away in the first place. Moving one of those would have required a crane and small barge, due to the weight. As it was, once it was located by the divers, it was taken to shore by workers from Meinke’s Marina, who had the equipment to haul something that size.
Still, Vandalism Was Involved
Since there had been no damage over the winter to either of the items, as checked on April 9, someone had to cut the bolts holding them in place. Thus it’s still a case of pointless vandalism. In fact even more so, since it was just completely malicious to do this to a volunteer group who’d raised money to have them installed for public access. When restoration work is completed, the Society plans to have keepers out there to show visitors the lighthouse.
While the Society may never know who did this, I would hope they and GLLKA leave up the offer of reward money. Somebody somewhere might talk one day. And in the meantime, while the weather is nice, it would be a good idea to start searching the area for the dock. I fully believe it’s in the water nearby, and between volunteer divers and maybe some sonar, just might be found. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have both back, even if a little the worse for wear? I certainly think so. Any volunteers? Pass the word on if you live nearby.
Original story is at The Press.
Photo credit: Toledo Harbor Lighthouse by rskettler on Webshots.
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4 Comment(s)
By Gary aka lighthousephoto on Jul 6, 2009 | Reply
Have they been able to determine whether or not the ramp was sunk as an act of vandalism?
By Sue Clark on Jul 6, 2009 | Reply
There’s been no official word on it, Gary. But a bolted on ramp doesn’t just break away for no apparent reason. So I’m inclined to think it was vandalism. Particularly since the ramp and dock were seen, in apparent good condition, two days earlier.
By tacogirl on Jul 7, 2009 | Reply
what a cool looking lighthouse
By Sue Clark on Jul 7, 2009 | Reply
Hi tacogirl.
Thanks for visiting.
Yes, it is a particularly pretty one, with its Romanesque design. It’s also famous for being “haunted.” But not really. After it was automated and the last Coast Guard keeper left, they put a mannequin in the tower to make it look like someone was there. Especially at night, it seemed “ghostly,” and people would freak out when they sailed by and saw the “ghost.”
Sounds like the Toledo Harbor Society ought to put the “ghostly keeper” back to discourage vandalism.