Your Vote for Cana Island Light Needed Now to Net a $25,000 Restoration Award
The Museum, the County of Door, and the Historic Structures Report project team have identified basic flaws in the current buildings that hinder access by the public, limit interpretation, and cause general degrading of the building fabric over time that will, if left unaddressed, result in the loss of historic integrity. To fulfill its mission to preserve Door County’s maritime history, the Museum requests your support to address building restoration needs to ensure that the facility is sound, appropriately maintained, and safe for future generations of visitors. Your vote for the restoration of Cana Island Light Station will not only secure $25,000 toward the cost of $910, 236, but will help fulfill a $303,412 matching grant recently awarded by the Jeffris Family Foundation.
On the 1976 National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form, the Statement of Significance testifies, “The Cana Island light has been fittingly described as ‘…one of the most picturesque on the Great Lakes.’” Cana Island Light Station is unique and historically interesting for many reasons:
Ø Although an island setting, the natural causeway allows walking access during most years (contingent on Lake Michigan levels). A total of 40,000 guests visit annually.
Ø Because the property has been occupied seasonally with periodic maintenance being done, it is in relatively decent shape when compared to the condition of other lighthouses.
Ø The property has been consistently accessible throughout its history.
Ø Steel metal sheeting encase Cana’s original Cream City brick tower; it is one of only two on the Great Lakes that has this encasement.
Ø The only stone hexagon-shaped oil house on the Great Lakes is on Cana Island.
Ø Cana Island’s 3rd order Fresnel lens is Wisconsin’s oldest, original and still operating lens.
Ø The inner and outer stone wall and ornate arched gates to Lake Michigan surround the tower, keeper’s house and other existing buildings; no other Great Lakes lighthouse offers this cultural landscape.
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