Usually the gate to the lighthouse is locked, and we peer through the fence longingly. On this late summer eve, the karmic scales tipped in our favor. Perhaps someone important had visited, perhaps the lawn was to be mowed. Carpe diem. We rushed in, and clanged the gate shut behind us.
Up close, we could see the details that were blurred from the other side of the gate...the pattern and patina of the door....
the cherub watching over the ships of the Great Lakes....
...we could see August, as it always does, stretching endlessly in a shimmering haze, and then suddenly, unexpectedly, gone.
In brief,
the Livingstone Lighthouse was built as a memorial to William Livingstone, president of the Lake Carriers Association for many years, leading Detroit banker (Dime Savings Bank), investor in the Detroit Publishing Company (along with his sons, who ran the company), owner of the house known as
"Slumpy", and horseman.....more on the lighthouse, and Livingstone's story and achievements later this week, in the next installment of "Named For Detroiters".
It is believed to be the only marble lighthouse in the US, and the only lighthouse designed by Albert Kahn.
This is my favorite lighthouse! Someone once told me this is the only Art Deco lighthouse in North America. If that's true, how cool is it that it's here on our island park.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, I never realized how ornate the door was. (Plus your four-legged beast adds a special touch.)
Charlie
thanks Charlie! It is true, according to expert commentator Dan at Buildings Of Detroit. I wonder what it's like inside? And the view from the top must be something!
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