2015 is a momentous year for the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light because it turns 90 years old on June 9. Once again, there will be a Community Open House to celebrate, which is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2015 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm. We’re expecting a big crowd this year with a lot of new visitors and many returning guests who will come to see the renovation progress.
But just what was going on in 1925 besides the first lighting of Fairport Harbor West? Well, Calvin Coolidge was inaugurated President and became the first President to have his inauguration ceremony broadcast nationally on radio. After operating the Sears catalog for nearly 40 years, Sears Roebuck opened its first retail store in Chicago, Illinois. The Chrysler Corporation was founded by Walter Percy Chrysler and the Roaring ‘20s or “flapper” fashions were gaining popularity among women’s clothing. F. Scott Fitzgerald published The Great Gatsby and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial was dedicated in South Dakota. It was generally a prosperous time in America and likely much less complicated than today’s high-tech, instant-gratification world.
As run-of-the-mill as it probably was back then to build and light another lighthouse in the Great Lakes region, even one located approximately ½ mile from shore, it’s still a remarkable accomplishment for the time. Particularly when you consider that the shell of Fairport Harbor West was made in a factory at the lighthouse depot in Buffalo, NY then transported via ship across Lake Erie and set into its current location on the custom-made square platform. Once there, workers finished the inside for occupancy, much like we’re doing now. They likely carried their supplies along the beach or used a small boat, which sounds very familiar. The weather back then surely could have kicked up some wind, waves and generally difficult conditions, just like it does today.
But by any measure, 90 years is a major milestone and one we hope to celebrate all year long at Fairport Harbor West. If you make it down the beach or out the breakwall for a visit – either during the Open House on June 6 or another time – you’ll get a nifty IFHWBL sticker to commemorate your journey.
So mark your calendars now for June 6, 2015 and the 4th Annual Community Open House. If you have flapper attire, it will be most welcome. If you can share trivia about the Calvin Coolidge presidency, we’d love to hear it. And if you’ve already visited Mount Rushmore, you’ll enjoy a tour of the lighthouse just as much.
