LIGHTHOUSE XXIII

FAIRPORT HARBOR/GRAND RIVER LIGHTHOUSE, OHIO

Order No. 136

HISTORY: This lighthouse was established in 1825. The 69 foot tower was first lit in 1871. It was deactivated in 1925. The original lens was a third-order Fresnel lens installed in 1871 when the current tower was built to replace the deteriorating first one. It protected the mouth of the Grand River. Due to the first lightkeeper’s strong views on abolition, the light has served as a guide for runaway slaves making a stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada and freedom.

The keeper’s quarters were built in 1871. The Village of Fairport Harbor and the Fairport Harbor Historical Society maintain the tower and buildings as a museum. The small museum, which was one of the first lighthouse museums established in the U. S., includes the pilothouse of the carrier "Frantenac." It can be seen on the right side of our design, attached to the keeper’s quarters. The tower is open to climbing. The Fresnel lens has been removed from the tower and is on display in the museum.

STITCHING INFORMATION: Stitch count: 185 stitches wide x 119 high. Our model was stitched on a 16" x 14" piece of which 16-count AIDA fabric. To use a different type of fabric or different AIDA sized fabric, give the stitch count to your fabric store and they will help you select the correct amount of fabric to complete this design. Our threads were carefully chosen to depict the actual colors of the lighthouse to give it the most realistic appearance possible.