News from the Past
August 1968 The Beacon Lighthouse Vandalism.
Jim Fordham, Chantry Island Lighthouse caretaker reports that despite warnings people are still damaging the lighthouse property. In the latest incident a door was torn from its hinges, battery terminals broken loose and other equipment damaged. The R.C.M.P. have been notified and culprits are likely to face charges.
Ed. note:
The Chantry Island Lighthouse door has been replaced with a thick steel door with shielded lock preventing entry to vandals. Also, the window facing west on the second level has been bricked in so that entry there is not possible. For our project, there will be security cameras installed on the gallery level.
August 24th, 1878 Paisley Advocate
How the Long Dock was Constructed.
Life on Chantry Island -- A Young Girl's Memories. Don't miss this one. (Added January 21, 2000)
Some of John Weichel's Notes:
Who was Oscar Pulver? Why did his marker disappear? by John Weichel January 1996.
July 14th, 1855. A letter from A. G. Robinson to Thomas A. Begly detailing the placement of the Imperial Lighthouses. Mr Robinson would have been 38 at the time. He was born in Ireland and was a member of the Church of England (Anglican). He resided in Orillia at the time of the 1871 census.
Owen Sound December 31, 1857 A letter from A. G. Robinson to Thomas A. Beglay talking about Chantry Island and the Saugeen River mouth.
A letter from the land surveyor David Gibson March 23nd, 1854 describing some of the area and in particular the Saugeen River
A letter to Thomas Godfrey Supt. of Lighthouses from Thomas Begley Secretary describing the positions of proposed Lighthouses in the area from Point Clark to Georgian Bay. Not all of these were built and they did not conform to the specifications enclosed. Most were much taller when completed. The almost silly cost estimates are included. We note that Mr. Brown went broke trying to achieve something close to the costs anticipated.
The indefatigable A. G. Robinson sends in bills to his boss for the Lighthouse work. This also gives an idea of the number and type of men required on the jobs.
A. G. Robinson again writes to his boss. This time we learn of the frenetic day to day work of Robinson as he visits Chantry Island. He tells us exactly how the foundation of the Lighthouse is being constructed. Also, Captain Richardson's son drowns.
More letters from the energetic Mr. Robinson. Here he tells us that the Chantry Island Light is up to the 40 foot level.
The Imperial Lights near completion and the energetic Mr. Robinson writes to his boss about day to day details. We learn the he worries about rain into the Keeper's House on Chantry Island and also he would like chimney pots!
September 2000. Mr. Walter Griggs who summers in Port Elgin, was talking to Bob Chapman when he mentioned a strange small plaque that he had saved. It was mounted on a board with some antlers. It read Louis Sautter Paris. This was the manufacturers plaque. The lens and lantern room were constructed by this company in Paris France and shipped to Chantry Island. Mike Sterling found the 4 screw holes where the plaque fits on the lens pedestal just below the lantern room. Amazing return of an artifact, isn't it?
Circa 1941 or 1942. Art Knectal's father was the Lighthouse Keeper at this time and one of his daughters had a friend named June Minthorn. The picture shows her on the bow of Mr Knechtal's boat that was constructed just for the purpose of getting into the Keeper's Dock. The water was always shallow and dangerous. Note the narrow beam and shallow draft. Also of interest is the cover on the lens of the light that can be clearly seen. If it was not covered, it could cause fires on the ground. Also, note the boat shed that is now gone. You can also see the inset roof characteristic of Mr. Brown's constructions.
Duncan McGregor Lambert was the first resident Lighthouse Keeper on Chantry Island. Read about the story of "The Two Cows of Chantry Island".
