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Two Rivers Light
The Two Rivers Light (also known as the Two Rivers North Pierhead Light) is a lighthouse formerly located at the harbor entrance to Two Rivers, Wisconsin. It is now located in a museum in the city. History This light was preceded by a brick structure on shore, one and a half stories with a cupola.[2] This light was erected in 1852 and lasted only until 1858.[2] A project to improve the harbor was begun in 1870, including the construction in stages of a pair of breakwaters defining the entrance channel.[2] In 1886 a lighthouse was built at the end of the northern breakwater. A simple pyramidal wooden tower was constructed, consisting of a watch room on an open timber framework surmounted by the lantern.[2] A sixth-order Fresnel lens was provided as the light source, displaying a fixed red light.[4] This light contained no dwelling.[2] The Rawley Point Light keeper tended it, accessing the light via a long catwalk running the length of the pier.[3][4] The light was damaged in the first month of operation when a vessel struck the pier.[2] In 1907–1909 a dwelling and oil house were constructed on the site of the former shore light.[2] At the same time a fog bell was added to the light, its mechanism powered by a generator which was housed in a shed at the other end of the pier.[2] This arrangement was found unsatisfactory, and a diaphone was added sometime between 1926 and 1931.[2] During repairs in 1928 to fix storm damage, the light was rebuilt to run off electrical power.[3][2] It continued in operation until 1969, when it was replaced with a steel tower.[3][2] The older building was saved, however, and in 1975 the house portion was donated to the Rogers Street Fishing Village, a museum encompassing the old coast guard lifesaving station.[2][4] The old building now stands on a platform similar to its original foundation, though it is now surrounded by a raised walkway.[2] Unfortunately during the move the lens was broken, but a 2006 grant provided funds for its repair and restoration, and it was returned to display in 2009.[2]  References
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