NORTHPORT -- More than 50 years of harsh weather has taken a toll on the windows and doors of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. The 150-year-old building last had the 50 windows and six doors replaced when the U.S. Coast Guard took over operations just over a half century ago.
That is why Stefanie Staley, executive director of the historic facility now owned by the State of Michigan and managed by the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, was thrilled when she learned that the location has been one of 12 selected nationally to compete in the Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative.
If chosen, the lighthouse located in Leelanau State Park, would be the recipient of historically accurate and technologically superior new windows and doors provided by the Initiative sponsor, Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors of Klamath, Ore.
"We found out about the contest and had to apply," said Staley who noted that the Lighthouse is in very good condition, with the exception of the windows and doors.
"This is definitely something that we have been needing. It would be a great advantage to us," Staley said.
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse, chosen to participate from a group of 65 individual nominations representing 49 of the nation's most historic lighthouses, will be vying for the award that has previously been awarded to the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse on Chesapeake Bay in Md., Wind Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan in Wis. and the Umpqua River Lighthouse in Ore.
Candidates up for consideration this year include Baltimore Harbor Lighthouse, Bodie Island Light Station in N.C., Cedar Island Lighthouse in N.Y. and the New Canal Lighthouse in La.
"It was difficult to select from the great nominations we received," said Lynne Butterworth, lighthouse project manager for Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors.
"What we liked about the Grand Traverse Lighthouse was the great organization behind it and that it has been restored to a historic period," Butterworth said.
The Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative recognizes that it takes more than new windows and doors to keep a historic lighthouse up and running.
"We like that this location is very well cared for and one of the few remaining things still needed to complete their restoration is windows and doors," said Butterworth, noting that the Initiative began as a way to demonstrate Jeld-Wen windows, but has turned into much more.
"This contest helps show the plight of lighthouses across the nation and how community support is required to maintain them," she said.
One way the northern Michigan community can support their local candidate is to log on to Jeld-Wen's Web site, www.jeld-wen.com/lighthouse, and cast a vote. While the winner of the competition is not solely decided by votes, a strong showing of community support is essential for the eventual winner, to be named on September 7. Lighthouse supporters are also invited to share favorite photos and videos of the finalists.
For more information on the Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative and the 12 lighthouse candidates, visit www.jeld-wen/lighthouse.
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