|
|
The Braddock Point Light is just west of Braddock Bay. The light actually stands on nearby Bogus Point, which extends further into the lake. The light was built to guide ships traveling to and from Rochester, NY and the Welland Canal in Ontario. The ornate 110-foot tower and Victorian residence was completed in 1896.
The tower was equipped with a third-and-a-half order Fresnel lens, making it one of the brightest lights on Lake Ontario. The light was a copy of the Cleveland Light, which was torn down in 1895. The lens, lantern, and metal work were taken from that light. (Clifford, "19th Century Lights", p. 266)
The light was removed from service in 1954, and the Coast Guard removed the top two-thirds of the weather-beaten tower, due to structural damage. The house and tower fell into disrepair due to neglect and vandalism. 
In February 1986, Robert and Barbara Thulin, with their two sons, became the new owners. They lived in the house for two years before they felt ready to tackle the tremendous job that was ahead of them. For eight years, the remodeling went on: replacing structural walls and pocket-doors; making new moldings and replacing wainscoting. The work seemed endless, but finally the interior of the house was completed.
After many conversations with the United States Coast Guard, the time had come to erect the tower again. On February 28, 1998, the new tower was lit, and the Braddock Point light was officially an Aid to Navigation again! | |
|
|
|
|
|
