THUNDER BAY – Nestled along the rocky shores of Lake Superior, the lighthouses of the Great Lakes stand as silent sentinels, guiding mariners through treacherous waters for more than a century.
The Shaganash Island Lighthouse, a 9.4-metre (30.5-foot) tall structure, played a pivotal role in the development of Thunder Bay and the greater Lake Superior region. Built to guide vessels safely through the rock-strewn channels of Black Bay, the lighthouse has supported industries such as silver mining, pulpwood and fishing.
The Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior (CLLS) concluded their annual historical lecture series on Saturday at the Thunder Bay Museum with a talk on the Shaganash Island Lighthouse, located 54 kilometres from Thunder Bay.
The lighthouse’s historical significance was presented by Paul Morralee, managing director of CLLS, who shared the story of the Shaganash Lighthouse from its construction in the early 20th century to its designation as a heritage site under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.
The lighthouse is a symbol of maritime navigation and a reflection of the social and economic fabric of Thunder Bay. Morralee explained, “By the mid-20th century, the pulpwood industry had receded, and the lighthouse became a vital resource for the growing recreational boater traffic that continues to navigate the lake today.”
The Shaganash Lighthouse beacon now signals approximately 200 vessels each year, said Morralee.
The lecture also delved into the challenges faced by lighthouse keepers, who lived in isolation on remote islands, often with limited provisions. These keepers were responsible for maintaining the lighthouse and ensuring the safety of passing vessels. Morralee described their dedication and resilience as a testament to the human spirit.
In 2014, a group of enthusiastic volunteers embarked on a mission to restore the Shaganash Lighthouse, which had fallen into disrepair. The restoration project was a labour of love, said Morralee. Scraping and painting the lighthouse, clearing trails, and even building a proper outhouse for visitors to replace the “Thunder Box”. Despite facing numerous challenges, including environmental concerns related to lead paint and asbestos, the volunteers successfully restored the lighthouse and its neighbouring residence.
“When we started, the lighthouse was in a state of dilapidation,” Morralee recalled. “But through the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, we were able to bring it back to life. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together.”
Their efforts preserved a piece of history and galvanized the community, inspiring others to take an active role in preserving local heritage, he said.
“When you stand at the lighthouse, you’re not just looking at a structure; you’re standing in the footsteps of the lighthouse keepers who dedicated their lives to keeping mariners safe,” said Morralee.
“It’s a powerful experience that connects us to our past and inspires us to preserve it for future generations.”
For those who wish to experience the lighthouses firsthand, CLLS offers tours to the Shaganash Lighthouse and other sites, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to connect with the region’s maritime history.
The CLLS continues to engage the public through its annual lecture series and fundraising . On April 26, the organization will host a fundraising dinner at the Current River Community Recreation Centre, where attendees can learn more about the history of Lake Superior’s lighthouses and support ongoing preservation efforts.
