In 1829 when the first Welland Canal was finished, the first lighthouse stood on the southeast end of a 1,200 foot pier constructed out into the lake from the first lock. This pier was extended southward and a new light was built on this extension in 1844. This light worked in conjunction with the first lighthouse to form range lights that guided vessels into the canal. By 1879 the main light, which was deteriorating, was replaced by a white wooden gallows tower with an enclosed staircase. By the end of the century, rot was causing the light and pier to fall into disrepair and funds were appropriated for major harbour improvements.
In 1903, a square white tower made of reinforced concrete known as the inner or main light was erected on the east end of new breakwall. It was visible for 12 miles standing at fifty feet above the water level. It was outfitted with a keosene vapour lamp. The flash of white light was created by the rotation of a metal reflector on a bed of mercury. The engine room, also known as the watchroom, housed the oil-engine-driven generators for the foghorn and was attached to the base of the tower.
In 1927 a south branch breakwall, constructed in Port Maitland from box-like concrete compartments and sunk into place, was added to the east-west breakwall. The outer light or foghorn lighthouse was erected at the end of this extension in 1928. The old air foghorn was removed from the main light and a type F diaphone was housed in the outer light. It was air-operated from compressors located inside. The electricity to operate the compressors was transmitted from the main light to the outer light via a cable along the breakwall. Red glass was placed in front of its reflector producing a fixed red light. A tunnel in the new breakwall was used by the keeper to go to and from the outer light safely in stormy or icy conditions.
In 1943 the radio beacon was added as well as a two-storey wooden frame keepers dwelling. The aerial was a 120 foot steel tower at the southwest corner of the main lighthouse.
In 1954 submarine power cables were laid across the harbour to the lighthouse which provided commercial electricity. The generators were kept in working order in case of power failure.
In 1971 the foghorn was automated and a new horn was installed which produced a high pitched sound when fog, rain, or snow reduced visibility to 3 miles.
The original lighthouse keeper was Jason Sherk. Al Kendrick was the longest serving lightkeeper with 35 years of service. His wife, Isabelle, acted as assistant keeper from 1947 to 1951 but was not renumerated since she was family. In 1952 the assistant keeper was George Parker. A second assistant was hired in 1958 which allowed the rotation of duties for time ashore. Jack Bonisteel took over when Al Kendrick retired. He was the last keeper to man the light until 1986.
In 1903, a square white tower made of reinforced concrete known as the inner or main light was erected on the east end of new breakwall. It was visible for 12 miles standing at fifty feet above the water level. It was outfitted with a keosene vapour lamp. The flash of white light was created by the rotation of a metal reflector on a bed of mercury. The engine room, also known as the watchroom, housed the oil-engine-driven generators for the foghorn and was attached to the base of the tower.
In 1927 a south branch breakwall, constructed in Port Maitland from box-like concrete compartments and sunk into place, was added to the east-west breakwall. The outer light or foghorn lighthouse was erected at the end of this extension in 1928. The old air foghorn was removed from the main light and a type F diaphone was housed in the outer light. It was air-operated from compressors located inside. The electricity to operate the compressors was transmitted from the main light to the outer light via a cable along the breakwall. Red glass was placed in front of its reflector producing a fixed red light. A tunnel in the new breakwall was used by the keeper to go to and from the outer light safely in stormy or icy conditions.
In 1943 the radio beacon was added as well as a two-storey wooden frame keepers dwelling. The aerial was a 120 foot steel tower at the southwest corner of the main lighthouse.
In 1954 submarine power cables were laid across the harbour to the lighthouse which provided commercial electricity. The generators were kept in working order in case of power failure.
In 1971 the foghorn was automated and a new horn was installed which produced a high pitched sound when fog, rain, or snow reduced visibility to 3 miles.
The original lighthouse keeper was Jason Sherk. Al Kendrick was the longest serving lightkeeper with 35 years of service. His wife, Isabelle, acted as assistant keeper from 1947 to 1951 but was not renumerated since she was family. In 1952 the assistant keeper was George Parker. A second assistant was hired in 1958 which allowed the rotation of duties for time ashore. Jack Bonisteel took over when Al Kendrick retired. He was the last keeper to man the light until 1986.