by Chloe Ellefson
of the Chloe Ellefson Mysteries
by Kathleen Ernst
Someone once said you can't go home again. I know I've sometimes broken my own heart by visiting a special place...only to discover that it isn't so special anymore.
Happily, there are exceptions to the rule. And one of those is Pottawatomie Lighthouse, in Rock Island State Park.
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| Welcome to the oldest light station on Lake Michigan. |
The island is located off the tip of Wisconsin's Door County peninsula, in Lake Michigan. Reaching the lighthouse requires two ferries and a mile walk, so you have to want to get there.
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| After taking a car ferry to Washington Island, a passenger ferry will take you to Rock Island. |
A few years ago I was hired as a consultant by the Rock Island Support Circle (RISC), a support group which had taken on the overwhelming task of restoring the abandoned lighthouse. I got to stay in the lighthouse, which was---for the most part---an awesome experience.
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| I stayed in the Master Keeper's bedroom. Here it is, all restored! |
Things did get a bit complicated when I found a dead body on the shore. I didn't think it had anything to do with me or my work...until it became clear that the killer wanted
me off the island.
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| The evening I arrived I found a body here, on the beach below the lighthouse. |
It was a terrifying experience to be sure. But I survived, more determined than ever to complete my furnishings plan, and help RISC restore the lighthouse and open it for guided tours.
This summer I had a chance to visit, and see how the project turned out. There are
so many ways a project like this can go wrong that I was a bit fearful. All I can say is this: the restoration is magnificent.
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| The lighthouse is restored to its 1912 appearance. |
If you're ever in northeast Wisconsin, I hope you take time to visit Pottawatomie Lighthouse. Listen to stories about some of the early keepers.
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| For many years, every drop of water needed at the lighthouse was carried 154 steps up from the lake. |
Get a glimpse of what lighthouse service was like from 1836 - 1946.
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| The best thing to arrive on supply boats was a new library trunk! |
Explore the magnificent 1858 structure. (The original 1836 lighthouse was replaced.)
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| Docents will guide you through the building. |
Climb to the light room.
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| The view makes the climb worthwhile! |
And allow enough time to explore Rock Island. There are no roads on the island, just foot trails.
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| Trillium---one of many wildflowers on the island. |
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| Explore Rock's deserted shoreline. |
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| Wander through this meadow and imagine the lively village of fishermen and their families once found here. |
Have you ever visited a lighthouse? Do you find them as compelling as I do? Please share your thoughts and travel tips!
*****
Author Kathleen Ernst has had the privilege of serving as a live-in docent at Pottawatomie Lighthouse for the past eight years. The Light Keeper's Legacy, the third volume in the Chloe Ellefson series, won the Lovey Award for Best Traditional Mystery at Love Is Murder.
GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below by midnight on June 19th for a chance to win a copy of The Light Keeper's Legacy. Please include your email (such as reader -at- reader.com). Good luck!
To learn more about the Chloe Ellefson series, please visit Kathleen's website.
Posts
I'd love to visit a lighthouse and the book sounds like one way to do it! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletekaren(dot)kenyon(at)rogers(dot)com
My pleasure, Karen!
DeleteI've never visited a lighthouse but I would love to read this book—thanks for the chance to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteskkorman AT bellsouth DOT net
Good luck!
DeleteYes! Michigan still has so many lighthouses. Their history and dedication of their workers are wonderful stories. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Maryland, never realizing what fascinating lighthouse history remains all around the great lakes. So many stories!
DeleteI grew up in Duluth MN listening to the fog horn from the Splitrock Lighthouse. Lighthouses are so fascinating.
ReplyDeletekpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
I've never toured Splitrock, I'm sorry to say. It's on my list. And...there's nothing like the found of a foghorn, is there?
DeleteI visited a lighthouse in Pensacola, FL, and loved it! lkleback@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI haven't visited any lighthouses in Florida. Maybe one day!
DeleteI would la la LOVE to read this, thank you for the chance to win it. And I live 5 minutes from a lighthouse :)
ReplyDeleteheatheranne99 at gmail dot com
Very cool, Heather!
DeleteI've been to a couple of lighthouses over the years.
ReplyDeletesgiden at verizon(.)net
Each one has unique stories, which makes for fun tours. Good luck!
DeleteThe pictures make me want to travel up to Lake Superior and go to Splitrock Lighthouse again. I so love the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks on the North Shore.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I haven't toured Splitrock, but I love Lake Superior. Years ago my husband and I circled the lake. Very special.
DeleteFunny that we New Englanders think we have the market cornered on historical lighthouses. Who knew there were lighthouses away from the coast? I love reading about old lighthouses and efforts to restore them. Nice work Chloe. mlarkin at rmrgroup dot com
ReplyDeleteMary Louise, having grown up in Maryland, I must confess that the Great Lakes history came as a revelation when I moved to the Midwest! Different, but equally fascinating.
DeleteWhat marvelous pictures. I want to go there, although I'm not quite sure about the mile walk. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletesallycootie@gmail.com
So glad you enjoyed the photos! It's a beautiful place.
DeleteI enjoyed this fascinating post and the great photos. What a beautiful setting. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWe feel privileged to get to spend time there.
DeleteAwesome pictures! I've visited the light house on Tybee Island and St. Simons Island, Georgia. Don't know if I could climb the steps now, but the view is worth it!
ReplyDeletejawdance@yahoo.com
Judy, I'm definitely slowing down on the stairs to the tower myself. But it is indeed worth the climb.
DeleteI do find lighthouses interesting and beautiful. Most recently, I visited the one in Tybee. Thanks for the chance to win. Dmskrug3(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteDaniele, I have to look up Tybee. I'm not familiar with that one.
DeleteI've never visited a lighthouse before, but feel like I have now. The pictures are lovely and have definitely put looking at old lighthouses on my travel radar! Thanks so much for sharing! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteCelia, so glad you enjoyed the post!
DeleteIt is hard for us to imagine what life was like back then, isolated on an island with a lighthouse.
ReplyDeletelibbydodd at comcast dot net
Libby, I think about that a lot. It's beautiful, but they must have felt the isolation, especially during period of just one family--or even just one man--at the station.
DeleteI have never visited one but I think ot would great to actually see one
ReplyDeleteEach is unique, with unique stories. Hope you can visit one!
DeleteI have always wanted to visit a lighthouse. I imagine being in the dark, unsure of my surroundings and wondering if I will find direction, and then, the beacon of light there to guide me to safety. Oh, what relief and assurance!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great post and giveaway.
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
My pleasure, Connie. I've often wondered if part of the fascination so many people feel for lighthouses is the symbolism of a light in the darkness, but literal and figurative.
DeleteOh, I wan to visit, I live in Seymour Wisconsin 17 miles from Green Bay Wisconsin so not too terribly far from rock island!!!!! Donamaekutska7@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteDonamae, I do hope you can plan a trip! In addition to the lighthouse there's a gorgeous Icelandic-style boathouse to explore, and lots of trails.
DeleteI would love to win this book. I have seen lots and lots of lighthouses but I haven't been to Wisconsin yet.
ReplyDeleteGayle, good luck! And I do hope you make it to Wisconsin--it's a beautiful state.
DeleteI love lighthouses and the photos you shared are great. Would love to win this book.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Pam!
DeleteI have never been in a lighthouse. I don't do well with small spaces.
ReplyDeletecjreynolds52(at)comcast(dot)net
The tower would not be for you, then! But it's still a gorgeous spot to visit.
DeleteThx for writing 1 of my fave topics in mysteries. I am a fan of lighthouses,need to put wisconsin on the list to visit. Your chloe series is going on my list this year to read! Please consider me for the free copy in your giveaway. I am going to let others i kno about your books!
ReplyDeleteNina, thanks so much. Word of mouth is the best gift you can give a writer. :>) And do come visit Wisconsin if you can!
DeleteI love lighthouses and would love to tour them.thanks for the chance and for your great books
ReplyDeletelhxp73@yahoo.com
Thanks, Deb!
DeleteI love lighthouses and would love to tour them.thanks for the chance and for your great books
ReplyDeletelhxp73@yahoo.com
I would love to win this book. I'm a big fan of Lighthouses. One year my husband & I took a circle lighthouse tour, we started in Wisconsin, then to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan & then came down. It was such an interesting & an exciting trip, seeing how lightkeepers live & seeing how the lights work to keep our ships safe. I have a collection of Lighthouse books, Lighthouses ^ Lighthouse Plates. lindamay4852@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteLinda May, I'm sure you've seen more than I have then! Each has it's own stories...would love to do a tour like that one day.
DeleteI love lighthouses. I'm originally from Michigan and have seen many lighthouses along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. I have toured the lighthouse at Whitefish Point in Michigan and it was really interesting to see how the light keeper and his family used to live. Looking forward to reading more about lighthouses in your book. Definitely adding to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteForgot to leave my email: diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteForgot to leave my email: diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love lighthouses. I'm originally from Michigan and have seen many lighthouses along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. I have toured the lighthouse at Whitefish Point in Michigan and it was really interesting to see how the light keeper and his family used to live. Looking forward to reading more about lighthouses in your book. Definitely adding to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dianne! I hope you enjoy.
DeleteI've lived in Maine for 31 years and am writing a book about the Native Americans in southern Maine (Almouchiquois, Aucocisco, Pequawket, etc.). I'd love to have a copy of your book! My email address is studebaker11@maine.rr.com.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating topic you're working on.
DeleteI have always wanted to visit a lighthouse but I have never had the chance. utaker555@gmail.com
ReplyDeletePerhaps you can visit within the pages of a book while waiting for a chance to visit in person. :>)
DeleteI love lighthouses-I can't always get to the top, but I'd love to stay overnight in one if I could.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, we've stayed in two lighthouses in the UP that have been turned into B&Bs.
DeleteI enjoyed the pictures and the blog. Thanks so much for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletemarlene.ezell@gmail.com
You're welcome! Good luck.
DeleteI didn't realize how long Ernst has been involved with that lighthouse. Love the great pics and stories she tells. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteJHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
Good luck! So glad you enjoy the stories.
DeleteThere is something mysterious about lighthouses, even without a body.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
There absolutely is. :>)
DeleteYes here in Northern California we have Point Pinos which is the only Northern coast lighthouse run by a woman at one time. It is beauitfully restored to its full glory. Also Pigeon Point near Davenport is a amazing place, right on the cliffs and you can spend the night. It's thrilling to be in the originally restored rooms and to see the light. These two are near me so I go often. I love these books because I adore everything about Lighthouses. Thank you for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteLexie, I haven't had the chance to visit any lighthouses on the west coast--will try to get to those two one day!
DeleteI loved this post & hope to start reading this series soon. The photos were terrific. I got to visit lighthouses along the outer banks & in St. Augustine, Florida in the early 80's. Thanks for the chance to win. doward1952@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the post, Doward. I hope you enjoy meeting Chloe.
DeleteI live in California and there is a working one in San Francisco Bay that's also a B&B an one that now is a hostel. I've been to several ones along our long besutiful Coast. My sons say mom breaks for lighthouses, rainbows and fields of sunflowers.Ruth Nixon ruthenixon@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteI like the way you think!
DeleteI absolutely adore Door County and no matter where I travel I look for lighthouses! I would love to "escape" in your book. btresemer@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLast year I saw a New England lighthouse, but my favorites are still in Wisconsin.
Door County is a very special place. And in my opinion, the islands are the most special part of Door County. :>)
DeleteYes I have visited lighthouse's, I love them. I find them interesting, romantic and mysterious. I grew up at the NJ shore, but spent almost all holidays in the New England area. L ove the sea and lighthouse's
ReplyDeletedebbiec1313@yahoo.com
Debbie, my mom grew up near Absecon, NJ. One day I'd love to write a book set on the Jersey shore.
DeleteWe have a lighthouse near here. It is currently in a state park. It is haunted and there is a book for people to write down their experiences! Cheers@marjimmanor.com
ReplyDeleteOoh, sounds fascinating! Supposedly Pottawatomie lighthouse is haunted, but we've spent over two months total living there, and never seen or heard a thing.
DeleteThank you for this opportunity to win you book. I love lighthouses. They are mysterious romantic and gives hope to everyone.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, I think you caught it--they are symbols of hope for everyone.
DeleteWow! Talk about reeling me into a blog post! Wow! What a beautiful island! How many of us dream and long for our own private space where we can wander freely and breathe fresh air, drinking in beauty like that! Oh, how I love history. If this post is a tiny glimpse into what your writing is like, or how much I'd enjoy the book, SIGN ME UP! :) Laurel Morrell laureljoy72@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Laurel! You're entered. Sounds like we have a lot in common. :>)
DeleteGreat pics and story. Love lighthouse and their stories whether fictional or real.
ReplyDeleteAlways wanted to be an lighthouse keeper.
Thanks for the article.
Carol Smith
penelope223(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks! You're entered.
DeleteRuthAnn and I visited lighthouses everywhere we went that had one. There are many along the Washington - Oregon coast. I got a book of all the lighthouses and mean to visit all of them. I would love to see this one, but the mile walk might be prohibitive. I really enjoy the Chloe books.
ReplyDeletePam. Grnypam@gmail.com
Pam, I'm so glad you enjoy the Chloe books. I've got lots more photos on my website so readers can do some armchair travel.
DeleteWhat a great post. I love the pictures that go with it. My friend Denise told me about this series, and I'm working through it! Thanks for the chance at a book.
ReplyDeletefrybbe@gmail.com
Laura, I'm glad you enjoyed the post and photos! Since I write about real places, it's nice to let readers visit the sites vicariously.
DeleteWould love to read this! Love lighthouses and their histories. Visited one over on the coast a few years ago that has a gift shop some do not sure which one it was Meares or Hecta. I saw a burlap sack with orange & white "fur" sticking out of a couple ragged holes. The top was tied with twine and a "cats" tail was sticking out. You squeeze the bag the recording says with a woman's voice. "John take out the cat" and then you hear a 'meorw' and a hiss hiss. Tooo funnnyy! Called over one of my friends. Squeezed it. It did it's thing - with a little bouncing up and down. After she stopped laughing she went to the car and called in Mary who didn't want to go into the shop. As she came in a tour bus stopped and several passengers from over seas trooped in. Many Japanese. One approached as I squeezed the burlap bag for Mary. That person, laughing, turned and called over some of the others and we all stood there for several minutes and squeezed and laughed. Always regretted not buying that. I laugh every time I think of it. We live mid Willamette Valley Oregon and go over to the coast for a couple of days every other year or so. Most of ours are still active. deepotter@peoplepc.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a hoot! :>)
DeleteI've only visited the Oregon coast once, and love it--I hope to get back one day.
I live along the northeast corner of Ohio, along the shore of Lake Erie. We are blessed to have several lighthouses with a short distance from us. There is so much history behind the lighthouses that they definitely make an excellent item for a story plot. Thank you for the opportunity to enter the giveaway for Chloe Ellefson's newest book. robeader53@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteRobin, I've driven through your area many times, but haven't had a chance to linger. Next time I'll try to leave some extra time!
DeleteThis sounds so interesting. Wow to live in a lighthouse!! just amazing. thanks for the opportunity to win this book that is going on my tbr pile. kayt18(at)comcast(dot)net
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kay! Good luck.
DeleteHi! I've been to Hooper Strait lighthouse in St Michaels, Md. It's on a mile wide strait that connects to the Chesapeake bay. Capt. John Smith named the strait and there used to be lots of pirates on one of the islands. I live near Annapolis. So pretty here. Thanks for the chance and look forward to reading your books!
ReplyDeleteJoan, I grew up in Maryland and so have a special place in my heart for the Bay and the eastern shore. I haven't visited Hooper Strait, though! I'll put it on my list.
DeleteI would love to tour a lighthouse, the hold so many memories! I'd close my eyes and just welcome the chance to see one. I think there is something so spiritual about guiding life to shore, these keepers were truly unsung heroes!
ReplyDeleteadolehanty@gmail.com
I absolutely agree. I think of the Keepers at Pottawatomie before the phone line went in--if they saw a vessel in distress, they couldn't even call for help, and they were the only people living on Rock Island for part of that era.
DeleteHI Kathleen, thank you for the giveaway. I have visited Split Rock lighthouse by Duluth,MN. Was very interesting the history of the area and the lighthouse and the people who served there. Somehow I have to read this book, hopefully by the giveaway. Georgia queenvictoria50@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI love the North Shore, but somehow have not yet visited Splitrock! It's high on my list.
DeleteI love traveling local (Im in N.E.Wi) in my state and Michigan..seeing the old lighthouses is just a bonus...love traveling the backroads,not the highway..you miss too much that way...wonderful pictures.thank you for sharing..oh..I love old barns too
ReplyDeleteRosemary, we obviously have a lot in common! I love the UP.
DeleteSimply beautiful!! Now I want to plan a trip to the lighthouse!! Would love to win the book! Thank you for a wonderful giveaway!! My name is Susan and my email is: Pucsbride13@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Susan! Good luck.
DeleteI read the Laura wilder one, it was so good! I want to read them all. Donamaekutska7@gmal.com
ReplyDeleteDonamae, so glad you enjoyed the Laura book! I hope you enjoy this one just as much.
DeleteIt is a,dream of mine to someday visit Wisconsin and all the places you have made come alive for me in your books.
ReplyDeleteMerry Lu, you just made my day! One of my goals for the series was to introduce these wonderful places to readers. I try to provide lots of resources for armchair travel on my website, but nothing beats visiting in person. Hope you can visit one day!
DeleteI've always wanted to visit a lighthouse. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletesharonbabyme@yahoo.com
My pleasure, Julie! Good luck.
DeleteI would love to visit the lighthouse in your book, reading the book will make me feel like I have.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol!
DeleteI'd love to visit and tour a lighthouse but have not traveled to any location where one might be. I live in the Midwest. dbahn@iw.net
ReplyDeleteHi Dianne - I hope The Light Keeper's Legacy will let you visit in your mind's eye. And I have lots more photos on my website.
DeleteWould love to visit..Next best thing is to read about it..Books are mind candy and no calories...
ReplyDeleteWrite on..
Sandra Beck
selahwoman@gmail.com
Books can take us anywhere! Love your "mind candy" line. So much fun and no calories!
DeleteI was fascinated when I found out about light houses on the Great Lakes when I drove to Madison for WISCON with my daughter several years ago, along with being surprised at how huge the Great Lakes really are! I also adore travelling by book!
ReplyDeleteI am not native to the Midwest, so like you, experiencing the Great Lakes for the first time was memorable. My husband and I drove around Lake Superior once, and the Canada section is quite remote!
DeleteArrgh, I forgot to add my email to my previous post: rose.reith@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLove the info in your post as well as the pictures. I have visited several lighthouses in the South, they are fascinating! Thanks for the giveaway too. davisel1830@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure! Good luck.
DeleteI've had a chance to see a couple of lighthouses, but only from the outside. So fun to see inside one here! inkylou at hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the photos!
DeleteI love lighthouses! I don't know if I have ever actually been in one, though. We visited Door County and they had some pictures of one of the lighthouses there all covered in ice after a bad winter storm. Wow! I would love to win the book.
ReplyDeleteElaineE246 at msn dot com
You could spend a week just visiting the lighthouses in Door County! Good luck.
DeleteCongratulations to Doward Wilson, winner of a personalized copy of The Light Keeper's Legacy. Thanks to everyone who left a comment!
ReplyDelete