Lighthouse Favorites - Longtail and Grassy Island
Green Bay Yachting Club, Inc.
Remnants of the First Lighthouse, Built: 1847-1848 & first lit 1848, Service: 1849 - 1859, attemped removal in 1870 ....
The Second Lighthouse, also on Long Tail, was a 2 1/2 story residence (near to & east of the1st light tower).
Light Service: 1859 - 1899 .... with the 6th order lens of the 1st light transfered to the 2nd Lighthouse, later
upgraded to a 4th order lens, & a fog bell added in 1890.
In 1929 the old house was severely damaged in a storm and in 1936 the keepers vacated the house and the
dwelling was sold ....
In 1899 a 3rd Lighthouse with fog bell was placed on a crib at the end of Long Tail Point. The fog bell was
upgraded to a compressed air fog signal in 1911 and, the Lighthouse was automated in 1936.
The Lighthouse was lost in a storm in 1973 . . . .
--- news reports say 75 mph winds and 12 foot waves destroyed the Lighthouse ---
A need for better navigational aid into the lower Fox River led to the Grassy Island Range Lights.
Establishment of these lights was met with many delays. A cut was dredged thru Grassy Island to
straighten the channel during 1866 to 1867. Eventually Lights and Dwelling were built in the spring
of 1872, and Lights first lit November 15, 1872, later automated in 1934, and decommissioned in 1966.
The Grassy Island Range Lights were relocated to GBYC in 1967 for Historical Preservation.
Check out the relocated Lights in the 1973 Harbor picture that follows and more.
- Lights relocated in 1967 as shown in this 1973 GBYC Harbor photo -
In 1998 and 1999 the Lights were finally relocated to a permanent location on a reinforced breakwall.
In 1999 - The Grassy Island Lighthouses were accepted into the Brown County WI Historic Register.
In 2004 - The Grassy Island Lighthouses were accepted into the Wisconsin State Historic Register.
In 2005 - The Grassy Island Lighthouses were accepted into the National Historic Register.
A dedication ceremony was held November 5, 2005 recognizing David Nelson and Merlin Baenen for
their key support, dedication, and continuing hard work for the preservation of the Grassy Island Lights.
- RESTORED - RESTORED - RESTORED - RESTORED - RESTORED - RESTORED - RESTORED - RESTORED -
Start of restoration on (shorter) North Light.
View from Clubhouse
Click any chart for an enlarged view.