Alcona Historical Society celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Sturgeon Point Life Saving Station

HARRISVILLE – Though the buildings are gone, the history of the Sturgeon Point Life Saving Station (SPLSS) remains. The United States Life Saving Service (USLLS) was created in 1871 to rescue mariners shipwrecked or in distressed along the U.S coastlines. Near shore shipping traffic was heavy. Massive storms, shallow waters, rocky reefs and on ship fires were the causes of many seafaring incidents. In 1876 a Station was built on the grounds where the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is today. SPLSS was one of the first five stations on the Lake Huron shore. In 1880 SPLSS helped in the rescue of the crew and passengers of the Marine City, a sidewheeler steamship. An exhibit on the grounds tells that story, along with other area shipwrecks. In 1913 the Lighthouse was put on 'no keeper' status and the Life Saving Station crew took on that responsibility as well. In 1915 the USLSS merged with the Revenue Cutter Service to become the modern-day Coast Guard. SPLSS was in operation until 1941 when the responsibilities were transferred to the Tawas Coast Guard Station. Over time the buildings were moved or torn down.

On Saturday, the Alcona Historical Society will celebrate the 150th anniversary of this station. From 11 -4 the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse and Bailey School museums, lighthouse tower, and gift shop will be open. (There is a fee to climb the tower, and children must be 48" tall.) The United States Coast Guard will have a boat on display. We will share the history of the station with lots of wonderful pictures of what was there. The K'Lorne Acres horses will also be at the park.

Descendants and relatives of USLSS surfman and keepers are encouraged to attend the celebration; and bring any pictures and artifacts of their family's history to share with others. A special celebration honoring the SPLSS crew will take place at 12:30. Descendants should register at the membership table near the gift shop.

We will have family-friendly activities at Sturgeon Point State Park, just north of Harrisville. There will be a variety of music including Dan Hall, Alcona County ukulele group and Joseph Agnew leading a patriotic sing- along celebrating America 250. Food will be available for purchase. Check out the Alcona Historical Society Facebook page for more details. Please come and visit Sturgeon Point State Park and enjoy a day full of history and fun.

Schedule of events:

Saturday, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

11:30 a.m. – Dan Hall, folk/maritime musician

12:30 p.m. – 150th Life Saving/Coast Guard Station Celebration with history and cake — Recognition of Descendants

1:15 p.m. – Sunrise Side Strummers Ukulele Concert, followed by Patriotic Sing-Along with Joseph Agnew.

Schedule subject to change

All day

– Keeper’s Quarters, Bailey School, Gift shop open

– Tower available to climb- $5 adults/$3 children must be 48″ tall

– U.S. Life Saving Station/Coast Guard outdoor exhibit

– U.S. Coast Guard boat on display

– K’Lorne Acres Horses

– Rock Painting for all ages

– Food tent with Hot dogs/Brats! Cookies!

– America 250 Scavenger Hunt