Lake Superior is known for its rough waters, and coastal towns are in need of life-saving assistance. With new technological advances and longer ranges, the U.S. Coast Guard eventually decommissioned some of its smaller stations, such as the Eagle Harbor Lifesaving Station that served the Keweenaw Peninsula from 1915 to 1950. Years later, the Keweenaw County Historical Society has owned the site, and it is one of several museums that preserve local history.
“This has allowed us to receive many mementos, including one gold medal from the Anthony Graza family who was involved in the rescue. The Portage and Eagle Harbor were involved in the rescue of the LC Waldo at Keweenaw Point in 1913. Both departments followed the survivors of that wreck to the wreck site. I spent about 90 hours there in below freezing temperatures. We were bombarded by weather and heavy waves on board, and both departments received gold medals for their efforts.” – Mark Rowe, Keweenaw County Historical Society Director
Over the weekend, the Keweenaw County Historical Society will be hosting an open house at Eagle Harbor Lifesaving Station, inviting the community to explore the grounds, the boats and the extensive records relating to the men who served at the station. The day will also feature tours by the U.S. Coast Guard Portage Station and the Keweenaw County Sheriff, according to KCHS board member Mark Rowe. There will also be three presentations covering the history of the site, the historical society’s recent activities and a special guest presentation by BMC Maria R. Collett of Portage Station.
The local Portage Coast Guard Station will be sending out a 25-foot jet-propelled boat. They will be here at about 1 o’clock and will be doing a tour of the pier for the public. There will also be three short speakers at about 1 o’clock. One from the Keweenaw County Historical Society, one from the Coast Guard and one from the local town mayor. – Mark Rowe, Keweenaw County Historical Society Board Member
The Eagle Harbor Lifesaving Station and Keweenaw County Historical Society open house begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. Rowe said daytime presentations will begin after 1 p.m. Eagle Harbor Lifesaving Station is located at 9199 Marina Road in Eagle Harbor, near Eagle Harbor Marina. More information about the Keweenaw County Historical Society can be found here. More information about the open house can be found here.
