7 Erieus Street
Port Burwell, Ontario Canada N0J-1T0
Phone (519) 874-1190 Fax (519) 874-1291
Between 8:00 AM & 5:00 PM Cell Phone (519) 209-6745
E-Mail: blozon@amtelecom.net
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7 Erieus Street
Port Burwell, Ontario Canada N0J-1T0 Phone (519) 874-1190 Fax (519) 874-1291 Between 8:00 AM & 5:00 PM Cell Phone (519) 209-6745 E-Mail: blozon@amtelecom.net
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The lighthouse was erected by the government in 1840, making it the oldest lighthouse on the north shore of Lake Erie and one of the oldest wooden lighthouses in Canada. The lighthouse is 17 metres high. The structure is a simple classic eight-sided design. Large Douglas fir and pine timbers rise the full height to form the framework. The exterior is lapstrake siding. There is a wooden interior staircase to the lantern room. The original fixed, the original "Fresnel" lens, manufactured in France, is still in place. The light was fuelled by a whale oil lamp and later, kerosene was used until it was eventually replaced by electricity. Thomas Bellairs was the first lighthouse keeper. However, in 1852, Alexander Sutherland became lightkeeper for 21 years. He began a family tradition of lighthouse keepers in Port Burwell that was to continue for 100 years. Three of Alexander's sons and two grandsons followed in his footsteps, one succeeding the other until 1952. At this time, Jack Hayward took over for 3 years while John Sutherland was in the army. John came back as lightkeeper until the lighthouse was put out of official service in 1963. The Port Burwell light was the only marker on Lake Erie west of Long Point. It was extremely vital to the many ships moving along the lake for finding a safe harbour from the fierce Lake Erie storms. In 1986, area Mennonite craftsmen were commissioned to refurbish the lighthouse working with similar 19th century hand tools originally used in its construction. However, much of the original post and beam construction joined by wooden pegs remains in place. While no longer an "official light", the light is kept burning behind the original lens in recognition of its historical importance to early shipping along the north shore. Now under the ownership of the amalgamated Municipality of Bayham, it is tenderly cared for by the Port Burwell Historical Society. During the tourist season, visitors can climb the 55 steps to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the harbour and lake. The Marine Museum
The museum is directly across from the lighthouse and houses one of the finest collections of lighthouse lenses and pier markers. Included is the large, third order rotating fresnel lens and working mechanism of the old Long Point light. Also exhibited are ship models and many other marine artifacts related to the history of Lake Erie. The museum and lighthouse are open to the public from Victoria Day until Labour Day and is closed Mondays until July 1st. The History of Port Burwell The village is named after Col. Mahlon Burwell, who was a good friend and land surveyor for Col. Talbot, who managed the early settlement of this area. Col. Burwell was awarded large land grants for his services which included the site of Port Burwell. Due to large stands of hardwoods to the north around Vienna, Port Burwell harbour became an important port for the shipment of timber. This timber also provided materials needed for a flourishing ship building industry. Records show that 77 sailing ships were built at Port Burwell in the 19th century. The Big Otter Creek has played a major role in the settlement of the area and continues to play a significant role in the economy of the village. The port has always been recognized for its commercial fishing industry and although some commercial fishing is done out of the port, it is now a popular area for sports fishing. The coming of the railroad around 1900 increased the importance of the harbour for the shipping of coal from Pennsylvania. Port Burwell's past has provided the village with many grand old homes and several churches, the most significant of which is the Trinity Church built with funds provided by Col. Burwell in 1836. It is surrounded by an old cemetery containing the remains of many of the first settlers, including United Empire Loyalists. A self-guided historic tour brochure is available from the museum and lighthouse. For further information check out the Port Burwell Historical Society's website: http://www.pt-burwell-lighthouse.ca
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Send mail to blozon@amtelecom.net
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