The White Lake Life Saving Station, established shortly after 1875, played a critical role in ensuring the safety of those navigating the waters near the north pier of the channel. Initially manned by a crew of seven or eight men, the station featured living quarters for the captain and sleeping quarters for the crew. Over time, additional small houses were constructed near the pier to accommodate the growing needs of the station.
Cutting Edge Technology
A unique feature of the station was an inclined runway built from the water to the station, facilitating the launching of boats. The station’s crew was diligent, patrolling the beach north and south of the pier with lanterns at night, ensuring the safety of the area.
An auxiliary building, often referred to as a large boat house, was situated a few hundred feet north of the south pier, near the edge of Lake Michigan. This white-painted structure housed a large life-saving boat, which was crucial during storms when navigating out of the channel became challenging. Initially, the boats were powered solely by oars, but later, inboard motors were introduced.
The south pier itself was a double-decker, designed for both pier-level walking and elevated walking during storms. A light was strategically placed at the west end of the pier to guide those navigating the waters.
Light Station Transition
In 1915, the station transitioned from using kerosene lights to electric lights, both at the lighthouse and at the end of the pier. This modernization was part of an ongoing effort to improve safety and efficiency.
Captain William Robinson served as the first lighthouse keeper from 1875 until 1915. He was succeeded by his son-in-law, William Bush, who served until the station’s closure in 1941. During this time, the lighthouse was not only a beacon for sailors but also served as living quarters for the keepers.
The station continued to evolve, with the lights being electrically operated and maintained by the Muskegon Coast Guard. Eventually, the lighthouse was sold to Fruitland Township for $6,250, with the intention of converting it into a museum. In 1946, the Coast Guard Station was put up for sale.
The End of an Era
R. John DeFraga took over as the White Lake Harbor Master for a period, utilizing a 36-foot lifeboat and a 26-foot surf boat, both designed to be self-bailing and self-righting. The original building was sold and relocated to the Holcomb lot, where it was replaced by a new residence built by Hallard Grover, a fisherman. Over time, this property was purchased by the Department of Natural Resources, and the City of Montague eventually acquired the area now known as Medbury Park.
The history of the White Lake Life Saving Station is a testament to the dedication and innovation of those who worked tirelessly to protect and serve the maritime community. Through various transitions and modernizations, the station remained a crucial part of the region’s history and heritage.
Research by W. L. Lipka.
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Barbara Bedau Brow
June 19, 2024 at 10:56 am
Very nice article. Not sure when W. L. Lipka originally wrote the article, but since then additional information is available which corrects an item in the article. In 1910, William E. Bush, Capt. Robinson’s oldest grandson moved into the lighthouse. He became assistant keeper in 1911. When Capt. Robinson died in 1919, Wm. E. Bush succeeded him, keeping the light until March 1943.
Wm. E. Bush was the son of George Edward Bush and Mary Ann Robinson, eldest daughter of Capt. William Robinson III, the original lighthouse keeper.
Brent Raeth
June 19, 2024 at 2:39 pm
Thanks for your input. We love White Lake History and appreciate you helping to ensure the correct information it disseminated.