The World of White Shoal

Why White Shoal?

White Shoal Light station presents a challenge in preservation due to its location and the nature of its structure. The structure presents an opportunity to interpret a none-traditional site with the intention of reaching a larger audience who may not have the chance to understand its history otherwise. Other light houses in the area face similar challenges for the same reason and would ideally benefit from podcasts of their own if the opportunity arises. White Shoal was specifically chosen as it is undergoing restoration and renovation thanks to public involvement and tourism.

Volunteers from “Operation High and Dry” pose for a picture in July of 2019.
Lighthouse service marker laid at the grave of George Keller in October 2020 during a ceremony in his honor. He was the longest keeper to serve on the light at twenty-five seasons. Note the image of White Shoal when it held it white daymark etched on the headstone.

Beyond the Structure….

The three columns below feature the personal and private aspects of life on White Shoal Light. The left-most column features a list of former head keepers and their dates on the light; at the moment only George Keller’s name links to a page with further information, but eventually these will all link to more in-depth biographies of the keepers. The center column features historic events the keepers of the light witnessed on the station. Click on the event that you are interested in learning about to discover more. The third and final column focuses on dates significant to the light since its purchase by current owners Brent Tompkins and Mike Lynch.

  • 1910

    Keeper James Marshall

    Keeper Ingvald Olsen (through 1914)

  • 1914

    Keeper James Marshall (served on structure 1912-1919)

  • 1919

    Keeper William Barnum (served on structure 1919-1929)

  • 1929

    Keeper Frank Frederickson (served on structure 1929-1946)

  • 1946

    Keeper George Keller (served on structure 1922-1946)

  • United States Coast Guard Keepers*

    Rondeau Rod (served 1954)

    Arthur Miller (served 1974)

    Bryan Spencer (served 1974-1975)

    Timothy Larson (served 1975-1976)

    *Dates unsure as gaps appear

“Keepers of White Shoal Light,” Seeing the Light, last modified September 22, 2003, http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/michigan/whiteshoal/keepers.htm.

  • 2016

    White Shoal is listed for sale online at a General Services Administration auction in September and purchased by co-owners Brent Tompkins and Mike Lynch

  • 2018

    White Shoal Light Historical Preservation Society’s Facebook page becomes active increasing awareness

  • 2019

    The first volunteers, overnight guests, and isolation challenge participants are welcomed to the light, it also opens for day tours

  • 2020

    White Shoal Light Historical Preservation Society hosted a ceremony in honor of Head Keeper George Keller, White Shoal’s longest serving keeper on October 24th. Three generations of the Keller family attended along with the preservation society board, volunteers, and guests. A plaque was laid at his grave in honor of his service.

About WSLHPS,” White Shoal Light Historical Preservation Society, https://www.preservewhiteshoal.org/about-us.