South Haven Lighthouse Logs

Daily records from a Great Lakes lighthouse keeper in South Haven, Michigan. 1872–1892 (about)

Try: wreck · Propeller Mary Groh · dismasted vessels · storm · fell in lake

AI Generated Monthly Log Summaries

On the very first day, the steamer Gem, under Captain Bryant, sank in the river while overloaded with sixty-three barrels of lime, a total loss of cargo.

Read compelling monthly reports of lighthouse daily life next to the original logs

August 1874

August 1874 at the South Haven Lighthouse: A Month of Smoke and Celebration

Monthly compiled narrarative reports, read the history of the lighthouse in a new way.

July 1875

Donahue buried his wife at 4:00 P.M. (July 4, 1875, Entry #231). The nation celebrated while the keeper mourned, yet his duty to the light continued without interruption.

Gain new insights into the life of James Donahue, with AI compiled narratives that expose new perspectives.

December 1874

Most notable maritime activity of the month centered on the misfortunes of the schooner D.G. Wright, which struck the bar while attempting to enter the river on December 4th (December 4, 1874)

View documents inline, enhanced from the original using machine learning techniques.

October 1874

As Keeper Donahue tended his light through that dark, stormy Halloween night, the debris washing ashore and the vessels seeking shelter served as stark reminders that the most dangerous season for Lake Michigan shipping had arrived.

View monthly weather calendars, including weather information, storm signal activation, lake conditions, and more.

November 1874

The schooner Mary Ludwick struck the bar near the lighthouse but managed to work her way over 'with a little trouble'.

Read monthly vessel reports, including daily lists extracted from the logs

Featured Log Entries

Notable entries from the light-keeper's logs

Personal Note Sunday, February 19, 1882

Day and Cloudy wind Moderate West the night dark the weather pleasent the lake Smooth the wind went to the West north West. Staid there for a while then to the North and Staid thare until I went to be...

nothing In Sight on the Lake to day being Sunday; Came home at Eight thirty P.M. the Iceburgs wasting away and breking up

Read full entry →

Maritime Incident Thursday, October 18, 1888

Dry and Cloudy wind Gale West the wind went to the north west during the night and there was Some hail The Lake was very rough So I started the light at three P.M in the Schooner Merchant of Escanaba ...

flag up side down

Read full entry →

Unusual Observation Saturday, February 4, 1888

Snow and Cloudy wind light north west the wind came up in the night and was fresh for a while The Ice that was blowed away with the East wind came back with the north west wind. The weather was not Co...

going to the Post Office at noon and to the Post in the Evening The Snow is quite deep

Read full entry →

Holiday Friday, December 25, 1885

28. above Dry and Clear wind gentle north East all day in the night The lake Smooth the weather pleasant the first part of the night light I mean dark. All the fish tugs was out the Parmelee Dayz and ...

Christmas I was at the Post Office in the Evening

Read full entry →

Special Event Sunday, February 24, 1889

Snow and Cloudy wind gentle South west. During the night the wind went- to the South There was a fine Snow all day The Sun Came out in the middle of the day a few minutes The weather was Sharp. and Co...

I was Sick all day Slays are flying around today

Read full entry →

James Donahue, Light-Keeper

James Donahue served as keeper of the South Haven Lighthouse from 1874 to 1890, meticulously documenting daily weather, vessel traffic, and life on the Great Lakes. Read full biography @ WMU Libraries→