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The "PoP-Series" caches are Places, Things, or Activities i've enjoyed
either "Past or Present". In this case, it is most definitely both.
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The LIGHTHOUSE itself *IS* on Private Property.
Please do NOT trespass without permission.
The Geocache, however, is -NOT- on private
property and *IS* accessible from the Street.
DUE TO the Snow Drift around here in winter,
this one may be EASIER to find this as well.
Leamington Lighthouse, Circa 1900
The Lighthouse nearby has silently stood-watch over the Lake Erie shoreline since 1880 when it was originally constructed for use in the local economy by the Canadian Government.
It was built by Peter Williams at a total cost of $794 ($18,125 in 2019 dollars) and was to serve as a Marker Light for the local Harbour at Leamington. The cost for the Lighthouse project was less than what the Canadian Government had budgeted for by approximately $206.00 as the Canadian Government had alloted $1000 for the project (almost $23,000 in 2019 dollars).
The Harbour was used to provide a place to ship the locally-grown produce from here to Windsor and other faraway ports, and this ability to ship produce helped to establish the Leamington Area as one of the best Growing Areas in the World. It also helped to give the area the Distinction of being the Tomato Capital of Canada, if not the World.
The dock that ran into the water from the road alongside the Lighthouse was built by Lewis Wigle, and was used until 1901 when a newer dock was erected at the present location because of the growing need of the shipping that was being done from here.
Early 1900's, closer view of the Lighthouse.
The Lighthouse had a Fixed White Light, with windows set toward the lake only, and it's focal plane was 48-feet which made it's light visible for 12 miles.
Focal plane example with a Cordouan Lighthouse.
The building was 30' Square when built, and the property on which it was built was owned by Mr. Forest H.C. Conover. The nearby streets "Forest" and "Conover" are named in his honor.
In 1923, the Lighthouse was decommissioned and replaced by a light at the outer-end of the Government Dock. The Lighthouse and parcel of land were then sold to Mr. Elmer Wallace Luxford of Walkerville, Ontario in 1928, since they were of no further use to the Canadian Government.
The known Lighthouse Keepers were Joshua LaMarsh, from 1880 (?) to 1883, and Forest H.C. Conover from 1883 to 1923.
Repainting the lighthouse cupola (2013)
In 1928, the land surrounding the lighthouse began to be used as a local Campgrounds, where vacationers and locals alike could come to spend some nice quiet time by the lakeshore and on the beach. Some even stayed here as a stop-over on their way to Point Pelee or to stay while waiting for the ferry to Pelee Island.
Later on, semi-permanent Cabins would be built on the property and folks that would come visit could stay for longer stretches of time to enjoy the area.
Fall, 2004
My family began "tenting here" (my grandmother's words) in 1929 and since then, we have continued to have a presence here in one form or another. It began with the family tent, and later evolved into a permanent Cabin that can be seen nearby the Lighthouse. After awhile, the cabins would be more common than the earlier tents and are still very much a rare sight to see if someone needs "extra space" for visiting friends or relatives.
Winter 2014
In 1947, the property that the cabins are sitting on would become known as "The Lighthouse Club", so named because the Lighthouse remained part of the property. The families and caretakers of the property were now more than just one, but a group of at least 64, between those that are "on the hill" and those "down near the beach".
Many generations of families have come-and-gone from here, even in the short time that the Lighthouse has existed here. Most of my summer's growing up were spent here, usually at the Beach, down near the Dock, over at Seacliff Park, or even (in later years) riding my Bicycle around town while enjoying the area.
July 2, 2011 - Flashes of lightning behind the Lighthouse
The tornado outbreak of June 5–6, 2010, was a tornado outbreak that affected the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes region, starting the weekend of June 5, 2010, and extending into the morning of June 6, 2010. At least 53 tornadoes were confirmed from Iowa to southern Ontario and Ohio as well as in northern New England. Five people were confirmed perished in Ohio just outside Toledo, and one in Dwight, Illinois.
Damage from the tornadoes in the United States and Canada totaled over $300 million.
Even the storm and tornado of June 6, 2010 that damaged much of the area homes and businesses could not damage the spirits and the memories of the area. Even though many buildings (some beyond repair) were damaged and broken, the Lighthouse survived that storm as well. There was another intense thunderstorm that came along on July 2, 2011 but did not bring any damage with it.
The Lighthouse stands as a testament to being able to weather the storms that come along to any of us in life.
Access door to the Catwalk on top of the Lighthouse
This area holds many happy memories for me, my family, and my friends, along with many many other people as well.
In many ways, this area is a Second Home to me and my family, and I try to enjoy as much time here as possible.
Now, i've also shared some of these memories with you, in the hopes that you too, can enjoy it as well.
The Lighthouse at Lighthouse Club.
If you have any memories that you'd like to share of LHC,
or the area, please feel free to share them as well. :)
Again, the Cache is NOT on Private Property and is accessible from the Sidewalk.
Enjoy the area....and the hunt! :)