Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "Spectacle Reef - Lake Huron" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Illustration Board painting.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 32c Spectacle Reef Lighthouse stamp issued June 17, 1995. About 11 miles east of the Straits of Mackinac lies a treacherous shoal that rises to only seven feet from the water's surface. Known as Spectacle Reef, this hidden danger had caused numerous naval mishaps, including the wreck of two ships in 1867. Proclaiming that the reef was "more dreaded by navigators than any other danger now unmarked throughout the entire chain of lakes," the Lighthouse Board urged Congress to authorize the construction of a beacon to warn of the shoal's presence. The construction of Spectacle Reef Lighthouse was considered to be one of the greatest engineering feats in American lighthouse history. In 1870, after choosing a spot on the shoal that had but 11 feet of water over it, engineers set about the task of building a crib dam. This part of the structure was made on shore in four sections and later transported to the reef site. To secure it to the shoal, three-foot-long bolts were driven into the base rock. In addition to the difficulty of working on the shoal, severe weather conditions also hampered the lighthouse's progress. In the spring of 1874, builders were forced to chop through 30 feet of massive ice sheets to gain access to the nearly-finished tower. By June of that year Spectacle Reef Lighthouse was finally operational. Today, after many improvements -- such as the addition of solar power -- the limestone tower continues to guide those who ply the waters of Lake Huron near Spectacle Reef.

Image Size: 13.25 x 11.5 in.
Overall Size: 16 x 14 in.
Unframed.
(B15030)

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