Lighthouse Lesson #4: Point Betsie Lighthouse in Frankfurt, Michigan

Point Bestie Lighthouse, Photo by Krenda

Take a trip to Frankfurt, Michigan and go north to Point Betsie Lighthous.  Point Betsie Lighthouse was originally named Pointe Aux Bec Scies, meaning point point of sawbill ducks, by French explorers. The lighthouse provided safety to the ships coming from the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.

The combination of the beautiful hipped-roofed lighthouse and location with amazing views (Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear, and Manitou Islands), it's no wonder it is one of the most photographed lighthouses.  It sits upon a dune, placing it 52 feet above lake level.  Locals recognize the site too.  It's rated as #1 lighthouse according to a Michigan resident survey (10,000 voters) about things they love about Northern Michigan.  All ages will appreciate the surrounding beautiful nature and nearby beach.

The site has had multiple buildings for many years.  Even with the light and sound of the fog horn warning ships getting close to the shore, a life-saving station was deemed necessary.  It opened in 1877 to rescue shipwrecked victims.  The lighthouse has been operating since 1858 and changing throughout time. It was later painted white to increase visibility during the day.  To house two families, the house was enlarged in 1895 and the hip roof replaced the gambrel design.  The fog signal building was rebuilt in 1912 and moved from locomotive whistles to chime whistles.  Electric bulb installed in 1921.  It was one of the last lighthouses in Michigan to be automated.  The fourth-fresnel lens once removed in 1996 was returned.  The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse led the restorations and recognized for their achievements with The Governor's Award for Historic Preservation.  It's recognized as the oldest standing structure in Benzie County and also listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  Coast Guard now operates using an automated light. 

You can take a tour for only $5 and that includes the climb up the 34-step tower.  You'll see the Boathouse Museum and Fog Signal Building.  Note that you must be at least 3 1/2 feet to climb the tower.  When you make purchases at the gift shop, you also help support the lighthouse.  The lighthouse needs high financial support.  With climate change, the lake has record high water levels that erode the shoreline.   The Shoreline Protection System (SPS) installed in 1869 and reconstructed in 1944 needs updates to keep protecting the lighthouse.  You can donate directly to the capital campaign.

 

Global Thinking in the USA #3: Chicago Botanic Garden's Japanese Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden, Photo by Krenda

Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois (Chicago suburb) is a great place for kids to learn about horticulture.  Look on their website for special events.  I've been to the garden multiple times, but I most enjoyed a Girl Scout event that included dividing houseplants and planting the new plant to help earn a badge.  At the end of the event, we had a private tour of the garden including the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden and greenhouses.  The Chicago Botanic Garden is huge with over 27 gardens within 385 acres.  It's no wonder over 1 million people visit annually.  With approximately 50,000 members, it's the largest membership of any U.S. public garden.  Considering the size and diversity, I'll focus on how kids can learn about horticulture and the Japanese culture in the same place.

To get the lay of the land, the Japanese garden has 17 acres and includes three islands:  1) Seifuto (Island of Clear, Pure Breezes), 2) Keiunto (Island of the Auspicious Cloud), and 3) Horaijima (Island of Everlasting Happiness).  The first two island has public accessibility.  You most likely won't have a guide, so I suggest downloading the garden app, so you and your kids can learn the meanings of the sites.  I've taken a short snapshot of the descriptions provided on the website for you:

Stop 1:  The Ken - viewing point where all three islands can be seen at one spot

Stop 2:  The "Waterfall" - plants create nature scene (boxwoods = stones, cotoneaster flowing downhill = flowing water)

Stop 3:  Kasugastone Lantern - name from Kasuga Shrine where there are nearly 1,000 lanterns

Stop 4: Japanese Garden Bridge - link between this world + paradise with an arch representing the difficulty of the path

Stop 5:  Keiunto - most formal of the gardens

Stop 6:  Dry Landscape Garden - smooth gravel represents calm matter, raked rippled patterns represent waves breaking on a shore; peek into the garden from the house

Stop 7:  Arbor - house adapted from a building at Kodai-jiya Koyota temple, built in Japan and assembled in Chicago

Stop 8:  Crouching Basin - tradition to wash hands and rinse mouth before entering teahouse

Stop 9:  Zig Zag Bridge - legend tells story that people can avoid evil spirits by crossing a zigzag bridge because evil spirits believed to move only in a straight line

Stop 10:  Seifuto - stone lantern and grouping of boulders; rocks are thought to be the bones of the earth

Stop 11:  Boat Landing Stones - 2 large granite slabs for an ornamental boat landing

Stop 12:  Dry Garden and Arbor House - smaller dry garden than on Keiunto; notice the water basin and lantern

Stop 13:  Willow - uneven pathway of stones to make you step more deliberate; notice the pruned willow

Stop 14:  Pine Tres - symbols of long life in Japanese culture

Stop 15:  Shoin House:  Recreated garden retreat of an Edo-period feudal lord built in Japan

Stop 16:  Water basin at the Shoin House

Stop 17:  Snow-Viewing Lantern - yukimi lantern built with sturdy legs and broad umbrella, enabling it to bear the snow

Stop 18:  Puryear Point - bridge views and sculptures

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County owns the garden and the Chicago Horticultural Society manages the garden.  There's an agreement for free admission (beyond the $25-$30 parking fee per day) until 2022, so visit now.