Because of the dangerous nature of Sleeping Bear Point for ships, the U.S. Life-Saving Service in 1877 decided to place a station there. But it was not until 1901 that the money was appropriated and bids came in for the construction of a dwelling, boathouse, and out-building. The dwelling, or house, is a 1-1/2 story structure designed for a seven man crew and also serves as headquarters. The outbuilding housed a two-hole privy (toilet), an oil and paint closet, and storage bin for coal and wood. The boathouse was designed to house 2 boats on carriages with a ramp (rail) down to the water. To outfit the station, the keeper ordered an extensive list of materials from a storehouse in Grand Haven and shipped via boat from Chicago. To the right, you will see a range of articles ordered in 1901.

CLICK FOR LARGER PHOTO This is the Sleeping Bear Life Saving Station before 1910 (before the watch tower was put up). Mattresses, pillows, and blankets Blocks and sheaves Line Furniture Utensils Nails (4) spittoons Lantern globes Whiskey (for medicinal purposes) Paint brushes, paint, turpentine, linseed oil Boathooks, grapnels Sewing palm, sail needles, anchor Griddles, kettles, pans Heating Stove Tools (chisels, braces, files, saws, pliers, wrenches) Telescope, thermometer

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