Tudor Style Windows - Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

There are many great photos of the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse aka “Castle of the Straits.” My photo is focused specifically on the wonderful Tudor Window Surrounds of the light tower. These stone surrounds support the structure and also work to frame the six windows from outside to inside of the lighthouse. These "full" side blockings and sills add architectural detail and wonderful stone accents to both the exterior and interior of the tower. The windows in this photograph have narrow steel frames that help keep the frame to a minimum and the viewing area of glass at a maximum. The windows also have bricks set in vertical lines accenting the top of each surround. The actual designer of the lighthouse is unknown, but John Peter Schmitt, born in Germany in 1844, is credited with building it. With its impressive buff-colored brick walls, large tower topped with battlements, and elegant fourth order Fresnel lens, this lighthouse-built in 1892-is a source for inspiration. Climb the tower and marvel at the spectacular view as generations of lighthouse keepers did before you. The climb is four stories up which consist of 51 narrow winding steps and then an 11 rung, eight-foot ladder whereby you enter the top through a narrow hatchway.
Read less