1887
January 1887: 1: Wind northwest, very fresh=weather part clear and cold=Ice all broke out today= Spent a quiet but pleasant day home.
2: Sun: Wind west, fresh=Weather clear but apparently very cold=None of us outside the gate today=Ice all gone down the lake.
3: Wind south-southwest, brisk=Weather cloudy and cold=Snow drifted and roads bad=Received letter from Lottie today.
4: Wind east-southeast, moderate=Weather cloudy and cold=Roads rough and very few farmers in to town and no wood.
5: Wind east-southeast, light=Weather cloudy with light snow=Bought a load of ash wood today from Phillips.
6: Wind southwest, light=Weather moderate, light snow=Sent letters to G. Knox and Lottie=Split and put in some wood.
7: Wind west, moderate=Weather clear and cold=
8: Wind east, light=Weather cloudy but more moderate=Tr. Beef 6.00=Paid C.M. Oldfield 24.50: Paid Van Camp 5.00: Paid F. Platts 5.40; Paid Lyons 1.00=Received checks for last quarter’s salary today from Inspector.
9: Sun: Wind east, fresh to north, moderate= Weather stormy= Considerable snow fell today and drifted badly=Did not stir out.
10: Wind southwest, moderate=Weather cloudy and cold=Sent by mail to R. Wallace check for $18.26 and mail order for $11.75: also by ex umbrellas to Lottie.
11: Wind southwest, fresh=Weather part clear, very cold=Water in cisterns gave out: cleaned out the one on the north side.
12: Wind west-southwest, moderate=Weather moderate with snow=Roads fearfully drifted and business nearly at a stand-still.
13: Wind east-northeast, very fresh=Weather snowing and blustering: cold=Paid $6.50 for wood=Received letters from Will M., J.S. and Lizzie.
14: Wind west, moderate=Weather stormy, snowing: heavy snow last night and this morning=Roads all blocked=No mail today.
15: Wind southwest to south, light=Weather moderate, light snow=Mail train succeeded in reaching Carsonville today.
16: Sun: Wind east, fresh=Weather cloudy and blustery=A light snow in the evening and a very fresh southwest wind.
17: Wind west, very fresh=Weather stormy and blustery=No trains able to get up to Carsonville, snow drifted so, and no mail.
18: Wind west, fresh=Weather clear but very cold=Ice all washed out from the shore last night. No train or mail again today.
19: Wind southwest, moderate to light=Weather cloudy and moderate=No train has been able to reach Carsonville since Monday and no mail.
20: Wind south to southwest, very fresh=Weather cloudy: very soft=Train and mail today=Capt. J. Sinclair, Lightkeeper T.B.I’d here today.
21: Wind southwest to southeast, fresh=Weather cloudy and mild=Rain during night=J. Sinclair left for home this afternoon.
22: Wind south-southwest, light=Weather damp: rain and fog=Snow nearly all gone=Mr. Platts took Mrs. M. and children for sleigh ride.
23: Sun: Wind north, light, rain and fog=P.M. south, moderate cloudy and foggy=Considerable rain fell last night=Mr. & Mrs. Oldfield called.
24: Wind west, moderate=Weather cloudy and cooler, but pleasant=Bought one barrel apples from Mr. Roberts today $1.50. Lent Van Camp $10.00. Roads bad and farmers unable to get in.
25: Wind northwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and threatening, but mild.
26: Wind north moderate=Weather cloudy and colder=Light snow last night=Sent letters to Mary W., Vira, Lottie and Nellie.
27: Wind south, brisk=Weather cold, cloudy and threatening=Received postal and package from J. Sinclair, Jr., Alpena.
28: Wind south, fresh=Weather cloudy to light rain=Snow nearly all gone and very few farmers coming into town.
29: Wind southwest to south, moderate=Weather clear and pleasant=Lake almost clear of ice=Sleighing nearly all gone.
30: Sun: Wind southwest, fresh=Weather colder with snow in the morning: P.M.=part clear but blustery and cold: Eve=very cold.
31: Wind west, moderate=Weather cold and snowing. Made out and sent monthly reports and voucher for this quarter.
February 1887
1: Wind northeast, fresh=Weather cold and blustery=Evening, very fresh and cold=A light snow fell last night.
2: Wind east-northeast, fresh=Weather cloudy and cold in morning: P.M.=more moderate, with light drizzling rain=Letters from Vie and Lot.
3: Wind west, moderate=Weather clear and pleasant=Bought two cords wood today $2.10=Many farmers in to town.
4: Wind north-northwest, moderate=Weather clear but cold=Considerable wood and grain in today. Mrs. Roberts spent P.M. here.
5: Wind east, moderate=Weather cloudy and cold=Bought load hard maple 2/4 cords for $3.00=Slight fire in Brock’s tin shop this noon.
6: Sun: Wind south-southwest, light=Weather disagreeable, rain, sleet and cold=Walking very slippery=Kept in the house all day.
7: Wind southeast, moderate=Weather damp: rain all day and freezing lightly=Received postal from Vira about sending tea.
8: Wind south, moderate=Weather very wet-rain all day & last night=Well filled with surface water and street flooded. Received 10 # tea from Vie. Postal from J.S. Sent 30/2 lbs butter to M.J.T @ 15c.
9: Wind southwest, moderate=Weather clear, warm and pleasant=Bert sick with cold and fever.
10: Wind southeast, mod to northeast, light & rain-Several crews engaged in cutting and putting up ice for summer.
11: Wind northeast, a gale, rain and sleet, to northwest snow=One of the worst storms of the season. Roads all blocked up.
12: Wind west-northwest, moderate=Weather cold but clear and pleasant=Considerable ice cut and put in today.
13: Sun: Wind southwest to south, moderate= Weather cold but clear and pleasant=Quite a number of people sleighriding on the ice.
14: Wind south, brisk=Weather cloudy and rain and sleet in the evening=A great many men and boys cutting ice.
15: Wind west, light=Weather cloudy but mild and soft=H. Shipley brought first load of eight cords of green maple.
16: Wind southwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and colder. Assistant Light Keeper at Sand Beach here today. Received blank vouchers from Inspector.
17: Wind northeast, fresh=Weather part clear and milder=Evening, rain and hail squalls=Mailed vouchers=Received letter from Lottie=Mrs. M. calling.
18: Wind southeast to south, very fresh=Weather wet and sloppy, heavy rain at times during the day: evening, heavy gale.
19: Wind southwest, fresh=Weather cool and light snow=Paid H. Shipley three dollars on wood account=Bought 20 lbs. Oatmeal.
20: Sun: Wind northeast, brisk=Weather cloudy and cold=Blanche’s fifth birthday=Attended the Methodist Church this morning.
21: Wind northwest, light=Weather cloudy but pleasant=Old Tom Woods and team broke through the ice under the dock and nearly drowned.
22: Wind west-northwest, moderate=Weather cloudy but milder and pleasant=Received letter from Lizzie T. and Robin McKay.
23: Wind east, moderate=Weather part clear and pleasant=Received letter from Vira. Mrs. M. called on Mrs. Wright, Burgess & Jones.
24: Wind west-northwest, fresh=Weather clear, but colder=Lightning, rain & snow last night=Sent father crock butter this P.M.
25: Wind northeast, moderate=Weather clear but moderately cold=Let C. McGregor have 13 bushels coal this afternoon.
26: Wind southeast, moderate=Weather soft & light rain=Eve=Gale from S.W. and colder=C. McGregor paid me $3.50 for coal received.
27: Sun: Wind west-southwest, fresh=Weather cold and very blustery=Very few people seen on the streets today=Bad toothache.
28: Wind southwest, moderate=Weather cloudy to light snow in the evening-Made out and sent monthly reports. No mail today.
March 1887
1: Wind southeast, moderate=Weather clear and spring-like=Received postal from father=Bert had earache.
2: Wind north, fresh=Weather clear and very pleasant=Keeper Trescott of Sand Beach called today=Received letter and P.O. order from father.
3: Wind north, moderate=Weather clear but colder= Considerable ice broke out last night=Sleighing very poor on the roads.
4: Wind north, fresh=Weather cloudy and cold=Cut & put oilcloth on the pantry shelves=Mrs. Nan Curvis thrown from cutter and hurt.
5 Wind east, very fresh=Weather blustery, fine snow all day with indications of turning to rain tonight=Met Keeper Trescott today.
6 Sun Wind variable and moderate=Weather mild and raining all day=Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Wright called this P.M.
7 Wind west, moderate=Weather clear, warm and pleasant=Snow & ice fast disappearing=Wm. Ward left for Chicago today.
8 Wind east, light= Weather clear, warm and pleasant=Ice in the lake looks very soft and porous=Letter from Mary W.
9 Wind north, brisk=Weather changeable: rain in the a.m: P.M=colder and cloudy=Paid H. Shipley (in Thompson’s store) $4 in full to date of ??
10 Wind north, moderate=Weather cloudy and colder=Mr. Brown brought us in 14 ¼ lbs of butter at 15 c=Ice as far as can be seen.
11 Wind north, brisk=Weather cloudy and cool but pleasant=The children attended Charley Woods’ eighth birthday party.
12 Wind southeast, brisk=Weather clear and pleasant but air cold=. Ice on lake as far as can be seen. All open at Pt. H.
13 Sun Wind west, very fresh=Weather cold and blustery=Snow squall in the P.M. and evening=The strong wind took out some ice.
14 Wind northwest, fresh=Weather, cloudy, blustery & cold=Village election occurred today=Miss E. Wood returned home today.
15 Wind north, brisk=Weather cold, but pleasant=No water to be seen in any direction=Received letter from Lottie today.
16 Wind west to north=Weather cloudy and cold=Mr. & Mrs. J. Thomson called=Comdr. H. Elmer here and inspected the station.
17 Wind northwest, brisk=Weather cold and light snow squalls=No sign of water in any direction=Received letter from father.
18 Wind northwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and quite cold=A small strip of water to be seen a short distance out=Received letter from J.S.
19 Wind northwest, fresh=Weather pleasant, wind cold=Still skating and driving teams on the ice. Sent letter to John S.
20 Sun Wind north-northeast, light= Weather clear, warm and very pleasant=The ice in the lake is getting very soft and porous.
21 Wind north, moderate=Weather clear and pleasant=Cleaned lens and swept the tower=Mr. Platts’ team ran away.
22 Wind north-northwest, fresh=Weather cloudy with occasional snow squalls: cold=Received painting circular from Inspector.
23 Wind west to southwest, moderate=Weather clear and pleasant=Shipped father 41 ¾ lbs butter at 15 and 19 cents per lb.
24 Wind south to west, moderate=Weather stormy: rain during the p.m. which turned to heavy snow: Evening north, very fresh, cold=Painted inside tower.
25 Wind southwest, brisk=Weather cloudy and cold=Ice in the lake broke up somewhat and water to be seen.
26 Wind north to east, moderate=Weather clear but cold=This was township caucus day and many farmers were in to town.
27 Sun Wind northeast, very fresh=Weather very wintry=heavy, full of snow this afternoon=No water to be seen in the lake, but ice looks broken.
28 Wind northwest, fresh=Weather cold with light snow=Received letter from Lottie=Cleaned some tins and two lamps
29 Wind west-northwest, fresh=Weather clear, cold-below zero last night and this a.m.=No water to be seen=Received M.O. for $10.00 from father.
30 Wind southwest, brisk=Weather clear but cold=No water to be seen on the lake=Paid C.M. Oldfield $5.22 on butter act.
31 Wind east to north, moderate=Weather clear and warmer=Lake still covered with ice and no water to be seen=Painted floor in tower.
April 1887
1 Wind east-northeast, light=Weather clear and warmer=Received official appointment as Keeper=Sent monthly and quarterly reports.
2 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather cloudy but soft=Painted tower stairs=Ice getting soft=Received letter from J.S.
3 Wind south, light=Weather cloudy but pleasant and mild=P.M. north, moderate=Misses E. & S. Wood called this P.M.
4 Wind southwest, very fresh=Weather cold and heavy snow squalls in the P.M.=Ice out in lake all broke out.
5 Wind west-northwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and cold=Lake all open water outside for a mile or so=Solid near shore.
6 Wind east-southeast, moderate=Weather cloudy but pleasant=Lake froze over again last night=Read letter from Vira.
7 Wind northeast, moderate=Weather clear and pleasant=No water to be seen in the lake=Received parcel from Vira.
8 Wind southeast, light=Weather hazy but pleasant=Received quarter’s check=No water to be seen=Paid Mr. Brown $4.75 for butter at 20 c. =Paid Mr. Wood $4.00 for flour.
9 Wind southwest, brisk=Weather very warm-79-hazy=Shipped 25 lbs butter to father=Also deed to John.
10 Sun Wind south-southwest, fresh=Weather cloudy but very warm= Outer ice in the lake all broke out today=Many visitors to town.
11 Wind north, fresh=Weather cloudy and cooler: a.m. light rain=Lighted tonight for the season of 1887=Considerable ice in lake.
12 Wind southeast, brisk=Weather clear and pleasant but air cold=Ice on lake as far as can be seen=All open at Pt. H.
13 Wind west very fresh=Weather cold and blustery=Snow squall in the P.M. and evening=The strong wind took out some ice.
14 Wind northwest, fresh=Weather cloudy blustery and cold=Village election occurred today=Miss E. Wood returned home today.
15 Wind southeast, light, to southwest, fresh=Thunder, rain and hail in the P.M.=Ice gone from the shore=Sent father crock butter @ 17.
16 Wind north, fresh=Weather cloudy and cold: snow scurries=One steam barge and tow passed up=Two steam barges down=Lake full floating ice.
17 Sun Wind east, brisk=Weather cloudy and cold: froze quite hard last night=This side of the lake packed with heavy ice.
18 Wind northeast to northwest, moderate=Weather cloudy and cold=Lake still full of ice=No signs of the Atlantic coming down.
19 Wind variable: all around the compass today, moderate=Weather pleasant, clear and warmer=Fish tug Messenger on her way to DeTour, laid over here tonight.
20 Wind southwest, fresh=Weather threatening rain=Ice all blown away again=Stmr. Flora arrived up at 10/2 P.M.
21 Wind northeast, brisk=Weather hazy but pleasant=Stmr. Atlantic down from Alpena at 2:30 a.m. on her first down trip=Set out grapevine today.
22 Wind east and southeast, brisk=Weather damp and foggy-rain in the afternoon=Considerable ice coming in again.
23 Wind southwest , very fresh=Weather cloudy and cold=No ice to be seen this evening=Many boats passing including sail craft.
24 Sun Wind southwest, fresh=Weather cold with light snow squalls=The Stmr. Wright arrived on her first trip up=The Flora arrived down from Rogers City.
25 Wind southwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and cold=Cleaned lens=The Atlantic passed here on her way up last night.
26 Wind northeast, moderate=Weather cloudy and cool=Many boats passing up=City of Alpena up on her first trip=Fishermen set nets.
27 Wind south to southeast, fair=Weather cloudy and cool=Received letter from J. Sinclair=Overslept myself this morning.
28 Wind east to northeast, brisk=Weather wet and disagreeable: rain all day=The Flora arrived up with heavy load.
29 Wind northwest, very fresh=Weather cloudy and cool=The Atlantic could not get in here this morning after laying off.
30 Wind northwest, moderate, cloudy, to southeast, rain=Great many boats of all kinds passing here today.
May 1887
1 Sun Wind southeast, brisk=Weather cloudy and cool= Six Adventists immersed in the lake today=Stmr. Atlantic up.
2 Wind southeast, moderate=Weather hazy with rain and fog in the P.M.=The fishermen made their first lift today.
3 Wind southwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and warm=Shipped father two crocks butter per Stmr. Flora this morning.
4 Wind west to north, moderate=Weather clear and pleasant=Laid carpet in the parlor today=Many boats passing.
5 Wind north, moderate=Weather cloudy and cold-P.M. rain=Stmr. Atlantic arrived down=Capt. Jones moved his good & ( ??)
6 Wind north, moderate=Weather clear and pleasant=Stmr. Flora arrived up this morning=Received letter from Vira & D. McFawn.
7 Wind east to north, light=Weather warm and very foggy=The fishermen went out to lift, but could not find their nets in fog.
8 Sun Wind north, light=Weather warm and thick fog all night and day=The Stmr. Wright the only boat here today.
9 Wind north, light= Weather warm & thick fog all night and day=The Flora passed down and the Atlantic up this a.m.
10 Wind north, moderate=Weather damp: Thick fog again last night and today=Ward and Carter sold their fish boat.
11 Wind north, moderate=Weather warm and hazy=The Dahlia passed down this noon=Rec’d letter & P.O. $4.00 from father.
12 Wind north, moderate=Weather warm and hazy=The Flora up at 4 a.m.=The Schr. John Tibbits loaded hay and oats for Cheboygan.
13 Wind north, moderate=Weather cooler but hazy=Atlantic down at 4 a.m.=Wesley’s child died at 11 last night=Bought 40 lbs butter @ 15.
14 Wind northeast and east=Weather hazy but very pleasant=The funeral of Wesley’s child took place today=Mrs. & Miss R. called.
15 Sun Wind southeast to north, light=Weather warm and smoky=Stmr. Atlantic arrived up= Mr. & Mrs. George Cook called.
16 Wind northeast, light=Weather cloudy and smoky=Stmr. Flora down=Received yesterday per Atlantic-one table and one bed.
17 Wind northeast, fresh=Weather cool and light rain=Took down the coal stove yesterday=Received blank vouchers.
18 Wind southeast, moderate=Weather cloudy but pleasant=Cleaned the lens and ventilators and washed paint.
19 Wind southeast and southwest, moderate=Weather very warm=Sent vouchers=Mothers Morris and Wallace arrived at 3 a.m. on the Flora.
20 Wind east, light=Weather clear, dry and warm=Mr. Brown brought in 28/2 lbs butter at 15 c. per pound.
21 Wind southeast, light=Weather cloudy and threatening rain: frequent thunder, but no rain=Put up window and door screens.
22 Sun Wind southeast, light=Weather warm with thunder, but very little rain=Stmr. Atlantic arrived up this P.M.
23 Wind south and southeast, light=Weather cloudy and warm: P.M. nice rain=Evening heavy fog=Flora down at 8 a.m.
24 Wind southwest, light=Weather warm and fog in the a.m.=P.M.=heavy rain=The Dahlia reported aground at Presque Isle.
25 Wind southwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and threatening rain=Mr. & Mrs. J. S. Thomson and A. Joiner of Florida visited the tower.
26 Wind south, moderate to north=Weather raw and cold-Heavy rain in the a.m.=The schr. Corsican loaded hay for Duncan City.
27 Wind north-northwest, fresh=Weather cold and cloudy=Helped W. Thomson move pianos=Planted flower seeds.
28 Wind north, moderate=Weather clear & pleasant=The Warrington delivered annual supplies. Circus opposite.
29 Sun Wind south & southeast, moderate=Clear and pleasant=The Flora down and Atlantic up-both on time=Rec’d vegetables today.
30 Wind southeast, fresh=Weather cloudy in the a.m. and rain in the P.M. Took Blanche to the dentist’s.
31 Wind southeast, moderate, cloudy to east, fresh, rain and fog: evening heavy rain and fog. Painted cellar stairs.
June 1887
1 Wind east to north, moderate=Weather wet and disagreeable=Stmr. Wright gave an excursion to Port Huron today.
2 Wind north, moderate: P.M. northwest=Wet and foggy: cold and raw=The Propr. Don M. Dickinson delivered freight at this dock.
3 Wind west, fresh in the morning, southeast, light, clear and pleasant in the afternoon=Bought crock 20# of lard at 8 c today.
4 Wind southeast, calm=Weather warm and hazy: foggy out in lake=J.A. Edwards, Chief of Detectives, E. Saginaw here today=Office; 131/2 S. Washington Ave.
5 Sun Wind east and southeast, light=Cloudy and light rain-Eve=heavy rain and thick fog=Rec’d per Atlantic vest & pants.
6 Wind northeast, light=Weather very foggy all night and all day=Stmr. Flora reached the dock with difficulty.
7 Wind east to southeast, light=Weather very foggy all night and nearly all day. Received letters from Vira & Lottie.
8 Wind southeast, light=P.M. southwest, fresh=Foggy in the a.m.=P.M. rain, thunder and lightning=Rec’d H. & D’s bill.
9 Wind north and northwest, very fresh=Thick fog in a.m.=P.M. cool and pleasant=Atlantic could not come in. Mother left for home.
10 Wind north, fresh=Weather clear, cool and pleasant=Painted outside top of tower=Shipped crock of butter to father.
11 Wind southeast, light=Weather clear, warm and pleasant=Whitewashed back fence=Wright Bros. Tanned their nets.
12 Sun Wind southeast, moderate=Weather a little cloudy, but warm and pleasant=Stmrs Atlantic & Wright & Flora here today.
13 Wind northeast, light=Weather a little cloudy, but warm and pleasant=Received letter from Grace Sinclair.
14 Wind north, moderate=Weather clear & warm=Wright Bros. Tanned second gang nets=Whitewashed side fence.
15 Wind south, light=Weather warm and cloudy=Rec’d M.O. from father=Shipped J. Sinclair two crocks butter.
16 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather cloudy but very warm=88 in shade=Schr. A. Ford loaded hay at the dock today.
17 Wind north & northwest=Heavy thunder and wind storm this P.M.=Public schools here closed today with children’s picnic.
18 Wind west to northeast, moderate=Weather warm, fog in the a.m: P.M. cloudy=Cleaned tower windows=Letter from Lottie.
19 Sun Wind northeast, moderate=Weather cloudy but very pleasant=Received basket of vegetables from Mother, Mr. & Mrs. Oldfield called.
20 Wind southeast, light=Weather part clear, warm and pleasant=Cleaned tins=Sent letters to Vira, Mary and Jane.
21 Wind southwest, fresh=Light rain in the morning P.M. moderate, cloudy=C. Thomson brought over lot of flower plants.
22 Wind southwest, squally at times=Weather cloudy but pleasant=J. Roberts bought another cow=Flora up today=Rec’d $7.72 from J.S.
23 Wind southwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and threatening rain=Cleaned lens=Mr. T. Millar called here this a.m. on his way home.
24 Wind southwest to south, moderate=Weather cloudy and cool=Some person stole Wright Bros. fish boat last night
25 Wind north, fresh=Weather, clear, cool & pleasant=No tidings of the fish boat yet=H. Wright returned from Pt. H.
26 Sun Wind northeast, moderate=Weather clear and cool=Mrs. Holmes, of Alpena, on her way home on Atlantic, run over to see us.
27 Wind northeast, light=Weather clear, very pleasant=Wright Bros. found their boat on the beach at Kettle Point & returned with her.
28 Wind southeast and east, light=Weather clear and warm=Wright Bros. lifted with their own boat again.
29 Wind southeast, moderate=Weather clear and warm=Shipped Mrs. T.H. Millar 33 lbs butter on the Stmr. Atlantic.
30 Wind southeast, moderate=Weather cloudy but warm and very dry=Made out yearly, quarterly & monthly reports.
July 1887
1 Wind southwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and very warm=Mailed reports=Received letters from Vira and John.
2 Wind southeast, brisk=Weather hot and thunder showers=Evening thick fog=Received quarter’s check today.
3 Sun Wind southeast, moderate= moderate=, clear and cloudy: light rain in evening=Rec’d parcel on the Atlantic.
4 Wind south, fresh=Cloudy, warm: light shower in P.M. Eve=fog=Celebration here: horse and foot races, etc=Dances, excursions on Wright. Rec’d M. Order from Mrs. Millar.
5 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather foggy last night and this morning: P.M.=clear & warm.
6 Wind north in the a.m., southeast in the P.M., light=Weather clear and warm=Took the Wood (children) and our own children in tower.
7 Wind southeast to northeast, moderate=Weather clear and very warm=Bought ½ bushel cherries from Mr. McRae.
8 Wind southeast, light=Weather hazy and very warm=Rain is much needed=Cisterns nearly empty again.
9 Wind west-southwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and very warm=5 P.M. shirt, heavy rain=Letter from Vira today.
10 Sun Wind west, fresh=Clear & pleasant=Mary, Grace & Wallace came up on Atlantic=Minister Wright’s horse ran away and hurt him.
11 Wind west to south, moderate= Weather clear and warm= Received instructions to whitewash tower
12 Wind west to southeast, brisk= Weather clear and warm=Wrote Inspector for whitewashing materials, etc.
13 Wind northeast, fresh=Weather foggy and cooler=Received letter from David McFawn=Flora late again today.
14 Wind north-northeast, fresh=Weather clear, but cooler and pleasant=Miss Wesley here sewing today.
15 Wind west-southwest, moderate=Weather clear and very warm=94 in the shade=C. Thomson, C. Cook & friend visited tower.
16 Wind southwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and very warm=Forest fires burning back in the country=Rain needed.
17 Sun Wind west-southwest, fresh=Clear and very warm=95 in the shade=Evening light rain and fresh north wind, cooler.
18 Wind north, fresh=Weather cloudy, cool and pleasant=Cleaned out south and north cisterns=Both nearly empty.
19 Wind north, fresh=Weather clear and pleasant=W.H. Morris came up on the Stmr. Wright=City putting in drain pipe.
20 Wind northeast, fresh= Weather clear and pleasant=Will went home on the Wright=Met the Teagan family on the Flora=The Mrs. Dr. Lyons called.
21 Wind west, moderate, light rain=P.M.=southeast, cloudy=Wright Bros. brought gang nets ashore to tan=Washed paint.
22 Wind east, moderate=In the evening the wind shifted to the north and blew a gale, accompanied with rain.
23 Wind north, fresh=Cloudy and cool=Quite a heavy gale last night & this a.m.=Lake full of floating logs and many on beach.
24 Sun Wind north, brisk=Weather clear, cool and pleasant=Many visitors to the tower=Miss Wilmarch of Detroit on the Atlantic and called.
25 Wind north, brisk=Weather part cloudy but pleasant=Rain much needed=Cisterns empty=Wright Bros. brought gang nets ashore.
26 Wind north, moderate=Weather clear, warm and dry=Wright Bros. quit fishing for the season today=Fishing too light.
27 Wind southeast, moderate=Weather warm and hazy=Mrs. E. Winders and children left on the Flora for Thunder Bay Island.
28 Wind north, fresh=Weather clear and dry-rain sadly needed= Wright Bros. pulled out their fish boat.
29 Wind east. Moderate=Weather clear and warm=Shipped father a crock of 32 ½ # butter via Steamer Wright.
30 Wind south, and southwest, moderate=Weather cloudy but very warm until evening when north, fresh wind.
31 Sun Wind north, moderate=Weather cloudy and cooler=W. Walker and W. Smith started for St. Clair to fish for pickerel today.
August 1887
1 Wind north, light=Weather a little cloudy but pleasant=Mailed monthly report=H. & J. Wright went down to St. Clair to fish.
2 Wind east-southeast, light=weather clear & dry=Raftsmen taking logs off the beach=Hunter through fishing.
3 Wind north, light=Weather hazy, smoky, dry and warm=U.S. Rev. Stmr. Fessenden up=F. Hoffmeister left here=Stmr. Wright took raft from here.
4 Wind south, moderate=Weather cloudy, smoky and very warm= H. & J. Wright & W. Walker returned from St. Clair=Cleaned lens.
5 Wind south to southwest, brisk=Weather cloudy, but warm and smoky: Evening north very fresh with a few drops of rain.
6 Wind north, fresh=Weather cloudy and cool-Still continued very dry and smoky: Forest fires are devastating the fields.
7 Sun Wind east, moderate=Weather clear, cool and pleasant=Keeper, wife and children went to dock and met Lizzie & J. Teagan
8 Wind east, moderate=Weather warm and very smoky=Received letters from Mary W. and Grace Wonders.
9 Wind southeast to south, brisk=Weather cloudy and smoky=Large fire at Sandusky=Stmr. Warrington here and Cmdr Elmer inspected. This station: well satisfied.
10 Wind southeast and south, moderate=Weather warm and very smoky=11 P.M. thundershower.
11 Wind west-southwest, brisk=Weather cloudy, nice rain last and this morning and again this eve=Received blank vouchers=Put in 5 tons and 70 lbs. coal.
12 Wind north, fresh=Weather cloudy, cool, pleasant=Nice rain last night=Signed and mailed vouchers=Mrs. McFawn, a son, 9th.
13 Wind southeast to northeast, brisk=Weather cloudy cool and threatening rain=Sent parcel to J. Sinclair by mail.
14 Sun Wind southeast, moderate=weather cool and cloudy=Mrs. Dutcher and Miss Walker of Sandusky visited tower.
15 Wind north, moderate in the morning, very fresh in the afternoon and evening=Weather cloudy and cool=P.M. smoky.
16 Wind north, fresh=Weather cloudy and cool=Wm. Smith took command of the Steamer A.J. Wright today.
17 Wind east-northeast, moderate=Weather cloudy, cool=P.M. light rain=Received 10# tea from Emmons=Stmr. Flora could not load horses.
18 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather cloudy: Evening north, fresh, heavy rain for short time=Keeper’s wife, children and mother at Mrs. R.
19 Wind east to southeast, moderate=Weather part cloudy but pleasant=Mrs. Cosgrove & son of Detroit called with L. Dugan.
20 Wind northeast, moderate=Weather pleasant, clear=Paid T. & J.S. Thomson coal bill $36.37=Received word from T. B. Island.
21 Sun Wind south, moderate=Nice rain all day=Mr. Diem and family of Albion, N.Y. builder of this station, called today=Rec’d basket of vegetables from Will.
22 Wind northeast, fresh: Evening very fresh=Heavy rain all the afternoon: everything freshened up and purified,
23 Wind northeast to north, very fresh=Weather cloudy, cool and fall-like=Very few boats moving today=The Wright did not come up.
24 Wind north, very fresh=Weather cloudy and cool=Cutter Fessenden passed up=Dr. Lyon left for Alpena to reside.
25 Wind north, fresh=Weather cloudy, cool & fall-like=Lottie & Carrie Luce called= Gave the outside of tower one coat of whitewash.
26 Wind north, fresh=Weather cloudy and cool=Finished whitewashing the outside of the tower today.
27 Wind north, moderate=Weather clear, cool & pleasant=Notified Cmdr Elmer by mail of whitewashing tower.
28 Sun Wind north, moderate=Weather cloudy, but very pleasant=Mrs. Wallace left for Detroit on the Stmr. Wright=Schooner Ferret waterlogged above here.
29 Wind east, light=Weather clear, warm and pleasant=The steam barge S. Shepherd loaded hay at the dock today=Received “List of Lights.”
30 Wind east-northeast, moderate=Weather warm, hazy and pleasant
31 Wind east to southeast, brisk=Weather hazy but pleasant=Made out and mailed monthly reports today.
September 1887
1 Wind south and southwest, moderate=Weather cool and damp: light rain in the a.m.: cold drizzling rain in the P.M.
2 Wind north, fresh=Weather cloudy but pleasant=Received envelopes and returned monthly report from Engineer.
3 Wind northeast, fresh=Weather clear and pleasant=Sent corrected report to engineer office=Mr. Dailey’s friends visited tower.
4 Sun Wind south to east, brisk=Weather clear, pleasant. The Thomson family of fourteen visited the tower this evening.
5 Wind south to west, moderate=Weather cloudy but pleasant=Horatio Wright, an old resident here, died at 2 p.m.
6 Wind southwest, fresh=Weather damp: rain in the a.m.: P.M. cloudy= Quite a number from Sandusky visited tower.
7 Wind west, very fresh=Weather cloudy but pleasant=Mr. H. Wright buried today with Masonic honors=Excursion from Sandusky visited tower.
8 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather clear, warm and pleasant=Whitewashed the side fence again today.
9 Wind south, fresh, in the morning with mod rain in the afternoon, southwest mod heavy rain=Eve: north, very fresh.
10 Wind north, fresh=Weather cloudy and chilly=Raft went ashore at Lexington=Stmr. Wright did not come up.
11 Sun Wind east, fresh in the a.m.: P.M. light=Weather cool & cloudy, but pleasant=Received parcel from Lottie per Atlantic.
12 Wind southeast and east, light=Weather cloudy and threatening: evening south to southwest, fresh, raining.
13 Wind southwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and very warm= The Steam Barge S. Shepherd loaded hay at the dock.
14 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather clear & pleasant=W. N. Riley purchased the Grist Mill and took possession today.
15 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather damp: light rain in the a.m: evening N. fresh, cool=A son born to Mrs. J. Wright this a.m.
16 Wind north, fresh in the morning, moderate in the afternoon. Weather a little cloudy but very pleasant.
17 Wind southeast, brisk in the morning, northeast, light in the afternoon. Weather clear and very pleasant.
18 Sun Wind east-southeast, moderate=Smoky but pleasant=Steam Barge J.S. Ruby loaded hay=Atlantic’s machinery delayed her here. Received tomatoes from Will.
19 Wind north, brisk=Weather clear and pleasant=Smoky during night=Flora 26 hours late coming down.
20 Wind southeast, moderate=Weather very smoky but pleasant=The Catholic Church held dinner in Town Hall and several visited tower.
21 Wind southwest , fresh=Weather damp: rain squalls=Steam Barges Kalkaska and S. Shepherd loaded hay last night.
22 Wind northwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and cold=Stmr. Flora broke her machinery just out of Forester and was towed back to river.
23 Wind north and northwest, very fresh=Weather cloudy and cold=Cleaned lens=Lake full of floating pine logs this P.M.
24 Wind southeast to east, moderate=Weather cloudy, cool and fall-like=Washed inside dome of the tower.
25 Sun Wind east to north, moderate=Weather clear and cool but pleasant=Mr. Smith, family and friends, visited tower.
26 Wind east to southeast, moderate=Weather clear and pleasant=Great many logs coming ashore=Schr. Ino & Stm Barge Eighth Ohio & consorts loaded hay P.M. & eve.
27 Wind southeast; brisk: P.M. northeast=Weather cloudy: Evening very smoky.
28 Wind northeast, fresh=Weather very smoky and rough=Not a boat seen today. The Wright ashore up above Forestville.
29 Wind east and northeast, moderate=Weather cloudy and smoky: Evening rain and very thick with smoke.
30 Wind east, light, to southeast, brisk=Weather wet and smoky and foggy=Made out monthly and quarterly reports.
October 1887
1 Wind southwest and south, moderate=Light rain at times=Sent reports also letter to Engineer concerning drum and stove pipe.
2 Sun Wind south, moderate=Weather cloudy, cool & threatening=Heavy S.E. wind=Thunder, lightning and rain during night.
3 Wind southwest, very fresh=Weather squally and wet=N. Shipley left here in Wheeler’s small sailboat for Lexington: picked up by steam barge and towed back.
4 Wind southwest, very fresh=Weather wet, cold and disagreeable=Received Engineer’s letter granting permission to cut ceiling.
5 Wind west-southwest, moderate=Wet, cloudy cold=Received check for quarter’s salary=Steam Barge “City of Mt. Clemens” loaded hay.
6 Wind south, fresh, rain in the a.m: P.M: southwest, moderate & cloudy=Steamer Wright has not been here since Sunday.
7 Wind east, brisk, and heavy rain in the morning: P.M., north, moderate, part clear=The first sunshine for several days.
8 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather cloudy but very warm and pleasant=Stmr. Wright arrived up this morning.
9 Sun Wind southwest, moderate=Light rain to damp, cloudy=Neither the Steamer Flora or the Atlantic reached here today.
10 Wind north, fresh=Weather damp and cold: light rain=The Atlantic arrived up at 5 P.M.=The Flora passed down last night without stopping.
11 Wind west-southwest, brisk=P.M. northwest fresh, cold, cloudy=Sent, via Stmr. Wright, Willie McFawn’s overcoat.
12 Wind west and southwest, fresh=Weather cloudy & cold=Shipped J. Sinclair two crocks butter on Flora=Received five bbts [bushel baskets] apples from L. Dugan=Many boats passing up.
13 Wind southwest and west-northwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and cold=Many boats passing yesterday and today.
14 Wind northwest, fresh=Weather part clear, pleasant=Frost last night=The Warrington passed up at 4:15 P.M.=The Flora broke down again at Port Hope.
15 Wind south, fresh=Weather clear and pleasant=Heavy frost last night=The Atlantic passed down at 11:30 last night.
16 Sun Wind south and southeast, brisk=Weather cloudy and cool=The Stmr. Flora passed up this P.M. but did not stop.
17 Wind southeast, moderate: cloudy and warm in the morning: P.M. southwest fresh, colder and very fall-like.
18 Wind east-northeast, moderate=Weather clear and pleasant=The Atlantic arrived up at 5 P.M.=Stmr. Saginaw passed down.
19 Wind south, brisk= Weather clear and very pleasant=A year ago this morning, Keeper Morris and family arrived in Sanilac.
20 Wind south, fresh=Weather, hazy and cloudy: P.M. S.W. light rain=Received package of fish from W. Whitten, Sugar Island.
21 FIRST SNOW Wind west, very fresh=Weather blustery and squally: snow squalls and cold=First snow of season=Barges Kalkaska and S. Shepherd loaded hay last night.
22 Wind west, fresh: P.M. moderate=Weather cloudy and wintry= Ground covered with snow this morning.
23 Sun Wind east to southeast, very fresh=Weather wet and cold during the day=Eve=S.W. gale=The Flora arrived up at 7 p.m.
24 Wind southwest, fresh to moderate=Weather cloudy and cold=Mrs. H. Wallace arrived today on the stage at 2 P.M.
25 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather clear but cold=It froze very hard last night and somewhat today.
26 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather cold, but clear & pleasant=The Stmr. Atlantic arrived up this evening.
27 Wind west, light, clear=Weather clear & pleasant=J. Wright finished hay pressing=Cleaned parlor stove: ready to put up
28 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather cloudy and threatening=Shipped butter to T. Millar & W.H. Morris=S, Shepherd loaded hay.
29 Wind north & northeast, blowing a gale, hail & snow=Sea running over the docks=Stmr. Flora passed down this a.m.
30 Sun Wind northwest to southwest, light=Weather cloudy but pleasant=The D. Cole came up for load hay.
31 Wind southwest to north, light=Weather clear & pleasant=Made out and sent monthly reports.
November 1887
1 Wind southeast, moderate: fresh last night=Weather clear but cool=Stmr. Flora arrived up this a.m.=J. Chaffee & M. Fillmore loaded hay.
2 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather clear, warm & pleasant=Bought one bu. Potatoes at 80c. per bu.=The Atlantic arrived up at 4 P.M.
3 Wind southeast, fresh=Weather slightly foggy & chilly=Evening wind northwest, fresh & weather cloudy and colder.
4 Wind southwest, very fresh=Weather cloudy & cold=Very heavy sea running=Stmr. Wright did not top going down.
5 Wind southwest, light=Cloudy but pleasant=Received blank vouchers=The Warrington in Sand Beach yesterday on her way up.
6 Sun Wind southwest, fresh=Weather warmer & very smoky=The Steam Barge Oscoda loaded hay, cattle, etc last night.
7 Wind southwest, fresh and squally=Weather mild and very smoky=Filled out and sent vouchers today.
8 Wind north, very fresh=Weather cloudy and cool=Vira Edens arrived this morning from Port Hope=Put up coal stove.
9 Wind east, fresh=Weather cloudy, cool: Eve=rain & fog=Put fire in coal stove today=Shipped J. Sinclair barrel apples.
10 Wind southwest and west, fresh=Weather cloudy and cool: light rain in P.M.: Eve=sleet=The Atlantic did not stop on her way up.
11 Wind southwest, very fresh=Cloudy & cool: threatening snow=Four of the seven Chicago Anarchists were hung at noon today.
12 Wind northwest, fresh to moderate=Light snow in the morning: P.M. cloudy=Vira left for home at 7 a.m. via stage.
13 Sun Wind south, moderate: P.M. southeast, fresh=Weather cloudy, milder=The Stmr. Wright passed down but did not stop.
14 Wind south and southeast, moderate=Weather hazy but warm and pleasant=Evening light rain: midnight, fog.
15 Wind west, moderate: P.M. northwest, very threatening=Weather cloudy & cool=Received model life boat from Henry.
16 Wind southeast, brisk=Weather cloudy and hazy=Shipped Geo. Edens five gallon crock of butter on the Stmr. Wright.
17 Wind west-southwest, fresh=Weather cloudy and cold=The Stmr. Flora arrived down this P.M.=Will make one more trip.
18 Wind southwest, fresh=Weather cloudy but moderately warm=The Steam Barge City of Mt. Clemens loaded hay this P.M.
19 Wind southeast, fresh=Weather stormy, light rain & snow=P.M. evening foggy.
20 Sun Wind west, fresh=Weather very wintry: snowing and cold=The Stmr. Wright arrived up on her last trip.
21 Wind southwest, fresh=Weather cold & snowing: P.M. cloudy=The Flora loaded all day here. The Atlantic passed up last evening without stopping. Shipped J. Sinclair a box 18 ½ doz. eggs.
22 Wind southeast, light=Weather mild and foggy=The Wright passed here at noon. The Wright’s last trip down this season 12 P.M. She did not stop=The post office and several other places burglarized last night=The Atlantic’s last trip down this season, a.m. did not stop.
23 Wind west, light: mild & foggy in the morning: P.M. north, fresh, cloudy & colder=Very few vessels or craft passing.
24 Thanksgiving Day. Wind east-northeast, very fresh=Weather very disagreeable: light snow turning to rain: very thick during day and night.
25 Wind northwest, light: P.M. northeast, moderate: cloudy, mild: Evening light rain=Many boats passing up and down today.
26 Wind southeast and south, light=Weather damp and thick fog all day and nearly all last night: light rain. The City of Alpena’s last trip up.
27 Sun Wind southwest, fresh=Weather wet and disagreeable=Evening cold=The Darius Cole arrived up with mdse. (merchandise)
28 Wind west-southwest, light=Weather clear & cold=The Flora down at 5 a.m. The Flora’s last trip down this season. 4 a.m. called and took on freight=The Cole here down with big load freight.
29 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather part clear, cold but pleasant=Very few boats passing either way.
30 Wind northeast, fresh=Weather stormy & cold; snow squalls this morning=Only a few boats passed today.
December 1887
1 Wind east-southeast, fresh=Weather a little cloudy but milder=Several boats passed today=Made out & sent monthly reports.
2 Wind south, fresh=Weather soft & snowing=Only two steam barges and one tow barge seen passing today.
3 Wind southeast, fresh= Weather cloudy and mild: Heavy rain all night=Snow all gone again=Only two boats passed today.
4 Sun Cole up. Wind south to southwest, fresh=Weather cloudy but very mild= The Stmr. D. Cole here with freight today=Several boats passed.
5 Cole down early. Wind southwest, moderate=Weather clear and pleasant but colder=Not a boat of any description passed today.
6 Wind south and southeast, light=Weather clear mild and pleasant=One steam barge and barge, tug and schooner and one steam barge down today.
7 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather cloudy but mild and pleasant=Received circulars on Ornithology etc=Three boats passed.
8 Wind north, moderate= Weather cloudy but mild and pleasant= Not a craft of any description seen today.
9 Wind southeast, moderate= Weather cloudy but mild and pleasant=Not a particle of ice in the lake and no snow or frost.
10 Wind east to north, light=Weather damp: rain & fog all day and last night= No boats seen for three days.
11 Sun Wind north to northwest=Weather stormy and disagreeable: rain and snow in the morning: P.M. snow & colder.
12 Wind southwest, brisk=Weather cloudy-threatening snow=No sign of any craft since the 7th: Lake perfectly clear.
13 Wind south, moderate to light=Weather cloudy but mild & pleasant=Rev. D. McFawn of Port Hope arrived today.
14 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather cloudy, but mild and pleasant=received notice from Inspector to continue lighting.
15 Wind west-northwest, fresh=Weather cloudy & colder-Two inches of snow fell early this a.m.=Boat whistle heard at 3 a.m.=D. McFawn left for home.
16 Wind southwest and south, moderate=Weather part clear, mild and pleasant=No ice on the beach or in the lake.
17 Wind southwest, light= Weather cloudy, but mild and pleasant=Lake as smooth as glass: no ice and very little snow.
18 Sun Wind west, fresh=Weather threatening storm: a light quantity of snow fell in the morning but all melted in P.M.
19 Wind southeast and south, brisk=Light snow in the morning, but cloudy and mild in the afternoon.
20 Wind east-northeast, fresh= Weather cloudy, mild and threatening: Evening snow=Received letters from Vira & John.
21 Wind west-southwest, fresh=Weather wintry: snowing and a cold wave=Letters from Saginaw and Thunder Bay Island
22 Wind southwest, brisk=Weather cold and snowing=Received letter from Inspector to Discontinue Light at this station.
23 Wind southwest to southeast, fresh to moderate=Weather milder and snowing=Set packages to Hat McFawn and Grace Holmes.
24 Wind southeast to southwest, light=Weather mild and snowing: fair sleighing. Ed. L. Sinclair arrived this evening.
25 Sun Christmas=Wind southwest, light=Weather mild and snowing=Considerable snow fell today=Sleighing good.
26 Wind southwest, moderate=Weather a little cloudy but mild and pleasant=no ice in the lake=Bought load ash wood.
27 Wind south to east, fresh=Weather cloudy and colder=Evening snow and blizzard=F & A.M. Ball [Masons] occurred tonight.
28 Wind west-southwest, very fresh=Weather cold and very blustery=Purchased quarter beef 84 lbs at 5 cents per pound.
29 Wind west-northwest, fresh=Weather clear & cold=Considerable thin ice floating outside in lake.
30 Wind southwest, light, clear and pleasant, evening southeast, fresh, cloudy, midnight, blowing a gale and snowing.
31 Wind southeast to east, gale-Weather stormy: Roads all drifted up=Made out and sent monthly and quarterly reports.