Volume 2, Issue 4 - April 2024

President's Letter

Dear Friends of the

Chicago Harbor Lighthouse,

As we welcome the arrival of the month of April, I am delighted to extend warm greetings to all members of the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse community.

Springtime brings with it renewed energy and opportunities for our organization, and I am thrilled to share some exciting updates with you.

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support. Your dedication to preserving the legacy of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse is truly commendable and serves as the cornerstone of our endeavors. Each week, I meet more and more people who share the excitement of what we are trying to accomplish, and that excitement gives us the motivation to progress.

I am pleased to announce that we are making progress toward completing the next phases of our NHLPA Application. While this application process is complex, it is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse’s historical significance and ensuring its restoration and accessibility to the public.

In our ongoing quest to foster collaboration within our community, we recently had the opportunity to tour The Chicago Lighthouse, an organization that supports the visually impaired. This visit provided a platform for constructive dialogue and exploration of potential synergies between our organizations. I believe that through partnerships and collaboration with organizations such as the Chicago Lighthouse, we will be able to achieve our future goals more effectively.

Furthermore, I am excited to invite you to our upcoming in-person presentations of Chicago Harbor Lighthouse: Past, Present, and Future. On April 3rd, we will be at the Chicago Yacht Club, and on April 24th, we will be at the Metropolitan Club. These events present excellent opportunities for us to come together, share insights, and further strengthen our bonds as a community dedicated to the restoration of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.

In closing, I would like to once again extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your unwavering support and dedication. It is through your commitment and enthusiasm that we continue to make strides in our mission. Together, we will ensure that the light of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse continues to shine brightly for generations to come.

Be Safe and Be Well.

Regards,

Kurt Lentsch

Chief Dreamer and President, 

Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse

If you are part of an organization that has an interest in financially supporting our efforts to Preserve, Restore, and Celebrate the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, please reach out to Nick Naber (nicknaber@savethelighthouse.org), our treasurer and a member of our fundraising working group.

Your contributions enable us to offset the start-up costs for the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and begin the preservation and restoration work that is greatly needed on this historic place... We are very grateful for your generosity.

The Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse is a 501c3 organization

so please make a tax-deductible gift to help us Save the Lighthouse!

www.SaveTheLighthouse.org

Preserving History: Friends of the Chicago Harbor

Lighthouse at Yachtapalooza 2024

Amidst the bustling ambiance of Crowley's Yacht Yard, a beacon of historical preservation shone brightly as the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse presented their mission during Yachtapalooza on Saturday, March 24, 2024.

Against the backdrop of gleaming vessels and just up the Calumet River from Lake Michigan, our organization shared our vision to preserve, restore, and celebrate the iconic Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.

The turnout at Yachtapalooza was remarkable, underscoring the profound interest in and support for our cause within the sailing community. We sincerely thank Grant Crowley, Nick Fugate, and Marko Lucht for their unwavering support and gracious invitation to showcase our mission at this fun event.

Beyond showcasing the lighthouse's historical importance, our presentation highlighted the critical need for ongoing restoration efforts to ensure its longevity for future generations. We emphasized the pivotal role that community engagement plays in this endeavor, inviting all attendees to join us in our collective mission to safeguard this cherished maritime landmark.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who attended Yachtapalooza and contributed to the success of our presentation. Together, we navigate the waters of history, ensuring that the light of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse continues to shine brightly for generations to come.

Exploring Shared Visions: Friends of the Chicago Harbor

Lighthouse Visit Chicago Lighthouse for Visually Impaired

Nestled on the historic grounds at 1850 W Roosevelt Road, the Chicago Lighthouse is

an institution that resonates with a profound sense of purpose and community service.

Recently, Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse President Kurt Lentsch, Secretary

Steve Clements, and photographer Barry Butler had the distinct pleasure of touring this

esteemed facility, delving deep into its programs and services to enrich the lives of its

patients and clients.

The visit, while symbolic, was marked by a profound sense of synergy. Although the

names - Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and The Chicago Lighthouse - bear a striking

resemblance, their shared missions truly unite them. A common goal drives both

organizations: to provide opportunities and support to those they serve.

As our group traversed the corridors of The Chicago Lighthouse, we were met with a

palpable sense of dedication and compassion. We learned firsthand about the myriad

programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals with vision impairments and

other disabilities. From rehabilitation services to employment opportunities, The

Chicago Lighthouse leaves no stone unturned in its pursuit of empowerment and

inclusivity.

Their Industries Division has hand-assembled more than six million high-quality wall

clocks since 1977 for sale to federal, state, and municipal agencies and the commercial

market. Each one is built with pride by people who are blind or visually impaired. If

you’ve been in a federal building within the past 40 years, those building clocks were

assembled at the Chicago Lighthouse facility.

Moreover, our discussions with The Chicago Lighthouse's staff and leadership

illuminated the potential for collaboration and partnership. As we explored synergies

between our respective missions, it became abundantly clear that our organizations

possess complementary strengths that, when combined, can yield even greater

outcomes.

We thank The Chicago Lighthouse for opening their doors and hearts to us. Together,

we embark on a shared mission of empowerment, inclusivity, and opportunity, united in

our commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Notes from the Secretary, By Steve Clements

Progress is being made on FOCHL T-shirt designs, including a very cool design that features a 1917 architectural drawing of the lighthouse. Thanks to Mark Adamski for his work on these efforts, including the future launch of the FOCHL online store.  

Our 2024 fundraiser is ongoing. Nine individuals have donated at least $200 so far to receive the replica scale module lighthouse created by our friend Rick Stage. Below is the social media post with details. We encourage you to share this via your socials as well.

PRESENTATION SCHEDULE

We are pleased to invite you to one of our upcoming presentations of

Chicago Harbor Lighthouse – Past, Present and Future

Speakers:

Kurt Lentsch, Chief Dreamer, President, FOCHL

Edward Torrez, AIA, NCARB, Preservation Architect

Steve Clements, Secretary, FOCHL

(R.S.V.P. info forthcoming)

• Chicago Yacht Club - Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - Click here to Register to Attend

• Metropolitan Club - Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Lighthouses are an invaluable part of America’s maritime heritage. The beginning of Chicago Harbor Lighthouse was constructed in 1893 during the World’s Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago’s Jackson Park. The Lighthouse was originally built further north than its current location in 1893, then moved in 1917 to its final spot, at the end of the breakwater near the mouth of the Chicago Harbor.

The Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 19, 1984, and a Chicago Landmark on April 9, 2001. In 2009, the City of Chicago took over ownership of the Lighthouse from the General Services Administration (GSA), facilitated by the 2000 National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.

These presentations will discuss the Lighthouse’s rich history, present condition, and future plans to celebrate and share with the public, its significance to the legacy of Chicago history. We hope you can join us.

If you are part of a group of 25 or more people interested in learning more about the history of our Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, and our efforts you may email Steve Clements at steveclements@savethelighthouse.org to discuss the possibility of scheduling a presentation for your group.

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME AND TALENT

Photo credit: Barry Butler

We need your help, and we are asking you to volunteer and join us in our mission to save the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and keep its legacy alive for generations to come. 

We are a passionate organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and celebrating the historic Chicago Harbor Lighthouse for future generations. Our mission would not be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers who share our passion and commitment to this iconic landmark.

As a volunteer with Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience, meet new people, and make a meaningful impact in preserving a historic Chicago landmark that is cherished by our city.

If you are interested in donating your talents and joining our team, please visit our volunteer page at savethelighthouse.org/volunteer to learn more.

Currently, we are seeking talented and experienced part-time volunteers to assist us in the areas of fundraising (especially grant writing), construction, and community outreach to help us build and maintain our connections to local and national organizations.

Some of the talented volunteers, who are building this dream.

41°53'22"N 87°35'26"W

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