Lorain West Breakwater Light
Lorain, Ohio

The Lorain West Breakwater Light on Ohio's Lake Erie shore was built in 1917 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  It replaced an older beacon from 1836.  The light was deactivated in 1966 after the East Light was built.  The Coast Guard soon prepared for it's demolition.

Local outcry saved it from destruction after a series of Lake Erie storms postponed demolition. A non-profit group called the Port of Lorain Foundation is raising money to restore the light.  It rests on a square concrete foundation at the end of a stone breakwater. A derrick once used to unload supplies still extends out over the water from above one of the lighthouse doors even though "The Jewel of the Port" (as it is affectionately known to locals) has been empty since the 1966.

The pictured replica of this lighthouse was a gift to me from a very special internet friend, Jane, who is the owner of a newly-opened store. It is located at 4600 Abbe Road & Detroit St. in Sheffield, Ohio, just off the Lorain County Community College exit on I90. Phone # 440-934-5800  The name of the store is "Just For You Cards & Gifts". Stop by and visit her store if you are in the area.  This lighthouse is a collectible from the Spoontiques Collection.