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Michigan’s White River Lighthouse in Whitehall opened the 2010 season with a brand new exhibit and a newly restored 1902 oil house. The work was the result of the dedication of Karen McDonnell, curator of the lighthouse, and the Friends of White River Lighthouse, which raised the money for the project.
The new exhibit depicts a U.S. Life Saving Service theme, complete with rare artifacts that include a Lyle gun and breeches buoy. The Life-Saving Service was the sister organization to the United States Lighthouse Service
The lighthouse, owned by Fruitland Township, has been the center of some recent controversy. In an effort to save money, township officials want to reduce the hours of operation of the lighthouse and lay off its live-in caretaker and curator Karen McDonnell, who has held the position for close to 30 years. Hopefully, the township officials and the Friends of the White River Lighthouse will be able to work together to raise the necessary money and keep this beautiful lighthouse open to the public and retain Karen McDonnell as the live-in curator. To do otherwise would be a travesty.
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