10433. (photo) Interior View, Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, Lake Michigan c.1976. Clear, close original 8” x 10” press photos shows a rare view of the interior of this brick lined round cast iron tower. The interior is unusually spairce, with only a bed, chair and desk. Only a clock, lamp with bare bulb, camera and magazine sit on the desk. A towel is hung over the window on the door to block the light. To the right can be seen the spiral stairway leading up to the lantern. The Coast Guard keeper (fireman Fred Karlhofer) lies on the bed reading a car magazine. The first Chicago Lighthouse was built in 1832, and several more have followed. The existing light was built at the mouth of the Chicago River in 1893, which was the site of the previous lights. It was moved to its present location on the north breakwater in 1919. The station consists of a 48-foot high, brick-lined round steel tower that is 18-feet in diameter. The lantern is 10-sided built of cast iron, and houses a Third Order Fresnel Lens that flashes a red light 82 feet above the water. The lens had been displayed at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1891 and was destined for the new Point Loma California light. However, the lens was installed in the Chicago light when completed in 1893. Keepers manned the station until 1979 when the light was automated. It is rare that we find such intimate photos of the interiors and the keeper in his day to day activities. Photo is b/w and includes date of October 28, 1976 and credit line or description on back. (VG+). $88.