LETTER: Port lighthouse is special for son of one-time lightkeeper

October 08, 2025

The Port Washington breakwater lighthouse, pictured here in a winter gale, is in the last stages of a $2.6 million revonation expected to be completed this month. Photo by Bill Schanen IV

To Ozaukee Press:

I am looking forward to the announcement of a definitive date for the reopening of the renovated Port Washington breakwater lighthouse.

Port Washington’s other lighthouse was my home when I was a kid. We lived on the second floor of the 1860 Light Station. My father was one of the last U.S. Coast Guard lightkeepers. 

To honor his memory and to be present when the renovated breakwater lighthouse is unveiled would be a truly amazing experience. Once a date is announced, and if a ceremony is planned, I hope to be in Port Washington to witness it.

As a side note, I am one of the few people who has actually been inside of the breakwater lighthouse. I went there with Dad on occasion when he had to do some maintenance and other tasks inside the structure.

David Hays

Cullman, Ala.

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Ozaukee Press

Wisconsin’s largest paid circulation community weekly newspaper. Serving Port Washington, Saukville, Grafton, Fredonia, Belgium, as well as Ozaukee County government. Locally owned and printed in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

125 E. Main St.
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-3494
 

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