Multimedia Presentations

Au Sable Light Station podcasts

The following podcasts were developed by Karena Minor, a former seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation) at the Au Sable Light Station. They were part of her Masters Degree project at Michigan State University, and represent her deep interest in the history of the station and its keepers.

If you download the podcasts and use them as an on-site hiking tour, begin at the lower Hurricane River Campground and walk 1.5 miles on the North Country Trail to the lighthouse. The first three podcasts feature the shipwrecks beginning with the Mary Jarecki at the lighthouse road gate. The last five podcasts are on the Au Sable Light Station itself.

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  Introduction

  This podcast series is a self-guided walking tour of the trail from Hurricane River Campground and the Au Sable Light Station. It is a virtual tour of the shipwrecks and lighthouses. Please start with this introduction podcast.

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 19 seconds

 

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  Shipwreck! Steam Barge Mary Jarecki

  The Steam Barge Mary Jarecki is the first wreck located along the trail from Hurricane River. She ran ashore on July 4, 1882. Her remains lie in the water perpendicular to the shoreline. Visibility depends on the water level and wave action of Lake Superior.

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 49 seconds

 

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  Shipwreck! Steamer Sitka

  The Steamer Sitka is the second wreck, located a mile from Hurricane River. Watch for the shipwrecks sign and stairs to the beach. She ran aground on the Au Sable shoal on October 4, 1904. She washed onto the beach and now sits parallel to shore.

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 14 seconds

 

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  Shipwreck! Steamer Gale Staples

  The Steamer Gale Staples is the third wreck, located closest to the lighthouse. Her remains are intermixed with those of Sitka. The Gale Staples became another victim of the Au Sable shoal on October 1, 1918.

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 5 seconds

 

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  Sudden Storms

  This podcast begins the Au Sable Light Station series. Please stand at the flagpole for this episode and consider daily life at one of the most remote mainland light stations in the continental U.S. Listen to Keeper John Brooks as he remembers his life at the station.

  Duration:

  4 minutes, 36 seconds

 

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  Why Here?

  While standing at the flagpole for this episode, consider why this light station was critical to navigation in this area. Keeper John Brooks reveals the answer.

  Duration:

  5 minutes, 24 seconds

 

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  Family Matters

  To begin this episode, stand facing the lake at the house to the east (assistant keepers house). If you were stationed here to keep the light burning for nine months, what emotions would you have? Keeper John Brooks remembers living here with his family.

  Duration:

  6 minutes, 3 seconds

 

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  Unexpected Visitors

  For this episode, face the lake while standing on the lakeside of the house attached to the tower (the assistant keepers house). What visitors would be expected at a lighthouse? Keeper John Brooks describes some unexpected guests.

  Duration:

  4 minutes, 8 seconds

 

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  Murder and Intrigue

  For this episode, face the lake while standing on the lakeside of the house on the west (the keepers house). The light station seldom had visitors, but every once in a while, visitors did interrupt the lighthouse keeper. Keeper John Brooks reveals an unusual visitor.

  Duration:

  5 minutes, 49 seconds