Wayside: Risking Their Lives

"Risking Their Lives" wayside sign on South Manitou Island

Quick Facts

Location:

45° 0' 40.68" N, 86° 5' 39.48" W

Amenities

1 listed

Audio Description

Main Exhibit Text

From 1902 to 1958, this U.S. Life-Saving/Coast Guard Station was home to a keeper and a crew of surfmen, ordinary men, who when duty called, did extraordinary things. They were heroes who courageously battled deadly elements of Lake Michigan. They risked their lives so others could live.

Surfmen rotated assignments standing 24-hour lookout duty and patrolling the beach from dusk till dawn. Daily training was rigorous. Drills included signal flag use, capsized boat recovery, beach cart set up, and Lyle gun firings. The crew provided first aid to shipwreck victims and island residents.

Quote

“I have made patrols in blizzards, driving rain, and sleet storms when gale winds drove ice water down one’s neck.” — Gerald Crowner, surfman, South Manitou Island Station

Image Descriptions

Background Image

The background of this exhibit is a sepia-colored historic photograph of a group of men and one dog sitting on the grass. All eight men are dressed in similar uniforms with hats, ties, and dark suites. There is an insignia on their right sleeve and a number on their left. One man, towards the left end of the group, is holding a small white dog in front of him.

Caption

U.S. Life-Saving Service crew pose for a photograph.

Historic Photograph (top right)

In the upper right corner of the exhibit is a black and white historic photograph of a boat surrounded by ice and snow. There are seven men aboard the boat, dressed in coats and hats. Two men at the back of the boat are pushing off the ice with long poles.

Caption

“You have to go out, but you don’t have to come back.” — U.S. Life-Saving Service Motto