New Donation Pillar Installed on the Lakeshore to Benefit the Kewaunee Lighthouse

Jake Heffernan
7 days ago
2 min read

Last fall, the nonprofit Friends of the Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse began working with Kewaunee High School's "Storm Manufacturing" class to fabricate a post or pillar where anyone can deposit their donations. After working throughout the entire school year, the pillar was completed at the end of May, and installed June 9th at the base of the south pier. A sign with further information on what the donations will be used for will be installed behind the pillar soon, once it's been completed.

The cost of the pillar has been donated by Nicolet National Bank via the Nicolet Foundation, Inc.

example of the fabrication plans with measurements — Part of the plan that the students used to fabricate the post

The benefits of this project are multifaceted - the high school students got real world fabrication experience, and the community now has a good looking, long lasting addition to the Lighthouse Park, and a fresh way for anyone to contribute to the lighthouse restoration. The cost of fabrication was less than purchasing a similar pillar from a retailer, further increasing the value of keeping the project local.

The Storm followed a fabrication plan put out by the National Park Service for their "Iron Rangers," which are used for self-pay stations throughout the park system.

It has been encouraging and worthwhile for the Friends to have this project made locally and by Kewaunee students, while for them it is a unique creation to highlight their teamwork and skills, which will be on display every day, and will benefit the whole community.

As the project neared completion in May, Friends volunteer Denise Anderson was able to meet with instructor Casey Mumper, and students Bella Voss, Jamison Gott, Javi Zendejas and Carter Campion. Donovan Konop and Jackson Mincheski also were part of the team that constructed the pillar over several months during the school year.

Kewaunee HS senior Bella Voss stands next to the completed donation pillar.

Anderson spoke to the students to get their perspective on this unique project. According to them, this was different from other items they had made and a challenging project, since it was bigger and required new machines. As with any manufacturing, issues can arise during the process and the Storm team had to deal with delays due to the plasma table being down for a while, with the need to restructure tasks and find ways to maintain progress within the school year timeline. They said that was the most challenging part. The most rewarding part was working through the problems, and seeing the project to its successful completion.

The pillar is located at the base of the south pier, near "Smith Lighthouse Park" and adjacent to the commemorative paver bricks. Those bricks are available for purchase and also support the restoration.