2024 Q2 Newsletter

At the 2023 Annual Meeting, held on November 27, 2023, the first annual DCHS Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Charles Baum, a member of the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Committee.

A brief excerpt from Instructions to Light Keepers item 8: “In all cases where keepers are able to make repairs they are expected to do the work themselves. All the mechanical skill of a keeper should be exercised in keeping his station in good order.”

The following was written by Ed and Sandy Miller about Chuck:

“He is the EBLS modern day keeper. As an engineer he has the skills and experience to do work at the lighthouse to improve conditions and keep it from falling into disrepair. For instance, the two upper tower windows were in really bad shape. Chuck installed new windows that resemble the original windows, and the upper window even opens to allow for ventilation. The long-term solution to electricity needs at the lighthouse is to get power from the power grid. Chuck’s efforts working with Wisconsin Public Service Corporation looks like that will soon be a reality. A major accomplishment and really important for the long-term restoration plan and stability of the restored lighthouse. As a volunteer docent Chuck engages visitors in a friendly and knowledgeable manner. They leave having learned much about EBLS great history.”

John Swanson adds:

“Chuck has single handedly identified dozens of repair projects that have helped with the security and stabilization of the lighthouse pending complete rehabilitation. He took the lead in setting up the multiple contacts for establishing electric power ultimately at the lighthouse. He set up the improved connectivity with the internet and power source with the Jackery allowing reliable use for records and credit card sales. In the off season, he hikes up through the snow-covered roads to do security checks. The EBLH is a special place because of Chuck.”

Linda Faust comments:

“Chuck Baum is the best gift Eagle Bluff has ever received. His knowledge and expertise will lead the lighthouse committee as they begin to pursue the stabilization and restoration of Eagle Bluff.”

Mary Stephenson says:

“Chuck is always ready to help and does so with a smile on his face. If you mention something that needs doing in front of him, it gets fixed before you know it. The bench by the table at EBLH smacked so many knees, until it met its match in Chuck.”

Lighthouse Committee Chair Ann Sheridan summed it all up by saying, “Chuck does all (the above) with a smile. It’s a well-deserved award.”