Category: Landmark

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Menominee North Pier Lighthouse

Half of the Menominee Light is in Wisconsin while the other half is in Michigan.

The Menominee North Pier Lighthouse stands tall and proud at the entrance of the Menominee River, where it joins Lake Michigan. Located on the border between Wisconsin and Michigan, this historic beacon has been guiding sailors since 1877. As you approach the lighthouse, you can’t help but be captivated by its striking red brick construction and classic white concrete base.

Menominee North Pier Lighthouse

(More photos coming soon)

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Menominee North Pier Lighthouse is its unique dual-state status. Half of the lighthouse sits in Wisconsin while the other half rests in Michigan. This unusual division serves as a gentle reminder that borders needn’t divide us; they can simply enhance our appreciation for shared history and natural beauty.

Standing atop this majestic structure (open seasonally) offers breathtaking panoramic views of both states, with Lake Michigan stretching out endlessly before your eyes. As waves crash against the pier below, you may even catch a glimpse of freighters gracefully making their way through these Great Lakes waters – a true testament to mankind’s ability to work harmoniously with nature.

Visiting Menominee North Pier Lighthouse allows you to step back in time while experiencing an enchanting blend of history and scenic wonderment. Close your eyes and imagine being transported back to a simpler era when sailors relied on these beacons to guide them home safely. With each visit, this remarkable symbol reminds us not only of our rich maritime heritage but also our interconnectedness as fellow adventurers sailing upon Life’s great waters.

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Iconic Red Barn

The red barn has always been a staple of the American agricultural landscape.

Red barns are not only iconic symbols in rural America, but the red barn is also part of its history and culture. Have you ever stopped to wonder why so many American barns are painted in this particular color?

iconic red barn greenwood delaware
This iconic red barn is located on Route 16 just east of Greenwood, Delaware – in the heart of the Delmarva Peninsula.

The iconic red barn is a staple of the American countryside, with its bright hue standing out against the rolling hills. But why are barns painted red? What is the history behind this choice of color? In exploring why American barns have been traditionally painted red and examining the various reasons for this cultural phenomenon, we found one that seems to make sense. This might provide an historical and a modern explanation for why red is so popular among farmers and farm buildings in America.

In the “early days” there were few, if any, choices for building supplies and (what we now know as) paints and sealers did not exist. The wood of the barns was coated with an oil such as linseed oil (from flax) and may have also had milk or lime mixed in. But they also used rust (iron oxide) because it was plentiful on a farm and it also killed the fungi and mold/mildew that would, otherwise, grow on the wood surfaces.

When paint became available, many farmers chose to continue the “red barn” tradition. Or, maybe, it was because red paint is slightly less expensive to produce because iron oxide is so plentiful in nature. Keep in mind that not all barns are painted red – but the majority of them are.

gettysburg red barn
Red Barn on a rolling hillside near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Barn images are for sale as wall art and printed on a variety of home decor items. To see more, to browse or shop – click on the images above or the links below.

Link to: Iconic Red Barn

Link to: Red Barn near Gettysburg, PA

Link to: Bill’s Farm Collection

Link to: the Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery

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Fenwick Island Lighthouse Historic Panorama

Here is a “colorized” image from more than a century ago.

Built in 1858, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse stands as a beacon of history for the small towns of Fenwick Island, Delaware and Ocean City, Maryland.

fenwick island lighthouse colorized panorama
Fenwick Island Lighthouse “colorized” panorama photograph.

Looking way back, this panorama photograph of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse in coastal Delaware was created and colorized from an 1891 faded black and white image downloaded from the United States National Archive website.

fenwick island light station from national archives
The Fenwick Island Light Station from the National Archives, National Museum of American History

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse Station has been aiding navigation for mariners since August 1, 1859. Today, the historic structure is a popular tourist destination, especially for photography enthusiasts. The “Fenwick Light” is an historic landmark located in southernmost Delaware right at the border with Ocean City, Maryland.

fenwick island lighthouse abstract panorama image
Fenwick island Lighthouse Panorama processed as an abstract to give it a more “painterly” appearance.

Oldest Lighthouse in Delaware

A quote from the website: “The official opening of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, when the light was first lit as an aid to navigation, was on August 1, 1859.” That makes the Fenwick Island Light the oldest lighthouse in Delaware.

fenwick island lighthouse as a simulated canvas painting
Fenwick Island Lighthouse as a simulated canvas painting.

Visit a website about: The Fenwick Island Lighthouse

Link to: The Panorama Photograph

Link to: The Abstract Panorama Image

Link to: The Simulated Canvas Painting of the Lighthouse

Link to: Fenwick Island Lighthouse Wall Art Collection

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Calendars for the New Year

Created with Photographs by Bill Swartwout Photography

October, November and December are the months for calendars – plan for 2023. #ShopEarly #BuyIntoArt
Assateague Ponies, Ocean City, Indian River Bridge and Fire Control Towers are what I have created from my photographs and offer for sale at the amazing “Zazzle.” Click the image or the link below the image to browse of shop…

Calendars for the New Year
Calendars for the New Year

Link to browse or shop: https://www.zazzle.com/mbr/238675969062853179?rf=238675969062853179