Racine Reef, WI HL 697 2007 Regional event piece only available in 2007 In Stock “Majestic!” “Regal!” “Spectacular!” are just three of the adjectives Lighthouse Enthusiasts use to describe the Racine Reef Lighthouse. While this magnificent Light was lost to a wrecking ball in 1961, the Racine Reef Lighthouse was a testament to the genius of the Lighthouse Board and the Army Corps of Engineers. History tells us the construction of the Racine Reef Lighthouse was a long time in coming. The United States Lighthouse Board made several failed attempts to light the reef that was less than 10’ below the surface at its shallowest point! The Lighthouse Board realized the only practical solution to lighting the reef was to place a light on the reef itself. The only obstacle was funding. The Board had determined the cost of building a manned station atop the reef would be cost prohibitive and a second attempt was made to light the reef by building a pier that would carry a tower and a Pintsch gas illuminating apparatus. On August 13,1899 after charging the gas tank for the first time, the new light was exhibited. Soon it was apparent this new light would fail. This piece was distributed during our In store events, which are few in number this year. This is truly a collector's piece.