The "Elevated Walkway" aka "The Catwalk" was used by lighthouse keepers to get to the light tower in bad weather. The original light burned whale oil and needed to be serviced and lit daily' In high winds the waves easily wash over the pier so the Catwalk allowed the keeper to get to the light safely. Because the lights are now all automatic , Catwalks were deemed excess structures and were scheduled for removal unless communities choose to take them over. In Michigan City a "Save the Catwalk" group was formed and funds were raised to restore it and keep it on our pier. As far as I know, all the communities with Catwalks did similar projects.
The bridge at 0:19 was a working bridge until the 1990's. My grandfather ran it from1910 to 1960.They took off the office in the center that turned the bridge and also controlled the trains crossing. Back in the days when the steam trans were moving and you could not see for five minutes after one went under the office.
That's great history info. So, If I read that right. Your grandfather was in a office that was located at the top of the bridge and the trains went under him? Do you know how the bridge operated? Did he know when a train was approaching or did a train have to stop and wait for the bridge? I guess the bridge was electric back then too? Just not automated. Thanks for your comment and info. I'd like to learn more.
Great Trip. Thank you for sharing
mountain baldy, is close by too, we had some fun times there growing up
Glad somebody enjoyed it here. Been here since 1990 and it’s not a place to live. Maybe good for a visit
We was only there the one time for a few days. It was nice.
The "Elevated Walkway" aka "The Catwalk" was used by lighthouse keepers to get to the light tower in bad weather. The original light burned whale oil and needed to be serviced and lit daily' In high winds the waves easily wash over the pier so the Catwalk allowed the keeper to get to the light safely. Because the lights are now all automatic , Catwalks were deemed excess structures and were scheduled for removal unless communities choose to take them over. In Michigan City a "Save the Catwalk" group was formed and funds were raised to restore it and keep it on our pier. As far as I know, all the communities with Catwalks did similar projects.
I've seen that coast guard In the light house once, being I'm from NW Indiana, and that light house is great for perch fishing
The bridge at 0:19 was a working bridge until the 1990's. My grandfather ran it from1910 to 1960.They took off the office in the center that turned the bridge and also controlled the trains crossing. Back in the days when the steam trans were moving and you could not see for five minutes after one went under the office.
That's great history info. So, If I read that right. Your grandfather was in a office that was located at the top of the bridge and the trains went under him? Do you know how the bridge operated? Did he know when a train was approaching or did a train have to stop and wait for the bridge? I guess the bridge was electric back then too? Just not automated.
Thanks for your comment and info. I'd like to learn more.
Awesome video the Michigan City area is really going to shine once they tear down the industrial stuff in 2028
Is that really happening? I hadn't heard.
That's my hometown
We had a short visit but we enjoyed it. Someday we plan to go back.