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From 1904, John L. Paetschow (1882-1960) enjoyed his job running the mailboat and ferrying passengers between North Manitou Island and Leland, Michigan . . . until someone stole his boat. He could not afford another one, so he joined the Lighthouse Service in 1918, permanently this time, at North Manitou Island Light. The next year, he switched to Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse, and then transferred to Ludington North Breakwater Light in 1920 so he could serve again under his good friend, Frederick A. Samuelson, whom he had known for over 20 years. When Fred retired in 1937, John took over as head keeper at Ludington until 1941 when he then transferred to Wisconsin’s Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse for the last 12 years of his 35-year career until his mandatory retirement at age 70 on July 31, 1953. He passed away seven years later and is buried in the Lutheran Cemetery in Sutton’s Bay, Michigan. (Courtesy Leelanau Historical Society)
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