The Last Beacon

Built in 1856, the Cole Shoal lighthouse on the St. Lawrence River near Brockville, Ontario is, or should I say, “was” the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Canadian side of the River.

On a July evening in 2018, a thunderstorm rolled in and a lightning strike ignited the 163 year old lighthouse, engulfing it in flames and eventually destroying this heritage landmark for so many that ply the waters of the St. Lawrence.

Also known as Five Mile Light (located 5 miles west of Brockville) and as Coleman’s or Cole’s Shoal light because it was located close to where early settler Adam Cole and his wife called home. Coincidentally it is also known as “Coal” Shoal, perhaps because an old steamship carrying coal ran aground there in foggy weather. A tug retrieved the wreck, but most of the coal cargo had to be dumped, hence the name “Coal Shoal”.

The first light keeper was Richard Elliott,who retired in 1882, and the last was David Hodge who maintained the light until it was decommissioned in 1927.

In the 1970s, Ontario Heritage Trust took over responsibility for the lighthouse’s maintenance up until it was struck by lightning and destroyed. Local residents formed a committe to try and rebuild a replica of their cherished lighthouse, but the Ontario Heritage Trust said it wouldn’t pay for a replica. Instead, the Ontario government is selling the Five Mile Light island to the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley for $1.00 and a group called “Five Mile Light
Rebuild Project” is now raising funds to rebuild the lighthouse exactly as it would have looked in 1856.

https://fivemilelight.ca/

Jason Clark, president of St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, donated $100,000 in memory of his late uncle, Bob Clark, who loved the river and its history, and started the cruise company.

The group needs to raise $200,000 to rebuild the iconic beacon, and I’d like to help out by offering an original painting of the lighthouse up for auction sale. I will then donate 100% of the winning bid amount to the FiveMileLight Project to assist in the fundraising efforts.

As someone who grew up beside a lighthouse on Lake Ontario, I have always had a soft spot for them and think they are part of a vanishing maritime history on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Those that know my art will be familiar with the countless lighthouses I have painted over the years, a subject close to my heart. Their unique features and lonely appearance have always inspired me as an artistic subject, and this lighthouse is no different. Let’s help raise the money needed to rebuild what was the oldest Canadian lighthouse on the St. Lawrence River and bring back a part of our important, but vanishing history.

Thank you.

Andrew King

Original artwork being offered at auction to help fund adventures exploring unsolved history mysteries and raising money for local charities in Ottawa, ON.