A beacon of resilience, the William E. Dever Crib Lighthouse, stands before us, a testament to Chicago’s ingenuity. The William E. Dever Crib Lighthouse isn’t just a lighthouse. It’s a water intake crib, a vital part of Chicago’s water system. It stands approximately 2.1 miles north-northeast of the Chicago Harbor Light in Lake Michigan.
The story of the William E. Dever Crib Lighthouse begins with Chicago’s growing pains in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The city’s population exploded, demanding more and more fresh water. Existing cribs, like the Carter H. Harrison Crib built in 1900, struggled to keep up. The Harrison Crib, named after a former Chicago mayor, was a marvel of its time, built of stone and brick with “all modern conveniences.” However, it began showing its age after just thirty years.
In 1935, the city unveiled the William E. Dever Crib, named after another mayor who championed public works. This new crib, built adjacent to the Harrison Crib, featured a reinforced concrete structure and a massive steel well house. This house was fabricated onshore and then dramatically floated out to the site and installed. The light from the aging Harrison Crib was then transferred to the taller Dever Crib, marking a symbolic passing of the torch.
The William E. Dever Crib Lighthouse is more than just a navigational aid. It represents Chicago’s commitment to providing clean water to its citizens. It’s a symbol of innovation and adaptation, a testament to the city’s ability to meet its growing needs. While not open to the public, the William E. Dever Crib Lighthouse can be glimpsed from the Chicago waterfront, a silent guardian watching over the city’s water supply. It stands as a reminder of the ingenuity and foresight that built this remarkable city. The NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory even maintains a weather station at the crib, adding another layer to its importance. The William E. Dever Crib Lighthouse is a vital and fascinating piece of Chicago’s history.