Evanston Lighthouse most likely dates to around 1925, when the photographer is known to have photographed in nearby Chicago- his dramatic view of the Chicago River being a result of his visit to the windy city.

Fifteen miles north of Chicago, the Evanston Lighthouse, known as the Grosse Point Light, overlooks the shore of Lake Michigan. Unlike many lighthouses in North America, this beacon was historically sited a bit inland from the body of water whose mariners its designed to protect, the light also serving as a guide for ships seeking safe harbor while navigating into the Port of Chicago and its namesake river.

From a compositional standpoint, Blumann’s compromise solution is the result seen here: using a screen of trees to impart mystery to the looming quality of the soaring light- and therefore a memorable vantage-point for a subject naturally sought out by photographers of all stripes.

The historic Grosse Point Light is located in Evanston, Illinois. Following several shipping disasters near Evanston, residents successfully lobbied the federal government for a lighthouse. Construction was completed in 1873. The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 8, 1976. On 20 January 1999, the lighthouse was designated a National Historic Landmark. It is maintained under the jurisdiction of the Evanston Lighthouse Park District, an independent taxing authority. -Wikipedia (2024)