Little Lighthouse On The Prairie

Little Lighthouse On The Prairie AG WORLD Ag World 22-2-22 This might be the only functioning lighthouse in the world that's not along the shores of an ocean. It's actually in the middle of the Canadian prairie. The Saskatchewan tourist village of Cochin, population 180, put up the beacon on a hill primarily to attract tourists to the area. It also serves as a landmark for snowmobilers and boaters on nearby lakes. Retired livestock and grain farmer Tom Archdekin, a former mayor, came up with the idea back in 1989. "We got a grant for $27,000 from the tour-ism department and we raised $12,000 through taxation," Archdekin says. "The land was donated by Hilda and Don Pirot, for whom the 120-ft. high hill is named - Pirot Hill." Completed the same year it was conceived, the lighthouse stands 37 ft. tall and is built entirely out of wood. It has an observation deck on top and features a revolving air-port light that automatically turns on at dusk and goes off at dawn. A 153-step stairway built out of railroad ties leads up to the lighthouse. "Our population grows to 3,000 during the summer and the lighthouse offers a breathtaking view of Cochin and the surrounding area," Archdekin says. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Tom Archdekin, Box 46, Cochin, Sask., Canada S0M 0L0 (ph 306 386-2551).

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