The Thessalon Lighthouse was built in 1898 as a combined lighthouse and dwelling. The short tower was accessed for maintenance via a panel in the roof. The initial cost was $1,219.36 and was manned by Mr.and Mrs. James Harvey, starting in 1897. They had been there approximately 10 years when Mr. Harvey passed away. Mrs. Harvey continued on with the duties for over 40 additional years.

Captains and sailors who regularly traveled the lake referred to her as "the brave little lady of the light" and she is credited with saving many a ship and sailor from the rocky shoals of the North Channel.

One amusing incident she recited occurred about six years after her arrival. One Christmas her daughter Annie and a cousin walked across the ice from town to visit with her mother and after a visit of no more than two hours they were very surprised to find that when they returned outside to walk back, the ice was gone. There was not one bit of ice to be seen the wind having pushed it to another area of the lake.

Later in her tenure as keeper of the light her son James assisted her with her lighthouse duties until health issues made it impossible for him to carry on.