Execution Rocks Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast
By Sue Clark on Jul 8, 2009 in News 
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Grand Plans For a Grand Lighthouse
Well, maybe not anytime in the near future, but those are the ultimate plans for Execution Rocks Lighthouse, in Long Island Sound, New York. Craig Morrison, president of Historically Significant Structures, announced the ultimate plan for the lighthouse during a recent media excursion out to the lighthouse. Morrison, an insurance agent and musician, estimated the cost of renovations will be more than $1.2 million and take over five years.
The group included a former lighthouse keeper, Hector Barsali, of Bayside, NY, before it was automated and left to deteriorate, and the visit to the light was very nostalgic for him. As he climbed the ladder to the lighthouse, he shouted, “I’m back! Here comes Hector after 48 years!” In a story in Newsday, he describes life at the lighthouse:
He recalled that the station was staffed by five men. “There would be three on and two off. The tour of duty on the island was 21 days and seven days off. It was isolated. It was too exciting and busy for you to get bored. It was haunting at times at night when you were by yourself in the tower.”It’s very nostalgic for me,” he said. “I’m a little choked up.”
On the second floor, Barsali pointed to a dusty space in the northwest corner. “That was my bedroom,” he said.
SadlyDeteriorated
As always, when the lighthouses are abandoned by the Coast Guard, they suffer. Morrison describes in the story how the Coast Guard ripped out the rotting floors and replaces them with metal grating. The stairs are dangerous, and he only allows one at a time on the stairs. He also passes out respirator masks to wear inside, as the lighthouse is a breeding area for gulls. The mold and peeling lead paint chips are another hazard and make for a risky little trip.
Right now, the non-profit group has about $2,000 in funding, and are also looking for board members for their little group. Execution Rocks is one of the recipients of the Fund raising effort by the Harbor Lights Collectors Forum. So if you haven’t entered yet for a chance to win some rare collectibles, do it now and help out Execution Rocks Lighthouse and other needy beacons.
Morrison took out another group for the Fourth of July and is planning to do one more trip August 7 to celebrate national Lighthouse Day. The cost of the boat ride is $25. Morrison can be reached through www.lighthouserestorations.org or phone: 215-906-5103
Added July 24, 2009:
Mr. Morrison has sent me an email with his concerns about this story. Since he feels I was unfair to him, I will publish the letter below so he can tell his side of the story.
Alot of what Sue Clark wrote in her article about Execution Rocks isn’t true. I don’t know how and where she got her info. I spoke of fibve phases of restoration, not years. I suggested one on the stairs at a time because people slip into one another, not because the stairs are weak. I say one on a ladder at a time so some one doesn’t fall on another , not because of the strenght of the ladder. Please visit the site before making comments please. Ask me dirctlyu what I say, noty by quoting another writer or heresay please!
Please note that it is not edited.
Photo Credit: All photos by www.customphotonotes.com.To see more of Execution Rocks from the July 4 trip, check out the rest of Ronichas’ photos.
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2 Comment(s)
By Dan Carrigan on Jul 8, 2009 | Reply
HI Sue;
I’m curious about becoming a lighthouse keeper. We’re in Oregon right now.
Can you provide any information?
Thanks,
Dan Carrigan
By Sue Clark on Jul 8, 2009 | Reply
Hi Dan,
Most lighthouses don’t have a keeper as they’re all automated. You might be able to find a volunteer position for a week or so. There are a few, though, and as I become aware of them I post them here. But it’s few and far between.
Please consider subscribing to Lighthouse News and you will be made aware of the positions if and when one becomes available. But again, they are mostly volunteer.