By Sue Clark on Apr 23, 2008 in Featured | Comments Off 
Print This Post
French Lighthouses Are Disintegrating
Harsh words perhaps, but those are direct quotes from Marc Pointud, the founder of the National Society for the Patrimony of Lighthouses and Signals, as stated in an article today from the Tuscaloosa News. Pointud, an expert in maritime treasures, is sounding the alarm to save at least some of these national treasures from the rot that as overtaken them since lighthouse keepers were put out to pasture. Or sea in this case. Between automation, time and the tolls of weather, rot has set in. The lighthouses are still required by French law, but unfortunately their preservation is not required. All that’s wanted is light that is visible up to 30 miles out to sea. The French, after all, don’t quite trust American GPS.
By Sue Clark on Apr 21, 2008 in News | Comments Off Print This Post
Phillippine Lighthouse Will Maintain Rustic Look
The ruins of the 18th century Spanish lighthouse at Sitio Guisi, Barangay Dolores, Nueva Valencia on the island of Guimaras might be rehabilitated into an observation deck for tourists if the Department of Tourism Secretary has his way. According to a story at The News Today, Secretary Joseph Ace Durano wants to rehabilitate the ruins of the Lusaran Point lighthouse, while at the same time maintaining the “rustic look” of the site. Plans are to turn it into a viewing deck for tourists. The Tourism Department will provide the funding for this project.
By Sue Clark on Apr 19, 2008 in News, Opinion | Comments Off Print This Post
Own a Lighthouse For a Day
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, in an effort to garner funds for their restoration projects, has decided to offer corporate sponsorships to local businesses near South Portland, ME. Businesses such as auto dealers, banks, insurance companies and restaurants are being sent a package with details on how they can have a banner wrapped around the lighthouse for a Saturday, during the height of summer’s tourist season. These sponsorships will cost $1500 USD and will also include the right to post signs at the ticket booth and include their logo on printed materials for the open house. The company and its employees will get a private tour of the lighthouse and free tickets to the open house.
By Sue Clark on Apr 18, 2008 in News | Comments Off Print This Post
Development Limited
The World Heritage listed Guia Lighthouse will not have to bow to developers after all. In recent news out of China, the UNESCO protected site will not fall prey to developers seeking to build high rise housing units around the lighthouse and fort, and instead will be forced to limit the heights based on their locations from the historic beacon. Buildings in the 1,400 meter (about 4600 feet) area just under the Guia lighthouse that goes from the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf to the Tap Seac Square will be subject to a new height limit under the new government regulations, director of the Lands, Public Works and Transport Bureau, Jaime Carion, said. The buffer zone was also extended, from 2 meters (6 1/2 feet) to 2.8 meters (9 feet) and is described as a cone-like shape, wtih varying heights allowed.
By Sue Clark on Apr 18, 2008 in Featured | Comments Off Print This Post
Corporate and Private Donations Make the Difference
Last year, Lighthouse News reported that Hurricane Katrina damaged New Canal Lighthouse’s restoration plans were put on hold for lack of funding. Well, that has changed with some big donations from corporate sponsors along with individual outpourings of money. The Gambit Weekly reports that the Lake Ponchartrain Basin Foundation (LPBF) has enough money to start putting the pieces of this damaged lighthouse back together. Restoration work on an adjacent building and the establishment of a new foundation for the lighthouse itself will be the first steps in turning this almost lost landmark and former US Coast Guard station into a museum and educational center. Foundation officials hope to attract local students, historian buffs and of course, tourists.
Harsh words perhaps, but those are direct quotes from Marc Pointud, the founder of the National Society for the Patrimony of Lighthouses and Signals, as stated in an article today from the Tuscaloosa News. Pointud, an expert in maritime treasures, is sounding the alarm to save at least some of these national treasures from the rot that as overtaken them since lighthouse keepers were put out to pasture. Or sea in this case. Between automation, time and the tolls of weather, rot has set in. The lighthouses are still required by French law, but unfortunately their preservation is not required. All that’s wanted is light that is visible up to 30 miles out to sea. The French, after all, don’t quite trust American GPS.
